Answers to Self-Assessment Questions and Activities in Business Comm. (Module 2)

Module 2 – Culture and Communication imparted a lot of ideas which can be very beneficial not only to people who are in the business field but also to everyone who experiences difficulty in communicating with others especially to those who belong to a different race, organization or social status. Self-assessment questions are challenging as they made me think back of previous experiences and reflect on those. The activities, on the other hand, prompted me to read more and seek first hand information for me to come up with answers.

In this blog entry, I will be sharing my answers to some self-assessment questions and activities.

Self-Assessment Question 2-1

What challenges do you have in communicating with the opposite sex in formal

contexts? In informal contexts? How can you address these challenges?

Communicating with the opposite sex in formal contexts does not really pose challenge on me as I am accordingly dealt with by men in our workplace. In my 11 years in school, I have never experienced rough treatment by any of my male fellow employees. Yes, we do communicate in informal contexts especially during faculty enrichment programs or off-campus activities but I never experienced any situation where any of these men did something offensive towards any  of the female employees.

Activity 2-2

1. Accommodating religious holidays by businesses is very important as it bridges the gap between the business and the people in the community where the business operates. As the business recognizes the religious holiday of the place, they’ll get recognition from and consideration of the people  in return. Thus, communication between the business and the people in general is facilitated and the product that the business offers will eventually be acknowledged or patronized by the latter. 2. It is very important considering the fact that communication means and purpose vary among men and women plus the fact that in countries like the Middle East, China and others men are given greater importance; thus, women have to be very careful and mindful of their status in communicating with men. Courtesy and submission have to be manifested for the former’s presence and message to be acknowledged. In countries where women are treated the same way men are keeping in mind gender norms is still important as this prompts both men and women to think of better ways to deliver their messages. Further, the knowledge of the matter – gender norms in workplace communication – gives them the idea why misunderstanding occurs. Hence, proactive communicators (regardless of gender) can easily think of alternatives if ever rejection of proposals or ideas communicated occurs because as it is observed sometimes it is not the idea/message which is being rejected but its presentation or the presenter. 3. The boss or any employee must not compel anybody to adopt whatever belief the former has. Respect in someone else’s conviction should be demonstrated to prevent the occurrence of conflict among employees of various nationalities. One cannot just impose his personal convictions upon another no matter what their connection is. 4. As I myself am a risk averse, I would not persuade others to take unknown risks. Should I be appointed to propose a solution to a problem, I would invite my colleagues to give their opinions and make us all see the advantages and disadvantages of the probable solutions. Then, I would see to it that we come up with a consensus rather than letting myself decide alone on the matter. That way, I am able to initiate at the same time make them see their importance through their contributions to finding the solution to the problem. 5. As we desire to avoid conflict and please clients of high status, I think addressing them politely and respectfully would be enough. As the expert in the video said, no personal questions such as “how old are you?”, “Are you married or single?”, and others would be asked. The same will be practiced as I communicate with my colleagues in the same company. 6. Embarrassing situations happen especially when we are with people whom we hardly know. This cannot be avoided unless we have been given idea beforehand about the person that we are to encounter and the kind of culture, which he is from. So far, I have not experienced this yet.

Self-Assessment Question 2-2

How do you rate yourself in this area? What specific challenges do you have in that particular area? What have you done to improve your skills in this area? Listening 9 Primarily, because I’m a teacher. I have practiced my listening skill a lot as I regularly encoun-ter my students and quarterly confer with their parents. Conversation 9 Again, I attribute my improvement in this aspect to my profession. Nonverbal Communication 8 As I confront different situations and deal with various personalities, I have learned to manage my nonverbal reactions. It’s the fear of misjudgment by my students that taught me to handle my emotions. Networking 5 I don’t think I have the talent for networking; thus, I never initiated or joined any of it.

Self-Assessment Question 2-3

I have a thick and naturally arched eyebrows, which basically give my reaction away as I confront any disagreeable situation. One time, a parent suddenly approached me on her son’s grade as I was in the midst of encoding my data for a research requirement. Because I wasn’t informed of that meeting I could have reacted negatively as the parent showed up which I realized later on as I received a note from the principal telling me that I was reported for rudeness toward a parent. I immediately responded to the principal’s note and explained my part. I also wrote a letter of apology to the parent. That incident taught me to manage my gestures and facial expressions especially when I’m in front of the parents or the students.

Reflections:

Most of the questions are related to my experiences;thus, answering them was slightly easy for me except for self-assessment 2-4. I find answering the items useful as they required me to think critically and see my strengths and weaknesses in certain situations. I have now a broader understanding of the sources of workplace diversity and a greater knowledge of myself as a communicator.