Mgt 3300 Discussion

Holly Hester

MGT 3300-ONLH2

Session 2 Review Questions

1. Give an illustration of a conflicting assumption.

A conflicting assumption occurs when people convey messages while automatically assuming that their intended listeners understand their message. This is not exclusive to management. Many different people experience conflicting assumptions. This problem is seen between managers and employees, people involved in relationships, professors and students, and parents and their children. This problem can be averted if time is taken to ensure that the people listening understand the message being conveyed.

A conflicting or inappropriate assumption occurs at the point when communication between two or more people “breaks down.” At this point, the listener does not comprehend the message that the speaker is attempting to convey. Suppose a business receives a new piece of equipment that employees must learn how to use. It is the managers’ responsibility to teach the employees how to work this machine. While explaining how the machine works, the manager does not stop to make sure that each employee is following along. By doing this, the manager is assuming that everyone comprehends what he is saying. In actuality, a few of the employees have questions concerning technical aspects regarding the equipment.

If management simply takes the time to ensure that each employee understands how to use the new equipment, they ensure that this equipment will be handled properly. However, if they only assume that their instructions are understood, they increase the chance that the new equipment will not be handled the proper way. This also increases the likelihood that the new equipment will be damaged by the employees due to their lack of understanding on how to properly use it.

2. What are the six basic “rules of thumb” of good oral communication?

The six basic “rules of thumb” regarding oral communication help to ensure that a person in...