Workplace Listening Analysis

Essay 1

Given that listening accounts for 45 per cent of time spent on communication (Eunson 2012: 310), argue the importance of listening in the workplace. Your analysis should identify three specific listening behaviours and provide examples to demonstrate how these skills promote communication and understanding. Support your analysis with relevant communication theory and evidence from appropriate academic sources.

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Listening is a form of communication that is often underestimated and underrated. Listening is an essential component of effective communication within the workplace because it helps
The head nod is one of the most frequently used forms of nonverbal communication and along with eye contact can have different meanings for different cultures. Head nodding in most western cultures is a sign of agreement which was derived from the submissive gesture of bowing. For example, in a busy factory, a manager can nod to communicate the word ‘yes’ rather than yell at the employees. Pease (2004: 230) explains the head nod as an extremely useful tool in the power of persuasion. If the speaker is getting nods from the listener, it is seen as a sign to keep going continue. If the listener increases the rate of nods, it usually means that the listener wants to take over the speaking role (Eunson, 2006: 235). In a business context, being able to persuade and to encourage agreement is a very useful tool in the negotiation process. In this context, head nodding is an exceptional tool in gaining cooperation because it can be very infectious, and can create positive feelings (Pease, 2004: 231). Therefore, as a simple and extremely effective listening tool to build rapport, gain agreement and cooperation in the workplace, the simple head nod is very
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Pearson, JC, Nelson, E, Titsworth, S & Hunter, L 2011, Human Communication, 4th edn, Mcgraw Hill, New York.
Savett, LA 2011, 'The Sounds of Silence: Exploring Lessons About Silence, Listening, and Presence ', Creative Nursing, Vol.17, No.4, pp. 168-173, viewed 3 September 2012, EBSCOhost database, 2011368748.
Sommers, M, Greeno, D, & Boag, D 1989, 'The Role of Non-verbal Communication in Service Provision and Representation ', Service Industries Journal, 9, 4, pp. 162-173, viewed 2 September 2012, EBSCOhost database, 6419821. Wright, S 2006, 'The beauty of silence ', Nursing Standard, Vol. 20, No.50, pp. 18-20, viewed 3 September 2012. EBSCOhost database,