Mullins (2010) defines perception as the dynamic and complex way in which individuals select information (stimuli) from the environment, interpret and translate it so that a meaning is assigned which will result in a pattern of behaviour or thought.
When I started working at Barclays in the Princes Risborough branch, I assumed one of my colleagues would be slow and difficult to get along with as she was much older than me, and stereotyped her because of her age. Stereotyping is the tendency to ascribe positive and negative characteristics to a person on the basis of categorisation and perceived similarities. It occurs when an individual is judged on the basis of the group which it is perceived to belong to, Mullins (2010). After spending time with my colleague and getting to know her properly I realised my initial judgement of her was completely wrong. We had a lot in common and the same approach to working, and worked extremely well as a team to get things done. It taught me that you cannot judge someone by perception until you have learnt more about them. In the future I realise it is important to get to know other people and not stereotype them, or compare them to other people you know, as your judgement will often be wrong.
Business Dictionary describes communication as a two way process of reaching mutual understanding, in which participants not only exchange information but also share and create meaning.
Relating to the article on ‘How to improve staff communication’ these are my three recommendations to improve communication with students at University.
1)
Point 5, ‘Keep the personal touch’ - In my opinion to improve communication at University, I believe lecturers should spend one to one time with students discussing assignments, results and other topics to help the students to improve and develop for the future. Even if the topic is a difficult one, this will give students the experience to tackle similar problems in the future in the workplace and progress successfully through student life.
2) Point 1 ‘Have a shared purpose’ – It is important for students and lecturers to be striving towards the same goal, and if they can achieve a shared purpose, this in time causes improved communication. Furthermore having a shared purpose increases motivation for both the student as they meet their goals and the lecturers as they know they have helped the students achieve.
3) Point 7 ‘Measure your results’ – A survey at university will measure the effectiveness of the staff and facilities, and will communicate the improvements students want to see, and give lecturers time to reflect on the survey as to where they can improve their activities to keep students engaged and help them develop during their course.
Communication is extremely important, and is an important skill for any job role. Individuals spend nearly 70% of their time communicating in the workplace, so it is a skill which needs to be developed as early as possible. Poor communication can lead to conflict in any situation so to have an effective work force it is important that communication is mastered and can also lead to motivation of staff if the organisation is running efficiently. Perception links closely with communication, as how we perceive other people can affect how we communicate with them. Effective communication and focusing on the objectives will reduce perception problems that an individual may have, therefore if both can be achieved, the goals can be met.
Business Dictionary [online] Available from: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/communication.html [Accessed 1/5/2011]
Mullins, LJ. (2010) Management and organisational behaviour. 9th ed. Essex: Pearson education limited.
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