COMM 227 Chapter 1-11 Critical Thinking &
Leadership Concepts Notes (best for your final exam
prep) 2026-2027 Concordia University
Chapter 1
,Critical Thinking: Reading, thinking and learning that involves asking questions,
examining our assumptions and weighing the validity of the argument.
- Strategy we use to determine if we believe or not what we read
Business values have permeated non-business spheres such as health care, politics,
education and the world of art and culture.
Business books: frequently among the most dangerous because they are so well done and
therefore are easily read and so believable. They are likely to influence the naive, those
who consume them without evaluating critically their content
Easily influenced since we now consume information on online sources, this has sped the
spread of information as well
- False information online is now increasing with the speed it spreads at as well
- Some cases information is deliberate and malicious
- This may lead to poor strategic planning and inappropriate investments or may
cause damage to the reputation of brands, to companies or individual business
leaders
Being a critical thinker means to go beyond the level of being a passive sponge
Dimensions of critical thinking:
- Purposeful (Central Claims): Ensure our thinking is directed at a significant and
useful purpose and we can state clearly the points at issue
- Quality of data and reasons (Quality of evidence): Are sufficient reasons
provided? Is the info accurate?
- Assumptions and Viewpoints: Can we identify the points of view that underlie the
stated beliefs and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses
- Inferences about cause and effect (Causal Claims): If you do X in your firm, then
Y will be the result
- Techniques of persuasion: Consider carefully how key concepts are presented,
how contradictory evidence is managed and in general how words can sway our
judgements
, Chapter 2
Leadership Concepts Notes (best for your final exam
prep) 2026-2027 Concordia University
Chapter 1
,Critical Thinking: Reading, thinking and learning that involves asking questions,
examining our assumptions and weighing the validity of the argument.
- Strategy we use to determine if we believe or not what we read
Business values have permeated non-business spheres such as health care, politics,
education and the world of art and culture.
Business books: frequently among the most dangerous because they are so well done and
therefore are easily read and so believable. They are likely to influence the naive, those
who consume them without evaluating critically their content
Easily influenced since we now consume information on online sources, this has sped the
spread of information as well
- False information online is now increasing with the speed it spreads at as well
- Some cases information is deliberate and malicious
- This may lead to poor strategic planning and inappropriate investments or may
cause damage to the reputation of brands, to companies or individual business
leaders
Being a critical thinker means to go beyond the level of being a passive sponge
Dimensions of critical thinking:
- Purposeful (Central Claims): Ensure our thinking is directed at a significant and
useful purpose and we can state clearly the points at issue
- Quality of data and reasons (Quality of evidence): Are sufficient reasons
provided? Is the info accurate?
- Assumptions and Viewpoints: Can we identify the points of view that underlie the
stated beliefs and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses
- Inferences about cause and effect (Causal Claims): If you do X in your firm, then
Y will be the result
- Techniques of persuasion: Consider carefully how key concepts are presented,
how contradictory evidence is managed and in general how words can sway our
judgements
, Chapter 2
