ch1 Business Communication Review

Learning Objectives

Objective 1: Define Communication

• Definition: Communication is the process of transferring information and meaning using written, oral, visual, or digital media.

• Importance in Business: Poor communication limits career prospects. Good communication provides a competitive advantage.

• Benefits to Companies:

  • Stronger sense of trust

  • Closer ties with important communities

  • Opportunities to influence trends and conversations

  • Increased productivity and faster problem-solving

  • Better financial results and higher returns for investors

  • Earlier warnings of potential problems

  • Stronger decision-making

  • Clearer marketing messages

  • Greater employee engagement

Objective 2: Professional Communication

• Characteristics of a Professional:

  • Striving to excel

  • Being dependable and accountable

  • Being a team player

  • Demonstrating etiquette

  • Making ethical decisions

  • Maintaining a positive outlook

• Skill Expectations from Employers:

  • Digital information fluency

  • Organizing ideas and information

  • Coherent and persuasive expression

  • Active listening

  • Effectively communicating with diverse audiences

  • Using communication technologies

  • Following grammar, spelling, and style standards

  • Ethical communication

  • Critical thinking

Objective 3: Communication Process Model

• Eight-Step Process:

  1. Sender has an idea.

  2. Sender encodes the idea in a message.

  3. Message is produced in a transmittable medium.

  4. Message is transmitted through a channel.

  5. Audience receives the message.

  6. Audience decodes it.

  7. Audience responds.

  8. Audience optionally provides feedback.

• Effects of Social Media:

  • Empowering stakeholders to initiate and participate in market conversations.

  • Changing message nature—messages are revised and shaped by shared feedback.

Objective 4: Mobile Communication Challenges and Opportunities

• Challenges:

  • Constant connectivity can be a mixed blessing.

  • Challenges in content creation on small screens.

  • Multitasking behavior in chaotic environments.

  • Traditional expectations of grammar an md spelling are challenged.

• Opportunities:

  • Use as sensory and cognitive extensions.

  • Security and privacy concerns to address.

  • Business-focused apps that enhance productivity and collaboration.

  • More engaging experiences for audiences.

Objective 5: Ethics in Communication

• Definition of Ethics: Accepted principles of conduct guiding social behavior.

• Ethical Dilemma vs. Ethical Lapse:

  • Dilemma: Choosing between unclear alternatives.

  • Lapse: Clear unethical choices, often illegal.

• Six Guidelines for Ethical Communication:

  1. Define the situation fairly and accurately.

  2. Ensure intentions are honest and fair.

  3. Understand potential impacts on others.

  4. Aim for the greatest good with the least harm.

  5. Ensure underlying assumptions remain stable over time.

  6. Be comfortable with your choices.

Objective 6: Cultural Diversity in Business Communication

• Impact of Cultural Diversity:

  • Influences how messages are created, sent, and interpreted.

  • Cultural influences can be profound and often unrecognized.

• Eight Major Aspects of Culture Affecting Communication:

  • Cultural context

  • Legal and ethical differences

  • Social customs

  • Nonverbal communication

  • Age

  • Gender

  • Religion

  • Ability

• Steps for Effective Cross-Cultural Communication:

  • Avoid ethnocentrism and stereotyping.

  • Refrain from assumptions.

  • Avoid judgment.

  • Communicate respect.

  • Tolerate ambiguity.

  • Look beyond superficial elements.

  • Recognize personal cultural biases.

  • Be flexible.

  • Observe and learn.

Objective 7: Guidelines for Using Communication Technology

• Guidelines:

  1. Keep technology in perspective.

  2. Learn tools for productive usage.

  3. Guard against information overload.

  4. Frequently reconnect with people.

Objective 8: Related Skills in Communication Course

• Skills to Develop:

  • Critical thinking

  • Collaboration

  • Knowledge application and analysis

  • Business ethics and social responsibility

  • Information technology skills

  • Data literacy