SUBMITTED BY

MAHA MURAD

REGISTRATION #

1452-312012

PROGRAM

EXUCTIVE MBA (HRM)

SUBMITTED TO

SHAMS-UL-ARIFEEN

ASSIGNMENT #

SUBMISSION DATE

13/11/2013

QUESTION:
In family or organization why we are having the communication problems with people around us?

ANSWER:

Types of Communication Problems in Organizations

We have a communication problem. How many times have you heard that as an explanation for project failures, disgruntled employees, or a lack of teamwork in organizations? Aside from the dramatic cases, such as a nurse not telling a doctor that he is about to operate on the wrong leg or a co-pilot not telling the pilot that another plane is on the same landing approach, we rarely know what is meant by communication problem. Several colleagues and I decided to find out. Leslie Stambaugh, Jim Stilwell, and I asked 15 organization leaders about the communication challenges they face in their organizations. An analysis of their responses identified nine major categories:

1. Not All Employees Being Kept Informed

The assumption is that the usual modes of communication will send important information to everyone who needs to know and that everyone will receive this information. However, in many organizations, the information doesnt reach people who are not using those methods of communication on a regular basis (e.g., email that isnt read by front-line workers).

2. Employees Not Receiving Consistent Messages from Management

Different supervisors are sending different, sometimes conflicting, messages about priorities. This causes confusion and distrust among employees.

3. Employees Not Receiving Timely Messages

Information is not getting to employees when and where they need it. Without vital information at the right time and in the right place, the decision-making process slows and projects are not completed on time or in the best way.

4. The Right Information is Not Being Sent to the Right People

Critical information (e.g., market data) is not being shared among key stakeholders. Top management is not engaging employees who have most of the customer contact in the important decisions of the organization. Employees are not getting important information to management.

5. Expectations are Not Clear

Top leaders do not discuss expectations with mid-level managers. Therefore, they do not have the same expectations nor do they agree on how to reach strategic goals. Because of this, employees do not have clear goals and benchmarks to guide their progress.

6. Plan for the Future is Not Known

Leaders do not discuss their vision for the future of the organization with employees. There is no sense of a shared direction toward which everyone is striving. This does not inspire employees to do their best work.

7. Functional Areas Not Collaborating

Departments/units do not share the information that could help all departments/units achieve common goals. They are competitive rather than collaborative. This limits the capability of the organization as a whole.

8. Employees Not Open with Each Other

Employees do not share information with each other. They do not trust each other. This compromises the productivity of teams, departments/units, and the organization.

9. Communication Hampered by Distance between Units

Departments/units that are in different locations do not communicate as much and as often as those in close proximity. The distance makes face-to-face meetings harder to arrange and collaboration takes more time.

10. Lack of Personal Contact

With the use of cell phones, computers and telephones, personal contact is at an all-time low. The same goes for managers. Managers with poor communication skills communicate through

email or phone messages rather than by personal contact. There are instances when email and

phone calls are appropriate for business communication; however, managers need to always discuss personal matters face to face. Personal interaction is the only way to determine the true meaning of an important matter as it is easy to misinterpret the tone of an email or phone message.

11. Lack of Feedback

Annual performance evaluations are a must in any organization; however, feedback on a more regular basis is also important. Many times, employers provide feedback only once a year because they simply won't take the time or don't want the personal contact. With more frequent evaluations come opportunities to improve employees' skills and provide constructive criticism.

12. Lack of Honesty

As most communication problems arise in organizations during difficult times, it is even more important to provide honest answers to employees' questions. Honesty is always important; however, when employees sense a problem in their organization, they expect their employer to lay out the facts and provide them with as much information as reasonably possible. Lack of honesty only turns employees away from their employer, sometimes leading them to another organization they believe will be honest.

Family & Relationship Problems

All relationships and families go through difficult times and experiencing occasional problems and conflict in personal relationships is normal. However, sometimes these problems can become overwhelming.

Signs of family and relationship problems

Frequent arguing Disagreements Breakdown in communication Angry outbursts Avoidance Physical conflict

Triggers for family and relationship problems

Difference in opinions, personalities, beliefs, values or goals Change in family circumstances e.g. new baby, divorce/separation, blending families Financial problems Stress Issues relating to sexuality Alcohol or drug use Gambling problems The onset of mental health problems Bullying/harassment Natural disasters Lack of trust/respect in a relationship

The impact of family and relationship problems

Often family are the most important people to you so relationship problems can be considerably distressing and can lead to:

Negative emotions anger, sadness, anxiety Stress Exhaustion Confusion Feeling isolated, alone or withdrawn Lack of concentration Difficulty eating or sleeping Problems with friends, colleagues or your children Using alcohol or drugs to cope or escape

Things you can do if you are having family/relationship problems

1. Talk - communication is the key and often the first step to finding solutions. Be calm and honest about your concerns when discussing your problems with a loved one. 2. Accept your differences - it can help avoid unnecessary conflict if you can recognize that people have different ideas, opinions and beliefs and you may not always be in agreement. 3. Have fun together - even when things are tough, it's important to find the time to have fun with your loved ones. 4. Make a plan - it can help reduce stress and give common goals to work towards. For example if you are having financial problems it can help to create a budget. 5. Get help - you may not always be able to solve your problems yourself so you may need some external help.