Organizational Culture's Role - Example

Portfolio D: Self-Reflections College: Name: Students ID: Date: Course Name: Unit Code: Time: Instructor: Portfolio A: Speech Analysis Description First I played the speeches just to get a general idea of the topic under discussion. This enabled me to place the speeches in their respective context. I then played the speeches again but separately so that I could distinguish each speaker’s speech delivery and get the main idea and points. This also made it easier for me to analyse each speech on its own as well as draw parallel comparisons and differences in speech delivery. I repeated playing the speeches to observe the non-verbal elements from each speaker. I researched further on parts that were not clear to me regarding speech analysis. Analysis A speech is a crucial way of delivering information to the recipients. The manner in which a speed is delivered (decoding) has an impact on the way the message will be perceived or encoded. It is important for the person delivering the speech to make an opening remark and state the purpose of their speech. The use of oral signposts will guide the listener in getting the main points that the addressor has in mind. The addressor has to bear in mind that effective delivery of the speech does not only rely on the verbal communication, but also non-verbal elements are important too. These non-verbal elements include; eye contact, tone, dressing, facial expression and use of gestures, among others. The style of delivering the message as well as the clarity of the message being passed across is also of utmost importance. The speech needs to be organised right from the opening remarks through the building of the message up to the closing remarks. Portfolio B: Article Analysis Description There were a number of journal articles provided for consideration. I began the assignment by searching for each article online so that I would consider those articles that I could find. After getting hold of various articles, I read each article in detail to get a general understanding of the articles prior to choosing one. Based on the ease with which I could understand and analyse the article, I settled on Wise, K 2003, 'The Oxford Incident: organizational culture’s role in an anthrax crisis', Public Relations Review, vol. 29, no. 4, pp. 461 - 472. I then proceeded to analysing the journal article, guided by the instructor’s guidelines and requirements. Analysis Journal articles are used across almost all fields’ right from scientific studies to human studies (arts). In writing a journal, the author(s) need to follow the required format. Typically, a journal article has to have a title, abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, results and findings, discussion, conclusions and references. In the preliminary sections of the article under review, the author introduced the communication idea. Then the method used in research was described. In this case, the researchers used online research techniques where they visited the organisation’s website at different intervals as they collected the required data. In the following section, the results obtained from the analysis of data were stated followed by a detailed discussion of the results. The authors then concluded their research work and proposed areas that needed further research. They also stated the implications of their study, placing it in a real life context. They too provided the referenced material and appended other material used in their research. Apart from following the required format, the article was written in a language that was easy to comprehend. Portfolio C: Business Documents Description I first had to understand what business documents are and their importance in effective communication. I searched for the information through the notes provided in class. I also searched through the internet as well as in the business communication books in the library. I also had to get familiar with the manner in which various business documents are prepared. I then paid particular attention to the memorandum, which is also widely referred to as the memo. My aim was to understand its format and the content. The content, in this case, being the message that the memo contains and who it is addressed to. Analysis I came to realize that business documents engage a crucial role in dealing with business transactions communication. Each document is designed in a way that the message intended to be delivered is supposed to be short, brief and precise. The correct format has got to be followed. The memo is usually internal and is in general addressed from the head of a department or a manager to specific people regarding an explicit agenda. I learnt that the date has to be indicated first followed by the sender then the recipient. A memo has got to have a title that is short and clear and that captures the attention of the addressee. The message should not be too long. A good memo is not supposed to go beyond a single page. A memo can as well be used to call for a meeting to discuss a particular item that requires immediate attention. In this case, the memo can include the agenda to be discussed in the meeting for the addressees to be prepared beforehand. Oral Presentation Description An oral presentation entails discovering one’s self concept. To make an effective oral presentation, I had to first analyse the given topic. I came up with a list of the main ideas that I had to present. I organised these ideas in a simple, uncluttered and consistent way. I also had to practise so as to develop the strategies along with the skills required in making an effective oral presentation. I prepared the notes using the required format and ensured that they appeared presentable. I also had to prepare on how I would handle questions as well as handling the tools for making the presentation. Analysis Making an oral presentation is not an easy task. One has to prepare adequately. I struggled to regulate my pace so that I do not say too many words or too few words. This was helpful in that the audience could listen to every word I said. I had to articulate the words well and pay particular attention to the spelling of each and every one word. It was quite tricky to avoid some words not required when making an oral presentation, such as, you know. The practise exercise helped me to make the correct use of the non-verbal elements. My posture was not bad and I fought to maintain the correct eye contact with the audience, though I am a shy person. I tried as much as I could to be natural and open. I had enough energy with me during that moment. However, I had trouble in the use of gestures as I could not control the hand movements too well. Teamwork, Interpersonal, Gender and Intercultural Communication Teamwork Benefits and Difficulties Formation of teams and teamwork has been advocated for, especially in the field of management. Through teamwork, various complex matters can be dealt with by drawing resources together along with each member’s knowledge. This enables the members to expose problems easily. Teamwork also boosts the members’ confidence and ownership during participative decision making. Teams build trust among members and improve communication through initiating interdependence involving the members, rather than one of self-righteousness. Nonetheless, teamwork is impeded by several challenges. Every one team member is required to bear one and the same responsibility in performing the required task. However, some members put in low productivity as they expect the other team members to contribute wholly to the achievement of their shared tasks. Also, the process of team decision making is complex and time-consuming. A team may not be able to deliver where an immediate decision is required (MindTools.com, 2013). Changed Teamwork Behaviours Experience enables one to identify their weaknesses and their strengths. Another important aspect is the feedback one gets from other people regarding their presentation. These have a say in self-improvement. The experience and the feedback will boost my self-esteem as I will be able to judge what I did wrong and research on how to get it better given another opportunity. An area I would probably improve on is the tone of my voice. I think I will also be livelier and leave an upbeat feeling on others. I will muscle a better control of my emotions and pay particular attention to details. I will try my best to use the appropriate gestures and movements. I will focus on the objective of the presentation. In view of the fact that I will be familiar with the audience, I will use the appropriate facial expressions, like smiling. I will also end my presentation with some closing remarks (MindTools.com, 2013). References MindTools.com, 2013, Organizing Team Decision-Making, Retrieved on January, 30 2013 from . Read More