Communication in the Workplace

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The average worker spends two-thousand and eighty hours a year at their place of employment. Communication within the workplace is often overlooked or not given as much importance as most people should allow, given the amount of time that is spent there. Beyond the more basic verbal speech, one must be aware of the nonverbal symbols and noise that can have an effect on communication. There are also cultural, environmental and internal factors that can effect communication and how successful it can be. The various perceptions that an individual has developed over their life can also effect communication. One’s ability to communicate effectively will determine the success and enjoyment that is to come from their job. There are many symbols that people encounter when communicating. In a verbal exchange there are abstract and concrete symbols. A concrete symbols represents a specific object (Hybels & Weaver, 2007, pg. 10). There is little room for a person to interpret a concrete symbol or to put another meaning to this. If, for example, the concrete symbol is a television, there may be different types, but the word will have a common picture in everyone’s mind. Abstract symbols are those which stand for ideas (Hybels & Weaver, 2007, pg. 10). As Hybels and Weaver (2007) state, the way in which these words are understood are based on the experiences of the person interpreting the words ( pg. 10). Take the word love; most people will have different ideas and feelings towards what the word love means. When abstract words are used over concrete words in the workplace, the can allow for more miscommunications or misunderstandings to occur. If one person has a very positive understanding of an abstract word, bu... ... middle of paper ... ...cation. It is important to be aware of all of these different factors. Most importantly, it is vital to know that not all communication will end with a positive result and to know when a specific communication needs to be stopped so there are not long term effects of one bad communication. Being a well-rounded communicator is not only vital for a successful career but can also be the difference in promotions and raises. Works Cited Anita Bruzzese. (2010, March 20). On the Job: Nonverbal cues can give you the edge at the office. The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved May 9, 2010, from ProQuest Newsstand. (Document ID: 1988454201). culture. (2010). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved May 9, 2010 from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/culture Hybels, S., & Weaver II, R.L. (2007). Communicating effectively (8th ed.) Boston: McGraw Hill.

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