Expert Q&A; Done CHAPTER 1 Communication in the Workplace Frame of Reference Isa

Question

Expert Q&A; Done CHAPTER 1 Communication in the Workplace Frame of Reference Isabel is a Vice-President of Human Resources at Astro Electronics. She has five direct reports, including Juan, Robert, Ellen, David, and Kevin. She meets with her group to discuss company cutbacks due to weak sales in the third quarter. She does, however, ensure the group that there will be no layoffs. Instead, the company plans to make cuts in travel budgets and technology purchases. Before the meeting concludes, Isabel asks each of her direct reports if they understand message. They all nod "yes."David, however, tells his wife that he needs to look for a new job because there are going to be company layoffs and substantial cutbacks. He also meets with Keith, one of his direct reports, and delivers the same message he shared with his wife. Rumors are circulating throuphout the company that massive layofs are coming 1 What might account for the communication breakdown between Isabel and David? 2 What role did Isabel's and David's frame of reference play in their interaction 3 Is the breakdown highlighted in this scenario realistic to a business setting? Explain.

Explanation / Answer

1. According to me, Isabel being the Vice preisdent of the company perceives the whole scenario differently then David, who might not be seeing the profit and loss of the company. Although Isabel has been direct, but David fails to understand the line of information here. Thus this leads to ineffective communication. David perceives the cutoffs in travel budget and technology purchases as layoffs because he misses to see the wider picture here.

2. Isabel, being the Vice president - HR of the company, sees the bigger picture here. In a way, the details do not matter to her. Whereas, for an employee, like David, it is these details that matter a lot. So he sees the cutoffs in travel budgets and technology purchases as threatening and decides to look for a job.

3. Yes, of course, the breakdown highlighted here are quite realistic to many companies these days because due to certain changes in policies and changes in international business regulations, many companies cut dow on costs and this is done through various ways. Some ask employees to leave and some companies follow cut-outs in travel expense, training budgets, technology purchases, etc. This breakdown is a result of many things like inflation, changes in business regulations, etc

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