The Poorly Informed Walrus: A Case Study: The Poorly Informed Walrus

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The Poorly Informed Walrus is a story regarding lack of communication. Old man had a very bad temper and it was known that he can take out his herd. Although food supply was low and the water levels were falling all of the members of his herd were too afraid to let him know. Eventually, a new herd moved in, making the already low food supply lower. Still afraid of the repercussions of the Old Man almost all of the herd left. The shocked Walrus could not understand why. The Poorly Informed Walrus Case Study Communication is defined as a process of sending and receiving messages with attached meaning; it is key to a successful personal and professional life. (Schermerhorn, 2012). With communication it is important to realize that it is both …show more content…

Defines as a poor choice of words and mixed messages. Basil did in fact inform the Old Man of the receding water lines however, her choice of words and tones made it seems as if was a positive fact. She choose not to illicit a negative response by informing him of the negative effects of the decreasing water line. Nonverbal communication is defined as facial expressions, hand gestures, bodily language, etc. that can project a person’s feeling or intent without speaking. I would like to note that nonverbal communication played a large part in lack of communication. Status Difference also wreaked havoc on this small community. The Old Man held himself away from his herd on a large rock overlooking the others. Yes, this could be because he held a position of authority. However, it can also come across as if he is better than everyone else. And before Basil could give the Old Man the complete information about the new herd that had moved into the territory she could read his non-verbal communication. “… eyes snapped open, and he filled his lungs for the mighty bellow.” (Schermerhorn, 2012). This clued Basil to what his reaction would be, which is why she quickly followed up with semi-good news. Avoiding what in her eyes, seemed to be a

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