Communication Channel Scenario Mgt 521

Communication Channel Scenario

MGT/521

January 26, 2012

Communication Channel Scenario

When communicating with individuals or groups it is very important to select the appropriate communication channel. “Nonroutine communications are likely to complicated and have the potential for misunderstanding. Managers can communicate them effectively only by selecting rich channels” (Robbins & Judge, 2001, pp. 15). In scenario I of the communication channel scenario assignment; it is the manager task to effectively communicate in full detail the next steps regarding the development of a new strategy and the team must produce within a short turnaround time. Since this task is nonroutine and has a time sensitive deadline, I would recommend using a high level of channel richness through face-to-face and or video conference. This will allow the team members to see and hear the urgency of this task through nonverbal and verbal communication as well as allow immediate feedback from team members and manager. “Face-to-face conversation scores highest in channel richness because it transmits the most information per communication episode-multiple information cues (words, postures, facial expressions, gestures, intonations), immediate feedback (both verbal and nonverbal), and the personal touch of being present” (Robbins & Judge, 2001, pp. 14). As the Marketing Manager of the team, I would communicate with the VP of Operations in the same manner as I communicated above. I feel that it is important to speak face-to-face or via video conference to ensure that he/she fully understands the direction in which I am moving toward and allow the opportunity for immediate feedback.

Scenario II

As a manager contacting IT to reset a login name and password in scenario II of the assignment, I would use an email, unless the IT policy stated a different method. In my opinion this issue can be classified as a low channel richness issue due to the straightforwardness and possible reoccurrence of this matter. “Routine messages tend to be straightforward and have minimal ambiguity; channels low in richness can carry them efficiently” (Robbins & Judge, 2001, pp. 15). When relaying the new information to the staff, I would also use a low channel richness method through email. It is routine that a username or password expires, so to contact each individual through a high channel richness would be a waste of time for not only myself but also my staff.

Scenario III

As a small business owner facing the possible of reducing my staff due to cost cuts, I would definitely use high channel richness. It is important to communicate this information directly to the staff face-to-face because they may have feedback that can assist with reducing cost. An announcement of this magnitude would require high channel richness because there are so many questions that go unanswered through low channel richness which can lead to gossiping and rumors in the work place. “The past decade has been characterized by facility closings, large layoffs, restructuring, merging, consolidating, and the introduction of new products and services at an accelerated pace—all nonroutine messages high in ambiguity and requiring the use of channels that can convey a large amount of information” (Robbins & Judge, 2001, pp. 15). When communicating with staff members that will be directly affected, I would also use the face-to-face method of communication. In opinion this method shows the employee that their service has meant more than just words on a paper or email. By directly addresses these individuals I believe it news will be received better.

Conclusion

Knowing the appropriate communication channel is essential to effective communication skills. Information richness of communication channels can determine whether or not your message in interrupted in the manner in which the sender intended. Through low channel richness the receiver of the message can only assume the meaning of the message and should only be used when the message is direct and straightforward, whereas high channel richness allows the receiver to hearing and feeling the message given the receiver to opportunity to interpret the message in the appropriate manner.

References
Robbins, S. P., & Judge, T. A. (2001). Organizational Behavior (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

References: Robbins, S. P., & Judge, T. A. (2001). Organizational Behavior (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.