WORKPLACE COMMUNICATION

Communication- is where information flows in an organization through patterns of relationships

Workplace Communication takes place within the context of an organization, such
organizations are classified into four different types such as;
1) Economic- manufacture products and/or offer services for consumers.
2) Political - generate and distribute power and control within society.
3) Integration orientation - meditates and resolves discord (conflict) among members of
society,
4) Pattern Maintenance- promote cultural and educational regularity.

Economic Organization
Manufacture products and/or offer services for consumers. Such organizations
succeed or fail based on their ability to sell products to consumers, communication
within these workplace settings must work to enhance productivity while at the
same time persuade consumers of the value of their products. For example, Ford
Motor Company or McDonalds.

Political Organization
Generate and distribute power and control within society.
Elected local, state, and federal officials: Police and military forces; even financial
institutions like the federal bank. All of these are examples of political
organizations., Because political organizations must adhere to governing principles-the constitution, For instance the President must answer to Congress to justify the
use of military force.

Integration orientation Organization

Meditate and resolve discord (conflict) among members of society,
For example, our court system, public interest groups, and conflict management centers. One
unique characteristics of this organization is the necessity of impartiality. A Jude for example,
must not be biased in the way he or she talks to criminal defendants, and public interest groups
must demonstrate that their objective benefits all of society and not just a few individuals.

Pattern Maintenance
Promote cultural and educational regularity and development within society.
Organizations that functions to teach individuals how to participate effectively to
society, including families, schools and religious groups, promote pattern
maintenance. For example, your family, your church and even schools.

COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
Competent workplace communicators understand that the workplace comprises
multiple communication networks.
Communication networks are patterns of relationships through which information
flows in an organization.
Stohl (1995) describes communication networks as capturing "the tapestry of
relationships.
Communication networks emerge in
organization based on formal and informal communication.
Formal and Informal Communication Networks
Networks--structural means (patterns of interaction) that allow messages to
flow within organizations. May include two people, small groups of people, or large
numbers that flow outside the organization. We typically find ourselves involved
with multiple organizational networks.
1.
Formal Networks--Officially sanctioned; the organizational flow chart;
company newsletters; memos; managers meetings; etc.
There are three avenues in which formal communication exists within a company:
downward, upward and horizontal.
Message Flow Directions-Upwardwhen information is transferred between a worker and his or her boss
formally. Happens when subordinates need to talk with their managers, something
that could be as simple as letting the manager know a task was completed or about
a work-related problem.
Downward--managers to subordinates. Try to provide rationale for decisions
when possible. Studies show over and over that employees feel better about the
organization when they know why they are doing things or why change is
occurring.

Horizontalcommunication between employees or departments of the same

status. This may become overly competitive for organizational resources like
budgets, awards, recognition, etc. May not be a problem but it is top managements
job to ensure the competition does not become counter-productive.

2.

Informal Networks--arise due to the situation employees are in;

emerge out of a need; no permanent structure; may be faster than formal networks;
a spontaneous flow of information that may or may not be correct. It's important to
not get informal communication confused with horizontal communication. Although
horizontal communication takes place within the same work level, it's done to
achieve work-related goals, whereas informal communication takes place in more of
a social setting. Informal communication is as important as formal communication
because it helps build employee morale and brings a "fun" atmosphere into work.
Problems arise with informal communication when people take it too far or start
gossiping about one another. Informal communication can be important within an
organization, but it shouldn't replace the formal communication structure.
SMALL GROUP COMMUNCATION
-refers to the interaction of a small group of people working together to
achieve a common goal.
Members are interdependent
Small group interaction means that each other person in the group can
influence &be influence by each other person in the group.
Group members are interdependent
Is interaction among three to nine people working together to achieve an
interdependent goal
LEADER- designated leader is someone who has been appointed or elected to a
leadership position
CONFLICT IN THE WORKPLACE
- Can be productive and destructive
- Unethical workplace communication can include aggressive
communication and sexual harassment
- Workplace aggression includes all communication by which individuals
attempt to harm others
- Sexual harassment is an extreme form of unethical communication
involving an abuse of power

JOB INTERVIEW
RESUME-is a document used by persons to present their backgrounds and skills.
They are used to secure employment

COVER LETTER- is a short statement introducing you and your resume.

Interviews in general will cover three areas:

1) Your life, skills, experience,qualifications;
2) The job you are applying for;
3) The company.

1.) Your Life

Employers are most interested in your personal contributions,
motivation and lessons learnt.
Typical questions:
Why should we employ you?
What can you do for us that other candidates cannot?
What makes you the right person for this job?
The point of these questions is Sell me!

2.) The Job Youre Applying For

Find out why this job is important for the business.
Learn what the career ladder looks like within the organization.
Typical questions:
Why do you want this job?
How do your skills make you the right person for this job?
Study the job description. You need to know how your skills and experience make you a

good candidate.

