In a 250-300 word response, discuss why communication skills are important to organizational success and why recruiters focus so much on finding leads with good communication skills. What happens when there are problems with communications in the workplace (re-work, low morale, product delays, dissatisfied customers, etc.)? Use at least one resource to support your key points. Respond to at least two of your fellow students' posts.
Communication is defined by three parameters: transmitting, receiving, and processing of information (Baack, 2012). Effectiveness of communication can be related to the outcome of the message. “Hynes (2005) stated effective business communication is the key to planning, leading, organizing, and controlling the resources of the organizations to achieve objectives and may be formal or informal in nature” (Conrad & Newberry, 2011).
In the business environment, two types of communication have been identified – interpersonal and communication systems (Baack, 2012). According to Baack (2012) quality communication is required throughout each step of the business cycle, and the depth of communication expands throughout the cycle. Managers’ roles within this environment dictate the type of skills required (Baack, 2012) Business communication skills such as conflict resolution, negotiation and team building have been outlined by Mintzberg (Baack, 2012) as well as Conrad & Newberry (2011). Managers who excel at these skills could easily impact the success of a business. It is vital that employees know what is expected of them to allow for efficient production. Marketing and advertising require communicators talented in both written and verbal communication to attract the best purchasing group. Positive relationships with vendors can be enhanced by a skilled negotiator. Stakeholders, such as investors, need to be reassured by a confident speaker, of the continued value and growth of the company. Poor business communication resulting in a breakdown of the information flow could easily impact an organization through loss of employee morale, incurring greater cost or lack of viable customers (Baack, 2012).
Recruiters seek candidates with strong communication skills because they recognize the potential positive impact of these employees. “…Business communication may make or mar the future growth of the business” (Sinha, 2012). “The National Commission of Writing (NCW) (2004) found that a significant proportion of firms reported one-third or fewer of their employees both current and new possessed the writing skills that are valued” (Conrad & Newbewry, 2011). However, more importantly, the NCW study also stated that they spend $3.1 billion annually to improve employee communication skills (Conrad & Newberry, 2011). Maes, Weldy, and Icenogle (1997) “found that oral communication was one of the top three competencies needed to succeed in managerial positions.
References
Baack, D. (2012).Managerial communication. San Diego, CA: Bridgeport Education, Inc.
Conrad, D., & Newberry, R. (2011). 24 Business communication skills: Attitudes of human resource managers versus business educators.American Communications Journal, 13, (1), 4–23.
Sinha, A. B., (2012). Business communications: The mainstay of an efficient business.The IUP Journal of Soft Skills, 6, (1), 7–15.