Case Study: Organizational Behavior
Case Study:
VIVEK HAS COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS
Vivek has only four employees at his public relations firm Media Front. But he seems to have done a pretty good job of alienating them.
According to his employees, Vivek, 47, is a brilliant guy who has a lot to learn in terms of being a better communicator. His communication style appears to be a regular source of conflict in his firm. Vivek admits he has a problem. "I'm probably not as verbally reinforcing [as I could be] when someone is doing a good job. I'm a very self-confident person. I don't need to be told I'm doing a good job but there are people who do."
Vivek "s employees had no problem listing off things that he does that bother them. He doesn't meet deadlines; he does a poor job of communicating with clients (which often puts the employees in an uncomfortable position); he doesn't listen fully to employee ideas before dismissing them; his voice tone is frequently condescending; and he's often quick to criticize employees and is stingy with praise.
Questions:
1. A lot of bosses are accused of being "poor communicators." Why do you think this is?
2. What, specifically, do you think Vivek needs to do to improve his communication skills?
Answer 1
A lot of bosses are accused of being "poor communicators" because of the following: -
- They make changes without discussing ideas with their employees first and to see if they are satisfied or not. Although this may be their job to improve things, if they asked opinions and then relate changes and why they are occurring to staff, the staff would feel more involved and would be more willing to cooperate due to the communication.
- They are impatient to listen to employees ideas, their problems, what their goals are and what is important to them.
- Not encouraging them to succeed and be their role model.
- Lack of communication to help employees understand their contribution to the organizational goals.
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VIVEK HAS COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS
Vivek has only four employees at his public relations firm Media Front. But he seems to have done a pretty good job of alienating them.
According to his employees, Vivek, 47, is a brilliant guy who has a lot to learn in terms of being a better communicator. His communication style appears to be a regular source of conflict in his firm. Vivek admits he has a problem. "I'm probably not as verbally reinforcing [as I could be] when someone is doing a good job. I'm a very self-confident person. I don't need to be told I'm doing a good job but there are people who do."
Vivek "s employees had no problem listing off things that he does that bother them. He doesn't meet deadlines; he does a poor job of communicating with clients (which often puts the employees in an uncomfortable position); he doesn't listen fully to employee ideas before dismissing them; his voice tone is frequently condescending; and he's often quick to criticize employees and is stingy with praise.
Questions:
1. A lot of bosses are accused of being "poor communicators." Why do you think this is?
2. What, specifically, do you think Vivek needs to do to improve his communication skills?
Answer 1
A lot of bosses are accused of being "poor communicators" because of the following: -
- They make changes without discussing ideas with their employees first and to see if they are satisfied or not. Although this may be their job to improve things, if they asked opinions and then relate changes and why they are occurring to staff, the staff would feel more involved and would be more willing to cooperate due to the communication.
- They are impatient to listen to employees ideas, their problems, what their goals are and what is important to them.
- Not encouraging them to succeed and be their role model.
- Lack of communication to help employees understand their contribution to the organizational goals.
-