Multicultural Groups in Decision-Making Meetings, Language Proficiency and Group Performance - Literature review Example

Topic: Portfolios Section Article Review Instructions and Template Number s) Jolanta Aritz and Robyn C. Walker Year 2010 Article Title Multicultural groups in decision-making meetings Language proficiency and group performance Journal Title Journal of Asian pacific communication Volume and page numbers 20 (2), 307-332. Publisher University of Southern California What was the main objective of the article? The objective of this study was to study culture specific patterns of interaction among students of East Asian languages and native speakers of American English and to decide if group work has a consequence on communicative presentation showed by native speakers of East Asian languages. How did the authors go about investigating the issue? The research questions were used to investigate the issues of study such as whether there are any significant differences in communication styles used by native speakers of American English and native speakers of East Asian languages in homogeneous groups and whether East Asian speakers of similar language proficiency exhibit the same communication patterns in heterogeneous and homogenous teams. In order to analyze the situation, various categories such as turns, words, overlaps, back channels and latching were used. What were the main findings? It was found that when working in homogenous groups, both cultural groups exhibits similar interaction and their participation was very similar. East Asians acquire shorter turns and Americans took longer turns; in addition, East Asians showed higher rates of latching compared to Americans. Make at least five (5) suggestions as to how this article might be improved. The article uses only a few variables to discuss the interactive approach, more variables can be used to provide a deep discussion on the communicative patterns. Additional study is needed to explore the cultural differences affecting the performance of groups. This study uses only a small sample data; a larger data sample would provide stronger results. If the article emphasis the decision making of students group in decision making, it will be more easily understandable for this study. Further study is needed to argue the reason of silencing result of non native speakers of mixed groups. Section-2- Self Reflection Assessment: Introduction: We had a MMH299 unit to explain about Business Communication. The objective of this unit is to expand knowledge of the nature of business communication, and provide the necessary tools and skills to help in improving the productivity in an organization. With participation in the unit, it was a completely different experience for me to gain knowledge about various aspects of business communication. It was, in fact, exciting to see that how an easy thing like communication was not simple at all as I have learned before. Communication is the part and parcel of our life. But I was ignorant of the wide areas of business communication. I have learned the theories of business communication through this unit. Business communication is very essential in an organization to improve the productivity and achieve the objectives. Tasks: We have undertaken various tasks on weekly in order to get a better overview of the topic. The task included explaining about the theory and History of Business Communication, workshop on Meetings Online and Technology, Teamwork, Oral and online presentations, Writing reports, Dealing with Conflict and Negotiation, providing a view on behavioral Protocols and Ethical Communication, Intercultural communication, emotion, Communication and Gender issues. Learning activities: The tasks started with the description of the theory and history of business communication. I have learned that the most significant thing in communication is to hear what is not being told. Communication theories were originated in twentieth century. Communication “is the very means by which we produce our personal relationships and professional experiences” (Dainton 2004). The theories such as common sense theory, scholarly theory, working theory etc help in better understanding the process of communication. I have also understood the possibility of interpersonal communication in the present days. Earlier it included interacting with individuals directly through face to face meeting. But today the possibility of interpersonal communication has acquired greater scope with adoption of new technologies. This has helped the current organization to trade with the different companies and people around the globe. In the communication process, oral and online presentations are widely used by companies. An effective oral presentation is more about creative thinking and essential skills. “Having a clear organized structure” (Oral presentations for Tutorials & seminars 1987) is the most essential part of an oral presentation. A good speaker could attract and grab the attention of large number of audiences with effective oral presentations. This section has helped me to obtain some tips regarding how to make oral communication attractive. It will help me while taking seminars and presentations in the class. The next task in the unit was team work. We were formed into a group of ten team members to discuss about a particular topic. Each member showed better performances. Apart from all these, I have also learned the importance of using positive messages while communicating. Negative messages do not convey the right meaning in any way and should be avoided. This unit has helped me to gain more knowledge about communication and also various the possibilities and scopes it has. In fact, the task also helped to understand the key areas where I should make improvements while communicating and would help in attaining success and performing well in both my personal and professional life in the future. There was also a session that explained how to write a report, as writing reports is necessary while conveying any message to the superior in writing. Our lecturer taught us the outline of writing a report and how it should look like in order to make a good first hand impression on the person reading it. It is normal that while working in a team or group, we come across different opinions and as a result conflicts may occur at many instances. A separate session detailed on ways to deal with any conflict. “A person’s gender or culture may influence the way a person responds to conflict” (Topic 1-Identifying Conflict n.d). I have also learned how to negotiate with group members when a conflict occurs. The lecturer also made it a point to teach about intercultural communication and gender issues while communicating. Through intercultural communication, we can interact with people from different cultural backgrounds. Resources: Prescribed textbook(s) and other resources were very helpful in getting knowledge about the theories and aspects of business communication. The unit book, The MMH299 Team (2012) MMH299 Business