Deck 2: Focusing on Interpersonal and Group Communication

Question 1

What is meant by stroking? How does it affect interpersonal communication in the workplace?

Answer 1

Stroking is a positive or a negative effect of communication on any individual. Communication is an exchange or sharing of information. Each communication leaves either a positive or a negative impact on the individual.
Appreciating comments, pat on the shoulder are some of the example of positive stroke. These communications leaves positive impact on the individual whereas hateful words, scolding are the example of negative strokes.
Stroke plays an important role in interpersonal communication. A positive stroke motivates people to communicate again. It helps in building trust and creates a good atmosphere. A positive stroke creates group cohesiveness.
A negative stroke may create discomfort among the sender and receiver. Negative stroke may block the opportunity for the further communication. It hinders the relationship and effect the team cohesiveness.

Question 2

How can managers use Maslow's need levels, the Johari Window, and the management theories of McGregor and Hersey and Blanchard to improve communication with employees?

Answer 2

Maslow's Need Hierarchy theory:
Psychologist Abraham Maslow gave the concept of the need hierarchy. He said that individuals have hierarchy of need and satisfying one level motivates them to move for the next level.
Maslow's hierarchy is divided in to 5 levels. An effective communicator can identify the level of satisfaction of an individual and communicate accordingly. People with different need relate differently with the message.
Customising the message accordingly helps in efficiently communicating with the different segments of the individuals. Advertising companies use the same method for advertising their products.
Johari window:
Johari window was created to understand the level of relationship of an individual with self as well as others. To understand level of trust and relationship with others Johari window has divided ones personality into four different areas.
1. Open Area: It is the 1 st quadrant of the Johari Window. This quadrant of Johari window explains about the area of personality which is known to individual and to the others also.
2. Blind Area: Blind area is the 2 nd quadrant of the Johari Window. This area of the Johari window explains about the traits of personality which is not known to the individual.
3. Hidden Area: The 3 rd quadrant of the Johari Window talks about the area which individual knows about him or her but is hidden from others.
4. Unknown Area: The 4 th quadrant of the Johari window explains about the area of the personality which is neither known to individual nor to others.
Johari Window and Communication:
The main idea of Johari windows is to expand the open area. Larger open area helps people to know more about the individual, hence increasing the trust among them. Johari window helps to enhance the coordination among the individuals by providing them with opportunities for feedback.
Increased size of the open area reduces the size of hidden area. It is also important to understand not to disclose too much of personal information to increase the size of the open area.
Contribution of McGregor Theory in Communication:
McGregor Gave the Theory X and Y. According to previous theories, workers tend to satisfy their basic necessity which is Maslow's physiological need. But contrary to this view McGregor said that productivity can be enhanced by fulfilling higher level needs.
According to theory X, workers are lazy and dislike working. Narrow span of control is required to increase the productivity whereas theory Y asks to decentralise the authority.
Theory X and Y influences the communication practices used by the management. Leaders following theory Y are more open for the communication. With decentralised authority this management style gives equal opportunity for everyone to participate.
Leaders discuss issues with workers and are ready to take feedbacks. In theory X communicating with workers are not taken as an important agenda. Communication style is more directive and authoritative.
Paul Hersey and Blanchard Leadership model:
Paul Hersey and Blanchard said that there are no definite leadership styles. Leadership style changes according to situation and followers or subordinate. They defined two kinds of leadership behaviour.
1. Supportive Behaviour: Supportive behaviour of the leader is characterized by good listening, communicating, encouraging and recognising.
2. Directive behaviour: This behaviour dose not encourages communication and believes in more structured and directive way of communication.

Question 3

When a manager says to an employee, "May I see you in my office," what are some of the possible metacommunications?

Answer 3

Meta communication is a process where the actual message is encoded between the lines that may explain other things. Meta communication is a passive way of communication.
For example: "You have been selected for this work", actively this line explains about the selection of the candidate, but the passive message of the line may explain "we would hopefully like your work" or "you are efficient enough".
"May I see you in my cabin" may have positive or negative both kind of Meta communication.
Some positive Meta communication is -
1. We need to talk about the new project.
2. I need your opinion.
Some negative Meta communication is -
1. I am not happy with your work.
2. We need to discuss about your behaviour over work.

Question 4

How do effective conversation and listening impact a business' overall success?

Question 5

What roles do culture and gender play in nonverbal communication?

Question 6

Why do some teams never reach the highest stage of team development? What can be done to overcome the obstacles to peak team performance?

Question 7

How is the activity of listening impacted by the particular situation?

Question 8

Discuss six bad listening habits. Which do you think is the biggest challenge for you personally?

Question 9

What is a possible cause of most conflict between or among groups?

Question 10

How are a group and a team different?

Question 11

Discuss how a flat organizational structure affects communication.

Question 12

What are some factors to consider in deciding whether to hold a face-to-face meeting or an electronic meeting?

Question 13

Why are records such as agendas and minutes important to group success?