Download Cleveland Alicia Cleveland Influencing individuals and Groups

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Alicia Cleveland
Influencing individuals and Groups
MGMT 325
Professor Smith
July 26, 2015
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Influencing individuals and groups
Communication channels are the means through which people in an organization
communicate. Thought must be given to what channels are used to complete various tasks,
because using an inappropriate channel for a task or interaction can lead to negative
consequences. Complex messages require richer channels of communication that facilitate
interaction to ensure clarity. All organizations rely on effective communications because it
supports work coordination, employee well-being, knowledge management, and decision making
(McShane & Von Glinow, 2012).
Meals on Wheels uses a lot of in person communication because it is a very personal
company. Face to face or personal communication is one of the richest channels of
communication that can be used within an organization. TV, radio and loud speakers all fall
within the broadcast media communication channel. These types of media should be used when
addressing a mass audience. Electronic communication channels encompass email, Internet,
intranet and social media platforms.
Fresh interactive web content, e-newsletters, monthly e-communications, and ealerts/calls to action are the first tools the organization now turns to when trying to meet our
urgent needs. Email is the most important form of communication because it’s fast an easy. With
Meals on Wheels management communicates to employees or volunteers with current
information regarding events. However the organization has also found their way into blogs and
messaging where people are able to share information and experiences. Social media is used by
the organization, for example Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr for pictures.
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I do believe these are effective ways to communicate because they get information out to
the public faster. Many people either have social media or access to email to communicate daily.
Many companies develop difficulties within their organization due to communication issues. The
ability for a company to recognize the communication issues and come to a resolution can
drastically improve working conditions, and organizational culture. In the past before different
types of communication were used, Meals on Wheels had a physical barrier.
Technology is usually the key to solving this barrier. Emails, phone calls, videoconferencing and webcams have helped to eliminate the barrier and provide closer
communication. One strategy that will help is creating an open floor for communication.
Important communication can be discussed from upper management, to lower management, then
employees. If everyone is treated the same, more people will have the ability to speak up and
communicate.
Two major sources of conflicts include change and external factors. The modern
workplace has significant levels of stress and conflict related to change-management and
downsizing. Many workplaces suffer from constant reorganization, leading to further stress and
conflict. Meals on Wheels have had to deal with downsizing in recent years due to company
budgets. Economic pressures are always a top issue for companies. Due to the government
cutting funding, the organization had to cut some senior citizens from the program.
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References
Donais, Blaine. "What Are the Sources of Workplace Conflict?" What Are the Sources of
Workplace Conflict? N.p., Nov. 2006. Web. 26 July 2015.
Pujari, Saritha. "4 Different Types of Barriers to Effective Communication."
YourArticleLibrarycom The Next Generation Library. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 July 2015.
"Meals on Wheels and More - Technology Now." Meals on Wheels and More - Technology
Now. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 July 2015.
"Communication Channels." Communication Channels. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 July 2015.
Kenneth Hanson, “The Food Assistance National Input-Output Multiplier (FANIOM) Model and
Stimulus Effect of SNAP” (Washington, DC: Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, 2010).
Carson, Jessica. Recent Data Show Continued Growth in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program Use. N.p., Dec. 2013. Web. 26 July 2015.