Individuals in organizations
- As you study Henry’s problem, think about what you would advise Henry to do
Proper communication is one of the concerns in any organization. Managers aim to create and maintain a positive working environment and high-performance culture by exchanging information. Effective communication is essential to the happiness and success of everyone within the organization. Henry Gonzales has been a success in turning around the performance of the store. The manager implemented an incentive plan for his supervisors in their respective departments to ensure continuous improvement of Quality Foods’ Seventh Street store. Despite the monetary bonuses, some of the subordinates have shown the intention to move to other stores. The core problem between Henry and the supervisors is the lack of proper communication.
Being a store manager, Henry is overwhelmed by duties and responsibilities, which has negatively affected his relationship with the employees. Poor communication within any organization can result in confusion, friction, frustration, and an agitated environment. Despite the monetary incentives, the supervisors lack the motivation to be productive and inspired to collaborate. The common causes of poor communication in the workplace include a lack of clear objectives, cultural diversity, poor leadership, workplace stress, and unmet expectations. These factors may lead to increased stress, low morale, failure to complete projects, missed performance goals, and high turnover. In addition, poor communication creates a culture of distrust within organizations.
Proper communication does mitigate not only conflicts but also an essential factor in team effectiveness, employee engagement, client relationships, and profitability. Henry should work on key areas to enhance and improve communication with everyone within the store. First, as a manager, Henry should define the goals and expectations of all employees. He should ensure that all the staff and supervisors are aware of the objectives of the store. Second, Henry should ensure that all messages are clear and accessible to the subordinates. This includes choosing the medium and format carefully. Third, the manager should recognize that face-to-face communication as the best channel to build trust with the employees. Finally, Henry should keep everyone involved by actively encouraging progress reports within the store.
- What does Henry need to know about communication competency?
Effective communication is an essential skill for all individuals in management. Managers and supervisors must understand the significance of competencies in enhancing their interactions with the subordinates. Management of communication skills focuses on the integrated planning, implementation, and analysis of activities that deliver organizational outcomes. Communication competency is an ability for managers to consider the external and external environment, stakeholders, audience, business needs, key messages, and channels in an organization. While performing their roles, business leaders take different roles in which their communication competence is decisive. The functions of managers fall under three main categories, which include interpersonal, informational, and decisional responsibilities.
Business leaders assume interpersonal roles to provide supervision and direction to the employees. In doing so, managers act as a figurehead, liaison, and leader. Henry should realize that he is the symbol of the store, and his top responsibility is informing the employees and stakeholders what the business seeks to achieve. In addition, managers have an obligation to activate and motivation of the staff. Another role involves seeking and receiving a wide variety of information by reading reports, periodicals, and maintaining personal contacts. Managers also influence the behavior and work attitudes of employees through communication. Finally, in achieving the decisional roles, business leaders create ideas, start new activities, and decides on the best ways to utilize human resources.
For managers to perform their roles effectively, they need to understand the communicational roles assumed. Henry needs to be aware of the skills necessary to accomplish his task as a leader. The competencies include aspects of listening skills, non-verbal abilities, and recognition of cultural differences. Managers should utilize effective communication to create and maintain mutual understanding with subordinates. The two supervisors may have indicated their intention to leave the store since there were no common expectations, goals, or directives with Henry.
- Discuss the relationship between communication and motivation.
Employee motivation is essential in maintaining productivity within an organization. According to Frederick Herzberg’s two-factor theory, several factors influence employee motivation, including achievement, recognition, promotion, responsibility, and opportunities for personal growth. On the other hand, elements that lead to job dissatisfaction are job security, working conditions, company policies, and quality of supervision. Business leaders need to understand the role of communication in employee motivation. In most cases, the most basic communication mistakes may lead to employee dissatisfaction.
Employee communications have a positive impact on morale and improve their wellbeing, mental health, happiness, and loyalty. Managers spend most of their time in meetings, having face-to-face conversations, writing letters, emails, and reports. The effectiveness of the channels used by managers requires teamwork and collaboration among all employees. Hence, business leaders need to implement efficient communication practices to manage the performance of all employees. The channels should be sensitive to the personal problems of the staff and allow the dissemination of constructive criticism to the employees. Organizational policies and other managerial decisions are ineffective unless properly understood by the team. Proper communication will enable employees to develop a sense of belonging to the company and consequently enhance their loyalty. Employees usually feel motivated when thesupervisors encourage their input and deliver frequent feedback.