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Chapter 17. Managing Communication. Communication Is the Manager’s Job. Today’s complex business environment depends on effective communication Managers spend 80% of their day communicating 48 minutes of every hour is spent: On the telephone Communicating online Talking informally
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Chapter 17 Managing Communication
Communication Is the Manager’s Job • Today’s complex business environment depends on effective communication • Managers spend 80% of their day communicating • 48 minutes of every hour is spent: • On the telephone • Communicating online • Talking informally • Communication permeates every management function • Manager’s communication is purpose-directed―directs everyone’s attention toward the goals
What is Communication? Communication is the process by which information is exchanged and understood by two or more people, usually with the intent to motivate or influence behavior
Climate of Trust and Openness • Open communication and dialogue encourage honesty • Enhanced interpersonal skills can also foster openness, honesty, and trust • Using multiple channels increases effectiveness of communication • Organizational structure should fit communication needs
Communicating Among People • Open Communication means sharing all types of information throughout the organization • Centralized network: team members communicate through one individual • Decentralized network: individuals communicate freely with other team members.
Communication Channels • Managers must choose appropriate channels to convey messages • Routine versus nonroutine messages • Each communication channel has advantages and disadvantages • Channel richness – the amount of information that can be communicated in an episode
Communicating to Persuade and Influence Others • Issuing directives is no longer effective To persuade and influence • Establish credibility • Build goals on common ground • Connect emotionally • Use multiple media to send important messages Communication Apprehension- fear of communication
Communicating with Candor • A confident, positive approach • Use “I statements” • Stick to facts rather than judgments • Be clear, specific, direct in your requests.
Asking Questions • Asking questions builds trust and openness between managers and employees • Asking questions builds critical thinking skills • Questions stimulate the mind and give people a chance to make a difference
Listening The skill of grasping both facts and feelings to interpret a message’s meaning • Listening to employees and customers is important • Information in organizations flows from the bottom up • Managers today know the importance of feedback • Blogs are being used to stay in touch with employees and customers
Nonverbal Communication • Message sent through human actions and behavior • Body language • Facial expressions • Gestures • Touch • Use of space • Can express enthusiasm, warmth, confidence, arrogance, indifference, and displeasure
Workplace Communication • Four elements of workplace communication • Using social media to improve internal and external communication • Using informal, personal communication channels • Establishing formal communication channels • Developing strategies for crisis communication
Social Media • Listening to customers • Communicating to customers • Engaging employees
Personal Communication Channels • Personal communication may exist with formal channels • Personal communication network is personal networking across organizational boundaries • The grapevine “gossip” can be a valuable tool for managers; it links people across the organization • Written communication is a key skill with the growth of e-mail and collaboration
17.7 Downward, Upward, and Horizontal Communication in Organizations
Tips for Improving Writing Skills • Respect the reader • Know your point and get to it • Write clearly rather than impressively • Get a second opinion
Crisis Communication • Communication is crucial during times of crisis • Management skills for dealing with crisis: • Stay calm, listen hard • Be visible • Get the awful truth out • Communicate a vision for the future