1. Working Through It!: Conflict and Negotiation
Key Assignment Draft
It is time to draft the employee communication plan for your company (company used is
Walmart) . Using the information that you gathered from Weeks 1–3, include the following
information in your strategic plan:
Company synopsis: This is a snapshot of the company, what it sells, and the number of
employees.
Management’s philosophy on employee communication: An example of a management
philosophy could be that any important communication about the company’s activities are
shared internally before being shared externally on the Internet or in a news release.
Goals of the communication plan: One possible goal could be to help employees be more
productive by establishing a clear and effective employee communication plan. The plan can
be viewed as an organizational diagnostic that provides employees with consistent,
accurate, and regular information about the company's business goals and objectives.
Target audience characteristics: The plan should take into account cultural, gender, and
linguistic differences to help employees understand the goals of the organization.
Communication tools: These can include various deliverables, including e-mails,
newsletters, e-blasts, brochures, reports, conferences, employee meetings, and more.
Communication channels: Communication channels include internal and external Web sites,
public relations venues, visits or speeches from management, and more.
The materials found in the MUSE may help you with this assignment such as the article
Communication and Multimedia Platforms.
Also, include information on crisis communication. Develop a policy of 200–300 words that
describes how the company will communicate negative information about employees or
other organizational concerns.
Provide 4–5 sources from outside of your textbook to support your answer. Use APA style
for citations.
(prior work uploaded)
Group vs. Individual Communication
2. The success of any company needs to have a clearly defined communication plan, and the
success of any organization needs to have clear and effective communication. A
communication map is a graphical representation of the several internal communication
channels available within an organization. It is a valuable resource for understanding the
many different channels of communication within a corporation and how these channels
link with one another (Kovaite, Sumakaris & Stankeviciene, 2020). The communication map
can zero in on issue areas, which can then be addressed to improve or streamline
communication.
Wal-Mart Stores' importance of maintaining open communication channels among its staff
members is one of the most important contributors to its success. The company's extensive
communication plan includes various channels, including but not limited to email, the
telephone, text message, video conferencing, and in-person meetings. Using the
communication map, stakeholders such as customers, vendors, and employees can be
located. The communication map is also helpful in articulating the many objectives the
business hopes to achieve through its approach to communication. The communication map
is also helpful for identifying potential points of contention and areas in which things could
be simplified or improved through improved communication.
Best Platforms for Communication (Virtual or Face-to-Face)
There are several channels of interaction for Wal-Mart Shops to choose from. The
organization utilizes email, phone, text messages, video conferences, in-person meetings,
and other contact forms. There are several ways for clients, suppliers, and staff to get in
touch with the business.
Email is the primary method of internal and external contact for the business. There's
nothing better than email for quick and easy communication with many individuals. The
organization also uses text messages to communicate with clients, suppliers, and staff. Using
text messaging to spread the word fast and efficiently is a terrific tool.
Video conferencing is another method the business uses to keep in touch with its clients,
suppliers, and staff. Meeting with remote workers or communicating with folks in other
time zones is much easier with the help of video conferencing technology. In addition to
saving money, eliminating the need for employees to travel to meetings is another
significant benefit of video conferencing.
Last but not least, the organization also uses in-person meetings as a means of connecting
with its clientele, suppliers, and staff. Get everyone on the same page and build rapport
through in-person interactions. In-person get-togethers also promote candid conversation,
which is essential for answering questions and giving input. At Wal-Mart Stores, the optimal
channel for communication is constantly changing based on the requirements of the
business. To maximize the efficacy of the business's communication strategy, it is
recommended that many various channels are used.
Advantages of Electronic Communication
Cost-Effective: The cost of electronic communication is often substantially lower than that
of face-to-face interaction because there is no need for participants to travel to meet.
3. Faster: Since communications can be delivered and received in seconds, electronic
communication is significantly more efficient than face-to-face interaction.
Quickly Recorded: Keeping track of talks is much more straightforward because electronic
correspondence may be archived and retrieved later.
Disadvantages of Electronic Communication
Lack of Personal Connection: Unlike face-to-face interaction, electronic communication
might feel cold and impersonal.
Miscommunication: Misunderstandings are more likely to occur in electronic
communication since tone and body language are more difficult to read in these mediums.
Security Risks: Threats like hacking and data theft can compromise the security of
electronic communication.
Advantages of In-Person Communication
Personal Communication: When two people meet face to face, they can establish a more
genuine rapport through nonverbal cues like facial expressions and body language.
Deeper Understanding: In-person interactions allow for a richer exchange of information
because of the greater clarity afforded by the ability to read each other's facial expressions,
body language, and tone.
Easier Problem Solving: Complex problems are best tackled, and collaboration is facilitated
through face-to-face talks when ideas and solutions can be addressed in greater depth.
Disadvantages of In-Person Communication
Costly: Many hidden expenditures come with face-to-face meetings, such as transportation,
lodging, and food.
Time-Consuming: In-person meetings need time and effort to organize, including locating a
convenient location and organizing busy schedules.
Unprofessional: Without the polish of internet communication, face-to-face interactions
aren't often perceived as professional.
Comparison and contrast two Written and Oral Communication Methods
The exchange of information between two or more persons using written messages or
documents is known as written communication. Whether it's to inform employees or
consumers, businesses frequently rely on written communication. Emails, letters,
memoranda, reports, and other written documents are all common types of written
communication. Policies and procedures, as well as changes and developments, can all be
disseminated to staff via written communication.
To contrast, the act of conveying information with spoken words is called oral
communication. In the business world, this interaction method efficiently conveys messages
to staff and clients. Ideas, directions, queries, employee motivation, and conflict resolution
are a few uses for oral communication. Also, it is utilized to communicate crucial
information, such as company updates and meeting reminders, to the appropriate people.
Because of its size and prominence, retailing powerhouse Wal-Mart Stores rely significantly
on written and verbal communication forms. Policies, procedures, and updates are
disseminated to staff and clients via written communication. Employees are also kept up-to-
date on developments and changes through the distribution of memos, emails, and letters.
Reports and other written papers are also used to inform workers about the business and
4. its activities in great detail.
On the other hand, oral communication is utilized for face-to-face interactions with staff
members to train, clarify, and inspire them. Wal-Mart Stores relies heavily on face-to-face
interactions; phone calls with customers, and internal team meetings to convey information
orally (Jackson, 2020). Furthermore, this method of interaction equips customer care
personnel with the knowledge they need to manage disputes and respond to customer
inquiries.
In general, Wal-Mart Stores extensively uses both written and verbal forms of
communication to reach and enthrall its workforce and clientele. Information and updates
are typically disseminated in written form, whereas direct interactions with staff and
customers are handled orally. Wal-Mart Stores relies heavily on written and spoken
communication to convey its messages to its staff and customers.
References
Jackson, S. A. (2020). Organizational Communication.
Kovaitė, K., Šūmakaris, P., & Stankevičienė, J. (2020). Digital communication channels in
Industry 4.0 implementation: The role of internal communication. Management: Journal of
Contemporary Management Issues, 25(1), 171-191.