Thursday, October 25, 2007

Megan Davis- Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Question: What are the three P’s

Answer: The three P’s are: partial, partisan and problematic. Partial is the concept that no matter what point of life you look at a topic, lets say organizational communication for example, the facts we never be current. Because org. com. is such a growing concept, new ideas are being formed everyday, thus always being in a state of evolution. Partisan is where one explains concepts or tells a story in their favor. When you get down to it is just our human nature. We can’t help it! And lastly, problematic is the concept that our understanding of a concept begs more questions than it can answer. This is a good thing however, because it creates a constant state for learning and growing.

Quote: "Satisfying means that people tend to ‘settle for acceptable as opposed to optimal solutions, to attend to problems sequentially rather than simultaneously, and to utilize existing repertoires of action programs rather than develop novel responses for each situation” (Scott, 1981, p. 75. Pg. 80).

Significance: This is defining the key concepts of the Simon’s decision-making model. We want to be rational but we lack knowledge of: consequence, alternatives and criteria. We are stuck in a job/ organization with no way out because we are not given the tools to grow. Thank goodness there are other models out there to define organizational communication.

Megan Davis- Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Question: What are the tree types of dialogue/transactions?

Answer: There are there types of dialogue: equitable transaction, empathetic conversation and real meeting. Equitable transaction is where people are equally able to add to discussions by voicing their perspectives and opinions. Empathetic conversations happen when you are able to put yourself into another person’s shoes and view the world from their point of view. And lastly, real meeting is where there is genuine conversation with little to no influence from the outside world.

Quote: "Miscommunication is the normal state of affairs in human communication . . . miscommunication and unintentional communication are to be expected for they are the norm." (Steven Axley p. 432) 31. 


Significance: In chapter 2, the approach to organizational communication breaks down in to three sections. The second section is transaction process. In this model people engaged in a conversation are both sending and receiving messages, (encoding and decoding). In this model, it is expected that there will be miscommunication. It is further stated that this miscommunication is a benefit to communication in general. It avoids conflict, and generates new ideas. I am not naive enough to believe that miscommunication never happens. Nor am I blind to the fact that the only way we can assume to be understood is through the use of nonverbal cues, but I do believe that when conversing it is the point to understand on another.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Errin Poston Ch. 2 & 3

The Foundations of Dialogue;Self, Other and Context in chapter 2 was very interesting. I noticed how people tend to use the words "I" and "me" so freely without realizing it's importance. Isenberg et. al, describes how "I" is more personal, introverted and desires meaningful interactions with others. While "me" is more extroverted/a people person and open with others.
In addition, the reading suggest that, "People who consistently speak badly about others often reveal their own negative self concept. Conversely, people who generally speak well of others may have a positive self-concept." (p 43) This statement is very true! Unfortunately, it took me a while to realize that unhappy people are very bitter and will do anything to bring you down to their level. Overall, I think when a person is happy with themselves, it shows in the way they interact with others.
Ch 3
In the reading, James Scott discussed hidden transcripts which are, " ...themes and arguments that are well known by members of oppressed group but kept out of the public eye for fear of reprisal from those in power." (p 69) Slave songs to day are also known as the blues and in my opinion gospel music. Another gospel hymn 'Pass Me Not' is also a popular hidden transcript that slaves also sung during their grueling experience. This relates to organizational communication because slaves were considered their own 'organization' so therefore their songs were translated as conversation not only with God, but with fellow slaves that understood the "hidden message."