Tutorial 1

Key Term: Communication Competency

ODeetz (1992) defined it as more open and involved participation as fundamental to expand a larger set of stakeholders and their values in organizations, which he suggests that increasing the political competence of individuals is necessary for increased participation practices.

Littlejohn and Jabusch (1982) defined communication competence as ‘the ability and willingness of an individual to participate responsibly in a transaction in such a way as to maximize the outcomes of shared meanings’.

1.     What unusual communication demands are placed on the “competent communicator” now that we are living in the information society?

  Globalization

o   Broader access to a range of foreign products by using smartphone within national boundaries.

o   Increased availability of Internet access as a result of increased information flow.

o   New global business market for improved productivity and increased competitions.

o   Growth of cross-cultural which individual has better access to cultural diversity.

o   Maintain long distance relationship without geographical boundaries.

Transition into Information Age

o   Abundance of information for decision-making (information overload)

Sophisticated communications technologies

o   Impact of smartphone where internet access is available at anywhere anytime.

o   The power of social networking such as Facebook, Blogger, Twitter and etc.

o   Newspaper goes online.

o   The innovation of software or application which helped in Design, Presentation, Editing, Accountancy earlier and faster than past time.

Complexity of organizational life

o   Imbalance of working and lifestyle.

o   Cross-cultural and national group interaction with the help of video conferences, email and etc.

o   The high expectation of employers and customers on time management.

o   Difficult to control personal ethics.  

 Relationship between organizations and employees

o   Mutual loyalty and support between employers and their employees. Frequent shifts from one employer to another due to the access of Internet to Jobstreet.com, Facebook and others.  

2.       How will you, as a “competent communicator” use each of the four components of competency (knowledge, sensitivity, skills and values) in your personal and professional life?

Knowledge

The ability on how to communicate with others and understand how does the organization system function, how is their hierarchy of information flow, what are the formal and informal rules within the organization, what are the norms accepted by most members and etc. 

Furthermore, we must understand the “Principle of Tenure” which does not judge on senior employees or managers in the meeting although they are wrong; we must talk to them personally.

Sensitivity

It means the ability of being aware and showing concern for others. There are some employers who are very particular on their name title as some of them dislike employees to call them boss, then please don’t. 

Besides, while senior employees are talking gossips or bad things about the employer or manager, please do not mimic follow their back, there are many “spies” surrounding us.

Skills

The ability to apply personal’s knowledge in actual situation. “Principle of Modesty”, do not show that you are better than your boss or supervisors because loyal supporters always receive the best. 

However, you may suggest and give some facts to support your talk to your boss personally. There should not be any showing off within organization.

Values

The ability to learn and share through our personal observation of the organization environment. There is no right or wrong, it is depending on organization ethics or culture. For example, most organizations are giving opportunities for female to become the head of department such as Communication Department of HELP University. 

However, there are still some of them living at the old school times where female are rational and are not dependents.

3.      Think of a person you consider being a “competent communicator” and describing how he or she demonstrates the four components of competency (knowledge, sensitivity, skills and values)?

Knowledge

Bill Gates is a founder of software company, Microsoft. Throughout his career at Microsoft, he held the positions of CEO and chief software architect. He is the best-known entrepreneurs of the personal computer revolution. The innovation of new microcomputer, Microsoft creates ease for mankind at work.

 

Sensitivity

Although he is ranked among the world’s wealthiest people, however he never forgets of social responsibility. He concerns of others and makes large amounts of donation to various charitable organizations and scientific research programs through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Skills

He establishes a scientific research programs through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in order to innovate more and more technologies. In June 2006, he shifted from full-time work at Microsoft to part-time work and full-time work at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Values

Of course, all leaders have their own set of beliefs when it comes to reality. I feel that he is a great person who concerns of social responsibility.