Problem Solving, Organizations face various problems such as economic, environmental, and social problems
Problem Solving
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Introduction
A problem is any issue that imposes challenge which if not solved may result into very serious consequences thus require attention. Organizations face various problems such as economic, environmental, and social problems. Problems therefore need to be analyzed closely and diagnosed for a proper solution to be found. Information technology has helped businesses and organizations in decision-making processes. The management has really achieved accuracy and speed in their decision making processes by employing workable solutions (Bookboon, 2012, p.9-10).
Recently, our organization experienced a major strike due to communication breakdown. Employees demanded for pay rise and the newly appointed managing director (MD), promised to solve the issue by the end of the year after consulting the board of directors (BOD). However, the BOD did not meet and the MD instructed the public relations (PR) office to relay the information to the employees. The PR officer then walked from office to office at lunch break to inform the employees whom most of them had gone for lunch in various places. The PR then promised to return to the various offices after lunchtime but unfortunately got an accident on the stairs and died. The MD had also gone for a meeting with the state’s health department. The employees who were eagerly waiting for the MD’s message got impatient and called for a strike. Although the strike was called off the next day, a few lives were lost and the bereaved sued the hospital for negligence.
Looking at the problem, there were several issues that caused the strike such as poor delivery of information, the expected receivers, staff expectation, mode of delivering the information, timing, power and status. The MD could have either invited everyone and inform them about the outcome or used text messaging than directing the message to the PR officer. The staff had very high expectation and expected direct message from the MD but not a junior staff. The timing of information was very poor. The PR officer could have gone to inform the staffs earlier before lunchtime. The whole system of communication was poor and the MD promised to work on the failures.
Effective communication skills entail good listening, non-verbal communication, team culture, consistency, clarity, and preciseness. Careful listening makes an individual feel that he is heard and this saves time (Ellis, 2009, p.15-18). Listening reduces misunderstanding and mistakes. A good listener shows interest to the information communicated, do not interrupt, and is not judgmental. Nonverbal communication involves use of body language such as facial expression, hand movements, smiling and parting lips. Smiling for instance, may not mean happiness another way of controlling emotions.
Team culture is another communication skill that requires respect and team spirit among members. Members of a team should work towards a common goal with clear rules, regulations, and empowerment. Roles of every member of the team should be clear and respected by other members. Consistency is another important aspect of communication where a leader practices honesty and open communication that allows subordinates space for discussion. Finally, while communicating, clarity and preciseness should be encouraged. Whoever is communicating must be straight to the point and conclusive.
In as much as communication is important, there are several barriers preventing effective communication. Some of these barriers are physical barriers such as noise, too much light, and use of outdated equipment. Communication should be held in a noise free environment and with updated equipment to avoid breakdown. Language barriers and cultural differences may hinder relay of information. The sender may communicate in a language not understood by the receiver. There should be a language interpreter to help in interpretation Moreover, biological issues such as poor eyesight, hearing problem, headache and pain may make the recipient not understand message passed. Assumption and jumping into conclusion also contributes to poor communication. An individual is required to listen attentively and carefully to avoid jumping into conclusion. Conclusively barriers to communication impose a great threat to most businesses (Tomita & Elena, 2009, p. 799-802).
Organizations use various methods and processes in communication such as written, oral, face-to-face, and online communication. Online communication includes the use of mobile phones, computers, and tablets. Online communication includes use of E-mail, video conferencing and social media such as Facebook. This method of communication requires the use of internet. Face-to-face communication, though is an old method, it is widely used and is the most effective since it is interactive. Oral communication may include face-to-face, use of mobile phones or holding meetings. In addition, written communication is another way of communication that is very important especially where evidence may be required later.
Communication greatly affects the daily operations of organizations and therefore, should be used effectively and efficiently. Better communication improves marketing the organization’s product, boosts employee morale, and eventually promotes sales. Quality attention should be paid and the right effective method of communication be applied by considering cost, quantity, quality and the audience. Communication breakdown must be avoided by using the most appropriate methods of communication where applicable. Skills and elements of communication are very vital in communication.
References
Bookboon. (2012). Effective communication skills.
Tomita, & Elena, R. (2009). The necessity and efficient usage of managerial communication within organisations during crisis situations. drawing-up the content of a crisis planning. Annales Universitatis Apulensis : Series Oeconomica, 11(2), 796-804. Retrieved from HYPERLINK “http://search.proquest.com/docview/763421618?accountid=45049” http://search.proquest.com/docview/763421618?accountid=45049
Ellis, R. (2009). Communication skills: Stepladders to success for the professional. Bristol, UK: Intellect.
