Communication = process of creating and exchanging meaning through symbolic interaction Context = situation in which communication occurs; includes

people present, the occasion, and the task; **important in communication because it provides a framework and is a basis for appropriate communication choices Appropriateness = what is suitable for a specific situation; **volume varies according to what is appropriate in a given context Roles = a part one plays in a specific setting or situation; determined by context Norms = a stated or implied expectation, guideline of whats appropriate for a given context Standard = established level of requirement or excellence **there are no absolute rules in oral communication: but must be appropriate for self, listener, occasion, and task Competent communicator = someone who incorporates knowledge, attitude, and skills into his or her communication to communicate effectively and appropriately; must be informed (have knowledge); Attitudes = influence way we see self and other people; views influence choices and impact communication; impacts others greatly Task skills = the communications skills needed to do a job, complete a task, or reach a goal effectively; include logically thinking through problems or giving clear instructions for someone; also include effectively using nonverbal behaviors Relationship skills = communication skills needed to nurture and maintain goodwill with people; i.e. tact, courtesy, and respect Organization = number of people with specific responsibilities who are united for some purpose; can be professional and social; membership can offer benefits; require identity, unity, and preservation Culture = set of life patterns passed down from one generation to the next in a group of people; a learned behavior Organizational culture = how an organization thinks, what it finds important, and how it conducts business; helps know the role an individual has in organization and determine the expected norms of an individuals behavior Culture shock = confusion or anxiety that sometimes results when people come into contact with a culture different from their own Elements of organizational culture = heroes, traditions, environment, goals, values and beliefs, systems, structure

Structure = includes parts of organization as well as relationship between parts; reveals functions and purposes of each part of the organization; place in the organizations hierarchy Hierarchy = chain of command; answers questions about who is responsible to whom, for what; defines functions of each of the parts Systems = coordination and networks of channels for orderly interaction; communication must be also simple to achieve; systems can also provide channels of communication to community outside of the organization Values and Beliefs = core of every organization has set of values and beliefs; these govern policies and actions; value is a priority or an idea that is prized organization or individual considers important; belief is an idea that someone holds to be true // ** personal values vs. organizational values: what individual values vs. what company values Social responsibility = obligation or willingness to work toward the well-being of others Goals = an end result or outcome that someone strives to attain; organizational goals stem from organizations values and beliefs; ** stated in mission statements; should be laid out in detail with specific plans within a set time Environment = refers to physical surroundings = reveals values and culture Traditions = practice or ceremony carried out and celebrated in same manner year after year Heroes = individual who is respected and admired for contributions he or she has made to an organization or to society; serve as role models that can be positive or negative Diversity in organizations = cultural barriers between people have been lowered and/or erased; i.e. segregation; US = salad bowl of diversity suggests that each individual can retain and value his or her own personal culture while working cooperatively with others in an organization Effects of diversity = provide enrichment and promote appreciation of cultural differences or even cause conflict; can provide new ideas for people Conflict = struggle between two or more parties who sense interference in achieving goals