Problem1. X is a junior Manager in his early forties who joined his company at age of sixteen. He sticks to the strict routine, arriving and leaving work punctually. He is married with two children at school. He has always worked in functional section which he now manages and he is regarded as one of company’s most experienced employees in his specific field. He is however, not familiar with the latest developments in data processing and feels that he is being swamped by excess of useless information. He claims that he is, in any case, aware of the information he needs, but his subordinates worry since they notice that he ignores information which doesn’t agree with his opinions. D is a young graduate who has recently passed her CIMA finals. She works in management information department. She has been promoted speedily to supervisor, having joined the company a few years ago straight from University. She is single and lives close to office and frequently works late since she loves computers and is fascinated by their potential. She is expert in the computer language and has no time for ‘stick–in-the muds’, which don’t see the benefit of the information revolution. She often and fluently tells anyone willing to listen that the company is old fashioned and needs to be dragged in the 21st Century. X hears this, disapproves but doesn’t comment, and carries on his usual way. Though D and X are located in different buildings on the same site, their work requires them to co-operate regularly. Their relations are getting more and more strained and their work is suffering.

Required:

problem1. Determine and describe the barriers to communication between the two colleagues.

problem2. Suggest how these barriers can be overcome.