Communication Theory

Communication Theory

Natalie Ward

HCS/320 Health Care Communication Strategies

University of Phoenix

March 25, 2011

Communication Theory

Communication is how people share ideas, information, opinions, and feelings. Health care professionals, (dietary services, nurse’s assistant, or environmental services) are required to have effective communication skills. These skills are used to relate with patients, residents, coworkers and management. Communication skills consist of listening, hearing (comprehending the message), talking (verbal communication), body language (nonverbal communication), writing, and showing professionalism with a professional approach at all times. Sometimes, the way we say something has more of an effect than what we in fact said. The communication of respect has been recognized as an important element of cross-cultural communication. Culture has an insightful influence on views of respect, and the ways in which respect is communicated across cultures can take on a variety of forms (Mackenzie & Wallace, 2011).

One’s interpersonal skills have an effect on work and communication skills. Interpersonal skills include possessing a positive attitude, working well with others, the ability to set and achieve goals, meditating, good quality common sense, capable of solving issues and making prompt decisions ("Communication Skills for Health Care Providers", n.d.). Good listening skills in the workplace save time, solve problems, and reduce errors. Alternatively, poor listening skills allow mistakes, wastes time, and create misunderstandings. The health care profession has no room for mistakes as it have the potential for crucial effects on the lives of patients.

Getting back on the topic of culture, culture is an important part of conflict resolution. Cultures form understanding, acknowledgment, opinion, and ideas of self and others. Some think of culture as just language, dress, and food customs, but it is more than that. Cultural...