Channels for Communication

BUS 335 WRITTEN RESPONSE #1 Questions on Chapter 1 Communicating at Work and Chapter 2 Communication, Culture, and Work(text: Communications at work)Apply the course concepts described in Chapters 1 and 2 to answer the questions below. Consider the model of communication and how business communicators must be culturally literate and understand how to adapt to the culture of the company and the differences which exist in a diverse population.Written responses must be typed, size 12 font, double spaced and written in proper English in complete sentences. Bullet points are acceptable but should be introduced by complete sentences. The most important objective is to answer sufficiently to demonstrate understanding. The estimated length of the written response is 4-5 pages.Grading criteria: total possible points 50.Chapter 1 (Total 17.5 points; points as indicated per question)1) Describe (identify and explain) all the elements of the communication model as a two-way process, the flow of communication and the impact and types of noise which can interfere in the process. (7.5 points)2) Read the mini-case study below and complete the table to assess the effectiveness of thecommunication components as described in the case. (10 points)CASE STUDY: No shared enthusiasmLast week I started my first nursing internship. I was really excited, because as soon as Icomplete these hours, I’ll graduate from nursing school. But I was also nervous, because finallythe time had come to rely on myself making critical decisions. My mom is a nurse, so I knew shewould understand how I felt. I called her on my way to my first shift. She reassured me thateverything was going to be okay. She said to call after my shift was over to tell her all about it.After my thirteen-hour night-shift was over, I called her. There was no answer. At first, I didn’tmind much because I was exhausted. I slept for a couple hours. Then I called her again. Still no answer. Instead I received a text, “That is great your shift went well” and that was all it said. Icould not help but get upset inside because I thought she would have had a little more interest init than that. I texted back, “That is a little rude that you can’t even answer the phone and listen toall the cool things I experienced”.Then I got the phone call I thought I had been waiting for. What a shock. She told me that mygrandma had been in a car accident. My grandma was okay, thankfully. Then I realized I hadjumped to conclusions and overreacted, so I felt guilty inside.Continue on to next pageCOMMUNICATORSComponent of Communication ProcessDaughterMotherEffective message? Which one(s)? Why?Ineffective message? Which one(s)? Why?Noise—Environmental? Physical? PsychologicalFeedback supplied by communicator? Quality of feedback?Choice of channels for communication? List them? Effective or ineffective choice(s)Chapter 2 (Total 12.5 points; points as indicated per question)1) Describe (identify and explain) the following dimensions of cultural diversity (7.5 points).a) high and low-context culturesb) individualism and collectivismc) power distanced) uncertainty avoidancee) masculine and feminine cultures.2) From the list of dimensions of cultural diversity identified in question 1, select two (2) dimensions or sets of dimensions. Give two examples of each (total of four examples) and discuss what considerations must be made when communicating with people within the context of those cultural differences. (5 points)Strategic Case “Sundown Bakery” on page 2 Read and evaluate the case by answering the questions 2,and 3 for Chapter 1, and questions 2 and 4 for Chapter 2 on page 3, restated below: (20 points; 5 points per question)Chapter 12) Identify the changes that have occurred in the communication channels between employees and management as Sundown Bakery has grown. Suggest alternative communication strategies that might have reduced employee resentment. Explain why these channels could help improve management’s communication about workplace changes. How might an organization’s culture affect its choice of communication channels?3) Identify the instrumental, relational, and identity messages that employees seem to have received from management as Sundown’s business grew. Which functions of downward communication do you notice? Can you find examples of upward and horizontal communication in this case study? How could Sundown improve its upward communication flow?Chapter 22) Reflect on the six parts of the Customs and Behavior section, pp. 41-45. Cite a specific instance or predict the impact of three (3) of these customs and behaviors in this workplace.[in other words, cite details from the case or describe what you think the impact of three of these customs and behaviors would be]4). Using the guidelines on pp. 50-52 (Communicating across Diversity section in the text), which specific advice would you give to Sundown’s management team about how to communicate most effectively in the face of the company’s growth?