The communication pathway or medium in which communication is delivered.
Managers spend one third of their time communicating up and down the organizational hierarchy. Communication is the transfer and understanding of information from one person to another. The communication model comprises of several parts.
We want to examine the communication pathway or medium in which communication is delivered. The communication pathway is the way messages are sent, including:
Face-to-face meetings.
Electronic mail and online discussions.
Written letters or memorandums.
Telephone or voice-mail, among others.
While some people may be better at using certain mediums over others, some mediums can be better suited for the specific message being conveyed. For this week's discussion, suppose you are a manager who needs to communicate several messages to employees of the company.
Messages
The CEO abruptly resigns after the news media reports that the CEO embezzled millions of dollars.
A plan to relocate the company.
The death of an employee.
The reassignment of one division to a new location.
Respond to the following for each of the messages above:
List the medium (telephone, email, text, face-to-face meeting, et cetera) you would use to communicate the message.
Explain why you chose that medium over the other possible mediums.
Then, consider the importance of the information conveyed in these messages. How might the choice of medium for communication impact trust and credibility among the employees?
Message 2: A plan to relocate the company.
Medium: Written Letter/Memorandum
Reason: Relocating an entire company requires many details which can better be communicated through a written letter or memorandum since it provides more room for explanation than would other mediums such as telephone calls or emails messages (which may not have necessary depth). This will help ensure that all parties involved fully comprehend what is being proposed before making any decisions related to moving forward with the plan.
Impact on trust & credibility: Distributing clear detailed information about relocating plans builds confidence among employees in terms of knowing exactly what’s happening and when, giving them the opportunity to make informed decisions rather than feeling left out due to lack of knowledge on certain matters.
Message 3: The death of an employee.
Medium: Telephone/Voice Mail
Reason: Notifying someone about another person’s death should always be done with respect and sensitivity; therefore speaking directly over phone would likely create less emotional trauma than communicating via email (which can often come off cold). Consequently voice mail might also suffice if direct contact cannot be made but still provide enough empathy regarding such delicate topics so persons receiving messages don’t feel like much was missed when hearing notification secondhand compared to speaking live with someone who has been through similar situations before.
Impact on trust & credibility : Delivering sensitive news face–to–face will allow for greater understanding between parties involved and display genuine sympathy by leader during process helping maintain positive relationships across board even under difficult circumstances.
Message 4 :The reassignment of one division to a new location .
Medium : Electronic Mail / Online Discussion
Reason : Reassigning large groups like divisions require multiple steps , from setting up conference dates , providing travel expenses etc ; All these tasks must coordinated quickly , efficiently ,and effectively . Electronic mail can help deliver messages faster than traditional snail mail and discussion threads online can facilitate quick engagement among those affected allowing many voices heard simultaneously while also limiting physical movement needed during transitory period .
Impact on Trust & Credibility : Being able offer access resources needed swiftly while maintaining open dialogue throughout transition demonstrates appreciation within organization sending strong message signifying value placed upon human capital no matter where they physically located