MODULE 9

COMMUNICATION

I. Learning Objectives

 Define communication
 Describe the various steps in the communication process
 Compare and contrast formal and informal communication in the
workplace
 Compare and contrast different types of communication
 Compare and contrast different communication channels
 Discuss the barriers to communication
 Identify various methods for improving organizational communication

II. Lessons

Communication
 Definition of communication
 Communication process
 Formal and informal communication
 Types of communication
 Communication channels
 Barriers to communication
 Methods in improving communication in the workplace

References
Bauer, T. & Erdogan, B. (2012). An introduction to organizational behavior.
Creative Commons. Retrieved from
https://2012books.lardbucket.org/pdfs/an-introduction-to-organizational-
behavior-v1.1.pdf
George, J. M. & Jones, G.R. (2012). Understanding and managing organizational
behavior. Prentice Hall. Retrieved from
https://www.sweetstudy.com/sites/default/files/q5/13/09/understanding_and
_managing_organizational_behavior_6th_edit..._0.pdf
 III. Case Study

A Matter of Miscommunication
Allen was unusually bothered by how he is being treated by his immediate
supervisor, Mr. Martin. He kept on thinking what went wrong, when in fact,
yesterday, everything seems all right. Allen just tried to reach out and wrote
several letters of apology even though he didn’t actually know what went wrong or
why Mr. Martin has a cold shoulder.

He continued to observe Mr. martin’s cold treatment on him. His letters of

apology were never read and in fact fall victim in the garbage can. Allen suddenly
felt ill and uncomfortable to what was happening. Some employees gradually
noticed what was happening between them.
Allen’s life in the company has become stressful and yet it occurred to him that
maybe, Mr. Martin’s actuations is due to his age. He is nearing retirement and
Allen observed the same kind of attitude with his father.

But things became worst when Mr. Martin did not even return his greetings. To
top it all, he tried to approach Mr. Martin to ask a few moments of his time for
them to talk. But Mr. Martin on the top of his voice said, “I don’t want to talk to
you!”

And for the next several days, some employees told him that Mr. Martin had
spoken ill pf him. He believed it was unfair because on his part, he has not spoken
ill of Mr. Martin.

That’s it! He could no longer stand it. He requested the manager to transfer him to
another department. The manager realized that what was happening between the
two of them was something personal. It was not about work.

Allen was eventually transferred to another department. He and Mr. Martin were
not in speaking terms for over a year now. Sometimes, Allen wondered what has
gone wrong to the once very good relationship that they had. Allen has looked up
to Mr. Martin just like his father. Allen’s father dies three years ago and Mr.
Martin has become a second father to him. He kept on thinking what went wrong
and he wondered how did it happen.
Mr. martin did not allow him to speak and explain his side or at least find out if
there was something that he had unintentionally done that had hurt his feelings.

Case Questions:

1. What went wrong to Mr. Martin and Allen\s relationship?

2. The relationship between Mr. Martin and Allen’s went wrong. Allen does
not even know what happened. Mr. Martin just don’t want to talk to Allen. I
think that is the reason why does their relationship went wrong. Lack of
communicationWhat could have been done by the manager regarding this
incident?
3. What is the outcome of miscommunication in organizations?

Source:
Zarate, C.A. (2012). Organizational behavior and management in Philippine
organizations. Rex Publishing.