Communication for Managers - Strategies Addressing Communication Barriers - Essay Example

Communication for Managers Final Exam: Communication for Managers Final Exam Describe five strategies addressing communication barriers and explain what each one of these strategies requires. Technological advancement has increased the need for companies to operate globally. This is because technology has reduced the cost of operations for businesses. As a result, many businesses have expanded their operation into other countries. Consequently, globalization of business has created communication challenges for managers and employees operating in new businesses environment. The communication difficulties results from cultural and language differences. However, managers and employees operating in this environment have managed to address these barriers by using the following strategies (Fox & Bayat, 2008, p. 23). First, Speaking slowly and clearly is one of the strategies used in global business, to address communication barriers. This is because many people fail to understand what the other person is saying due to speed of communication leading to vague meaning. Thus, this strategy gives an opportunity for foreigners to understand what the native speakers are saying (Guffey, 2009). Second, asking for clarification addresses communication barriers, to gain a deeper understanding of the subject mater. Thus, it is wise to allow one to ask a question to ensure that the intended information has reached the required party (Hogan & Stubbs, 2003, p. 34). Frequently checking for understanding is a third strategy used in avoiding communication barrier. When communicating with someone, ask questions to establish whether the communication objectives are realized (Samovar, Porter, & McDaniel, 2011, p. 32). Fourth, defining the basics of business is another strategy of avoiding communication barrier. When the objectives of business are clearly communicated to individuals, then chances of misconception are significantly reduced (Samovar, Porter, & McDaniel, 2011, p. 23). Finally, Careful selecting communication media is another strategy used to avoid communication barrier. Some of communication channels used creates communication barriers. Thus, it is essentially for an individual to use proper communication media. For example, when wanting to communicate abroad using of email may be more reliable communication media than use of telephone (Thompson, 2004, p. 56). 2. When doing business abroad, what are three strategies can you use to promote effective intercultural communication? Bring examples for elaborations. Globalization of business poses a significant intercultural communication challenges. This is because culture differ across nations; thus, the need to adopt appropriate strategy to enhance effective intercultural communication. These strategies include the following. Understanding Cultural Diversity The organization should educate its staff on various cultural practices present at the place of operation. This will allow the employee to appreciate and value cultural diversity of different members. This will enhance the intercultural communication, among the staffs and society they are serving. For example, the organization should employ staffs across culture to encourage understanding of various cultures in the community that may influence the conduct of the company (Guffey, 2009, p. 56). Developing Awareness of Individual Cultures Another strategy of enhancing intercultural communication is encouraging learning of individual, cultural practices. For example, the company should do a research on the environment it going to operate. This will enhance the companys understanding on the surrounding environment. As a result, the company staffs will be equipped in communicating with the society they are serving. This is because when a company does a research of the culture of the society; the company will employ employee who are conversant with the cultures (Guffey, 2009, p. 45). Demand Tolerance Finally, intercultural communication can be enhanced by encouraging the spirit of tolerance among societies. The employees should embrace tolerance to cultural difference because of difficulties involved in learning and embracing new culture. For example, the western employees working in African nations should show respect to the African culture and should show tolerance to some practices even if they do not like it (Guffey, 2009, p. 67). 4. Describe the strategies for producing surveys that are both valid and reliable. An accurate survey needs to be a representative of a population. The sample is used to make generation about the whole population. Thus, to ensure that the sample meets the population characteristics, the sampling process has to follow the following characteristics (Thompson, 2004, p. 45). Focus on research objectives When designing a sampling process the researcher should pay attention on the objectives of the study. This is because research objectives determine the sample size and the possible traits in a population needed for the research. For example, large sample size is essential for high precision research (Thompson, 2004, p. 65). Use of appropriate sampling method There are two broad divisions of sampling techniques- random and non-random sampling methods. The research should make a careful choice of the method use in the determination of the sample. However, the sampling method adopted depends on the population characteristics. Therefore, a research should use random sampling for homogeneous population, and non-random sampling for heterogeneous population (Thompson, 2004, p. 67). Designing of proper sample frame The research should ensure that the sampling frame has an exhaustive list of the population elements. This gives the sampling elements an equal chance of participating in the research (Thompson, 2004, p. 24). Proper selection of sampling unit Finally, sample unit selected for the research should possess the population desirable characteristics. Thus, a suitable sampling unit choice enables the researcher to find a sample with desirable population characteristics (Thompson, 2004, p. 45). 5. List the parts of the text of a formal proposal, and then explain the functions of each part. Formal proposal comprise of the following components: Problem of the statement is the first component of a project proposal. The problem statement in a formal proposal points out what the proposal seeks to answer (Fox & Bayat, 2008, p. 45). Methodology is the second component of a proposal. Methodology highlights the steps used in answering the research proposal (Fox & Bayat, 2008, p. 67). Plan of operation steps for implementing research methodology is another component of research proposal. It gives the direction of inquiry highlighting the steps, which should be followed in the implementation of the research methodology (Fox & Bayat, 2008, p. 38). Project evaluation is a crucial stage done to test the feasibility of proposed undertakings. Evaluation stage helps in assessing the profitability of the project. This help in formation of the decision on whether to implement the project or not (Fox & Bayat, 2008, p. 56). Another component in a formal project proposal is the highlight of the key personnel in charge with the project. This component helps in highlight as to whether the parties of implementation meet the management skills (Fox & Bayat, 2008, p. 56). In the Resource requirement section, project can be evaluated to find out whether there is the optimal level of reserve. Thus, this component help as know whether the management had set a side enough resources for the project (Fox & Bayat, 2008, p. 69). Finally, the last three components of the project are the impact of the project and organizational capability. The impact of the project assesses the likely effect of implementing the project, while the organization’s capability looks at the strength and weaknesses within an organization that can affect the project implementation (Fox & Bayat, 2008, p. 76). Reference list Fox, W., & Bayat, M. S. 2008. A Guide to Managing Research. New York: Juta and Company Ltd. Guffey, M. E. 2009. Business Communication: Process and Product. New York: Cengage Learning. Hogan, K., & Stubbs, R. 2003. Cant Get Through: Eight Barriers to Communication. New York: Pelican Publishing. Samovar, L. A., Porter, R. E., & McDaniel, E. R. 2011. Intercultural Communication: A Reader. New York: Cengage Learning. Thompson, W. L. 2004. Sampling Rare Or Elusive Species: Concepts, Designs, And Techniques For Estimating Population Parameters. London: Island Press. Read More