Blog Entry 1: The Importance of Communication

All throughout my time at Penn State no other topic has been covered more than communication. The lesson defined communication as the exchange of information between individuals. That information is then used to make decisions that will affect the present and the future of the people involved. The basic process of communication is rather simple, an idea is generated by one person, shaped into a message, and sent by the person to another person, who then receives the message, interprets it, and then generates their own idea. (PSU WC, 2021)

 

There are several errors in communication that can occur. These errors are often referred to as noise or biases. Some errors in communication include the sender possibly not being able to encode enough meaning into the idea being sent. Another source of error might be that the channel is broken. An example of this is faulty technology. Egocentrism can also occur and is defined as the inability to take on other people’s perspectives to help interpret their message’s meaning. (PSU WC, 2021)

 

Different organizations will be formed of individuals from different backgrounds and with different experiences. As global competition increases, it is becoming necessary for organizations to establish strong intercultural relationships with a culturally diverse set of employees, interorganizational partners as well as customers. (Harvey & Griffith, 2002) Being able to grow the skills to strongly communicate with different individuals and in different cultural settings can be incredibly beneficial. Effective communication fosters trust with others. Your ability to listen attentively and embrace different points of view helps others trust that you are making optimal decisions for everyone. Furthermore, the ability to communicate effectively plays a large role in resolving conflict and preventing potential conflict from arising. Affective communication also provides clarity and direction, with affective communication you can deliver clear expectations and objectives for everyone. Improved communication also promotes team building. The individuals involved will be better able to rely on each other. (Training, 2019)

 

Effective communication is a huge part of my job. My position deals with assisting about 5,000 clients through many different channels. The things I have learned at Penn State have better prepared me for this and have truly grown my communication skills. It is my responsibility to relay information to clients from all over the United States, from different time zones, and from different cultures. I have already experienced what strong communication can do and how much better working with others is if you are able to develop those skills. Being able to effectively communicate information to my clients has not only made the job easier but also more enjoyable. Although I work remotely, and don’t get to interact with the other employees in person, the skills I have developed have made communication virtually better too. When communication is effective, it leave everyone satisfied and less room for error.

 

References:

 

Harvey, M. G., & Griffith, D. A. (2002). Developing effective intercultural relationships: The Importance of Communication Strategies. Thunderbird International Business Review, 44(4), 455–476. https://doi.org/10.1002/tie.10029

 

Penn State University World Campus. OLEAD 410: Leadership in a Global Context. Lesson 4: Global Communication. Retrieved from: https://psu.instructure.com/courses/2146712/modules/items/32847666

 

Penn State University World Campus. OLEAD/LER 464: Communication Skills for Leaders in Groups and Organizations. Lesson 1: Leadership and Communication. Retrieved from: https://psu.instructure.com/courses/2147159/modules/items/32843591

 

Training, C. L. I. M. B. P. D. and. (2019, July 9). The 7 benefits of effective communication in personal and professional settings. The 7 Benefits of Effective Communication in Personal and Professional Settings. Retrieved from https://climb.pcc.edu/blog/the-7-benefits-of-effective-communication-in-personal-and-professional-settings.