Communication, Australia: Cengage Learning Australia, and the ISBN number 978 0 17 022900 5 is used to get access on the books and internet facilities. The Deakin software library and the databases provided ample information’s. The journals of business communication were very useful throughout the unit. In addition the websites also provided the relevant information with examples and case studies. Self evaluation: Team-based evaluation and reflection: While working in a team members had different opinions and it was difficult to arrive at a possible conclusion as each member’s views and opinions differed with their culture. My team leader Ms.Sue was very active and she tried a lot in making all others to reach at a particular solution. One of my team members, Mr.George was not interested in participating in this session and did not carry out the task on his own. This was because of his lack of communication. To make a successful team, effective communication methods are essential for both the team members and leaders. Translating the ideas into real practice is the good skill and Ms.Mary has achieved high score in it. Even though some people are aware that their communication skills require improvement, many are not sure how to develop them.  Workshop evaluation and reflection: We had workshop on week 3, 6, 9 and 12 in discussing about the oral presentations and online technologies. I have come to know about various visual aids that were used during the oral and online presentations. The PowerPoint was used at various discussion stages. Individual evaluation and reflection: The skills I have gained from this particular unit were really remarkable. I am sure that it will help me in improving my future carrier tasks. The unit was just like working in an organization, in order to learn various techniques while operating a business. Online evaluation and reflection: In most of the organizations, today they are depending online technologies to carry out the work smoothly. Through this unit I learned how to use the online technologies such as internet and mail facilities, online communication with the colleagues, business reporting through online, applying visual aids and PowerPoint. Conclusion: Applying good principles in every day communication will help to achieve success in daily interactions both in the workplace and in their communities.  The unit was helpful in learning significant ways for persuasive communication that are truthful and do not involve any threatening. It provided in depth knowledge on the issues of honesty, patience and persuasion that assist effective communication in any relationship.  Overall, it provides me with simple guidelines on how to be a proficient communicator so that it will help to be more successful in performing in an organization. 3. Speech Evaluation Document Speaker: Martin Luther King Speech: I Have a Dream Level of Impact: Martin Luther King is a great American leader, whose speech ‘I Have a Dream,’ represents there were above two hundred peoples are attended in speech, stirred and heartened them. The impact of this speech went far beyond the understanding of the people. It is considered as one of the greatest speech in history. The impact of the speech represents the religion, race, sex, color, or national origin relating to employment, voting and public services such as transportation all over America. Opening statement: The opening statement of Martin Luther King’s speech, “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal” (I have a Dream- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr 2009) The speech focuses on the revolution for equal rights and helped in changing the whole perception and views the Americans had about racism and equality. Speech Structure: Martin Luther King’s speech includes a powerful set of messages. According to him, all people were to be treated as equal, although the American Society was ready to accept it at the time, and keenly demanded it the case for the future. Action towards the subject should be completed so peacefully. The speech structure begins with the dreadful past and ends with a new hopeful beginning for the people of America. Closing Statements: In his closing statement, Martin Luther King reminded his audience of the old saying, which was shouted out by thousands of refugees across the country for years. "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!" (Beach 2010). Technique Used: Martin Luther King, throughout his speech, made the use of verbal technique. Using verbal technique creates curiosity in the minds of the audience regarding what the speaker is about to say. Normally, the use of dramatic pause appears dull to the audience, but Martin Luther King used it in a different style that captivated his audience. Physical Presence: The physical presence in reference to a speech, regards the postures, facial expressions, gestures, eyes, hands etc. Martin Luther King’s speech was very powerful, they as they conveyed a meaningful message to the audience, through the use of his expressions and body language that exactly projected what feelings he had in his heart. Use of Voice: The usage of voice in speech done by Martin Luther King was by lowering and raising his voice in accordance with the tone and message he wanted to communicate. The variation of voice was correctly used in key parts of the speech as Martin Luther King successfully placed emphasis on the word being said. Words: The words used by Martin Luther King expressed a strong point against the white people, and these words rather hint at uprising, as possibly they were the primary targets. The strong messages were overcome with words of harmony and it remained subtle that he was actually blaming the white people. Therefore, as a result, he proposed a dream, which everyone would support. Main theme: The main theme of the speech ‘I Have a Dream’ is to place a significant emphasis on the government as well as the people. Through his speech, Martin Luther king demands for the changes required and provides solution on how to achieve them. He also puts pressure on the nation to come together as one and abolish the long-term unjust division between the American people. Overall Impression: The overall impact of this speech is quite powerful and appealing. Martin Luther King used several techniques throughout his speech. The speech employs a key structure of messages, which prove to give meaningful insights about life to the people. Reference List Beach, L. (2010). Martin Luther King Recap 73. Hub Pages. [Online] Available at [Accessed on 29 May 2012] Dainton (2004). Introduction to Communication Theory. Sagepub.com. [Online] Available at [Accessed on 29 May 2012] I have a Dream- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr (2009). MJB. [Online] Available at [Accessed on 29 May 2012] Oral presentations for Tutorials & seminars (1987). The Learning Centre. [Online] Available at [Accessed on 29 May 2012] Topic 1-Identifying Conflict (n.d). nhecburma.org. [Online] Available at [Accessed on 29 May 2012] Read More