WORKPLACE COMMUNICATION

MEDIA, POLITICS AND

POWERProfessional Year Program - Unit 5: Workplace media and

communication channels

PurposeThe purpose of this session is to highlight the importance of using the right communication channel/media when communicating in the workplace. We will begin by revisiting the communication process, then we will consider the various communication channels and their differences, look at communication networks in organisations and identify common barriers to effective communication. The session will conclude with exploring the impact of power and politics in the workplace.

OverviewIn this session we will cover the following:The communication processCommunication media/channelsInformation richness and choice of media/channelCommunication networksCommon barriers to effective communicationPower and politics in the workplace

The Communication Process

http://agilevietnam.com/tag/skills-2/

Encoding – Verbal & Nonverbal•Verbal Communication

•The encoding of messages into words, either written or spoken

•Nonverbal•The encoding of messages by means of facial expressions, body language, and styles of dress.

Communication ChannelsWhat are the different communication channels that exist in the workplace?

Communication ChannelsWhat are the communication channels that exist in the workplace? Can you think of others?

Information RichnessDifferent communication channels have different levels of information richness.

It is important to select the communication channel that will provide the level of information richness you need to effectively communicate your message.

Information Richness

Information Richness

Communication MediaFace-to-Face Has highest

information richness.

Can take advantage of verbal and nonverbal signals

Communication MediaSpoken Communication Electronically Transmitted

•Has the second highest information richness.

•Telephone conversations are information rich with tone of voice, sender’s emphasis, and quick feedback, but provide no visual nonverbal cues.

Communication MediaPersonally Addressed Written Communication

•Has a lower richness than the verbal forms of communication, but still is directed at a given person.

•Personal addressing helps ensure receiver actually reads the message—personal letters and e-mail are common forms.

Communication MediaPersonally Addressed Written Communication

•Has a lower richness than the verbal forms of communication, but still is directed at a given person.

•Personal addressing helps ensure receiver actually reads the message—personal letters and e-mail are common forms.

Communication MediaImpersonal Written Communication

•Has the lowest information richness.•Good for messages to many receivers where little or feedback is expected (e.g., newsletters, reports)

Communication Media – Tips for choosing written or verbal

Communication NetworksCommunication networks consider how information flows between people, teams and within an organisation.

They can be descried as the pathways which information flows in groups and teams and throughout the organisation.

Communication Networks – Groups

Communication Networks - OrganisationOrganisation Chart

•Summarises the formal reporting channels in an organisation.

•Communication in an organization flows through formal and informal pathways

•Vertical communications flow up and down the corporate hierarchy.

Communication Networks - OrganisationOrganisation Chart

•Horizontal communications flow between employees of the same level.

•Informal communications can span levels and departments—the grapevine is an informal network carrying unofficial information throughout the firm.

Communication Networks - OrganisationsFormal and Informal Communication Networks in an Organisation

(see next slide)

Common Barriers to Effective Communication

•Messages that are unclear, incomplete, difficult to understand

•Messages sent over the an inappropriate medium

•Messages with no provision for feedback•Messages that are received but ignored•Messages that are misunderstood•Messages delivered through automated systems that lack the human element

Power and Politics in the WorkplacePower and politics are part of any group or organisation to varying degrees.

An awareness of these factors is critical in successfully navigating a organisation and communicating effectively.

Power and Politics in the WorkplacePower•What is power in the workplace?

•The capacity someone has to influence the behaviour of another

•What are some examples of power in the workplace?

• Is power good or bad?

Power and Politics in the WorkplacePower Types of Power

Formal PersonalFormal Power Positional Power Personal Power I like you….

Power and Politics in the WorkplacePolitics•What is politics in the workplace? –Activities that are not part of a persons formal job, but that influence the distribution of advantages•What are some examples of politics in the workplace?

•Are politics good or bad?

Power and Politics in the WorkplacePoliticsWatch the following video on office politicsIdentify two ways you can respond positively to office politics

Watch Video – Office Politics

Power and Politics in the Workplace

Power and Politics in the WorkplaceDebrief : Video – Office Politics Identify two ways you can respond positively to office politics