Assignment

1. Though we may think of communication as a simple process, it is really quite complex. In a short essay, describe the key elements of the communication process in order. Then provide examples that highlight the various points in the process at which communication is most likely to get distorted or interrupted entirely, and explain why these issues arise.

2. Managers gather information in the workplace through many different forums, some formal and some informal. In a short essay, assess the effectiveness of various personal communication channels compared with the primary forms of communication used in most traditional, vertically organized companies.

3. Define nonverbal communication and briefly discuss its importance to communicating in organizations.

4. What is downward communication and what are five topics generally included with downward communication?

5. Describe the difference between centralized networks and decentralized networks.

6. Many companies are embracing social media in workplace communication. If you were the manager of a department that encompassed about 35 people, what type of social media tool would you choose to use to improve workplace communication? How would you want employees to use it? What benefits would the employees and the organization derive from this new approach?

7. Describe the concept of channel richness, specify the richest channel, and explain why it is so rich.