COMMUNICATION FOR WORK PURPOSES

At the end of this module you are expected to:

• discuss the concepts of workplace communication;
• distinguish the importance of effective workplace communication;  identify the
skills needed for workplace success; and
• construct appropriate materials for the workplace.

LESSON 3 A Communication Tool in the Workplace

We all need people who will give us feedback. That’s how we improve
- Bill Gates

Feedback, according to Keyton (2000), is any information that individuals receive about
their behavior. As Lieber and McConnel (2004) explain, it can also be activities like market
research, client surveys, accreditation, and employee evaluation. Feedback should not be
viewed as a negative process, instead it should be used as a strategy to enhance goals,
awareness, and learning.

Forms of Feedback with Different Intent

Keyton (2000) identify the forms of feedback with different intent as descriptive
feedback, evaluative feedback, and prescriptive feedback.

1. Descriptive Feedback
A feedback that identifies or describes how a person communicates.
2. Evaluative Feedback
A feedback that provides an assessment of the person who communicates.
3. Prescriptive Feedback
A feedback that provides advice about how one should behave or communicate. Four
Levels of Feedback

According to Keyton (2000), there are four levels of feedback: task or procedural
feedback, relational feedback, individual feedback and group feedback.

1. Task or Procedural Feedback

This level involves issues of effectiveness and appropriateness, specific issues include
the quantity or quality of a group output.

2. Relational Feedback
This level provides information about interpersonal dynamics within a group.
3. Individual Feedback
This level provides feedback that focuses on a particular individual in a group.
4. Group Feedback
This level provides feedback that focuses on how well the group is performing.