3.) The organization you hope will employ you

When asked why do you want to work for this organisation never state the
obvious. This is your chance to impress the interviewer with your research. Mention
presentations, brochures or a news article you found about the organisation. This
question should
never be hard to answer.
Similar questions:
Why are you applying to us?
What appeals to you about this company?
What do you know about our industry?

Dos of an interview

Do make sure that you dress the part for the job, the company, the
industry. Rather, be conservative with your dress code: remember you are
not meeting your friends for a night out.
Do plan to arrive about 10 minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is
never excusable. If you are running late, do phone the company.
Do shake hands firmly. Don't have a limp or clammy handshake!
Do make good eye contact with your interviewer(s).
Do greet the receptionist or assistant with courtesy and respect. This is
where you make your first impression.

Do avoid using poor language, slang, and pause words (such as "like,"
"uh," and "um").
Do ask intelligent questions about the job, company, or industry.
Don't ever not ask any questions -- it shows a lack of interest.
Do remain positive. This is not to say that everything you say should be
wonderful and inspiring. When you are asked about a weakness, highlight
the positive benefits of learning and overcoming your weaknesses.
Do show enthusiasm. Showing enthusiasm is one of the most natural
ways to get someone to like you.
Do listen. It is easier to answer clearly and effectively if you listen well.
Do go alone. Never arrive with friends, children, etc. You will look
disorganized or lacking in confidence.

INTERVIEW DONTS

Don't chew gum.

Don't tell jokes.
Don't smoke, even if the interviewer does and offers you a cigarette. And
don't smoke beforehand so that you smell like smoke.
Don't be soft-spoken. A confident voice projects confidence.
Don't ever say anything negative about former colleagues, supervisors, or
employers.
Don't lie. Answer questions truthfully and frankly.
Don't answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no."
Explain whenever possible. Describe those things about yourself that
showcase your talents, skills, and Determination. Give specific examples.
Don't answer mobile calls during the interview. Turn the phone off before your
interview or leave it in your car

TYPES OF INTERIEWS
1. Standard Chronological Interview
2. Structured, Criteria based interview
3. The Panel interview
4, Technical interview

1)Standard Chronological Interview

This is an unstructured type of interview and it is largely based on your

application form or CV. The interview is a means of getting you to explain and
expand upon what you have written
2) Structured, Criteria-based Interview
A) A structured interview is a method that employers use to ensure that the
interviews are as objective as possible. All candidates are asked the same questions. The
foundation for criteria or behavioural based interviews are: past performance predicts future
success
.B) During a behaviour/competency based interview the interviewer will want
specific examples of when and how you demonstrated particular behaviours. The
questions will be specific to the competencies required by the job.
Here are general classification of the competencies:
Individual competencies: Your personal attributes i.e. flexibility,
decisiveness, tenacity,etc.
Managerial competencies: Taking charge of other people i.e.
Leadership, strategic planning, empowerment, etc.

Analytical competencies: The element of decision making i.e.

Innovation, numerical problem solving, detail consciousness etc.
Interpersonal competencies: Dealing with other people i.e. impact,
persuasiveness, personal awareness, teamwork etc.
Motivational competencies: The things that drive you, i.e. resilience,
energy, quality focus, achievement, orientation, etc.

Behavioural-based Interview questions generally start with any of the

following phrases:
Tell me about a time when you.
Describe a circumstance when you were faced with a problem related
to.
Think about an instance in which you
Tell me how you approach a situation where
3) The Panel Interview
With a panel interview you will be interviewed by two or more
interviewers. Although a panel interview can be intimidating, it can
actually be to your benefit!
During a one-on-one interview, the interviewer might not like you but during a panel interview
your chances are increased since you are being evaluated by multiple interviewers.

Here are some basic rules to consider during a panel interview:

When answering a question look at the person that asked the question, with
a few brief glances to the others.
Dont be upset if one of the interviewers looks bored. The bigger the panel
the greater the likelihood that some of its members are not experienced
interviewers.
If you get asked the same question twice do not be alarmed. Answer the
question again in a polite manner. Chances are that person did not listen the
first time you answered the question.
When possible, ask for a list of the panel members and do some research.
By knowing the panel you will be able to tailor your answers to address their
special interests. Look them up on LinkedIn.
When applying for a technical or highly skilled position the interviewer
might give you a practical task to complete.
It is important to remember that even though they are looking for
someone with technical skill they are also for someone with personal skills
who is able to work in a team environment

Closing the Interview

Emphasize your interest in this position.
Emphasize your interest in working for the company and that you would
appreciate invitations to other interviews if this one is not a perfect fit.
If the interviewer has not told you the process that will follow, clarify the
timeframe for making a decision and determining your status with them.
Thank the interviewer or panel for their time.
Remember to send a hand-written thank you card for the opportunity to interview