MGMT 340 Final Exam Study Guide (Ch11-18)
Describe the functions and process of communication.
Identify the main functions of communication
- Communication: the transfer and understanding of meaning.
- Main functions: control, motivation, emotional expression, information.
Describe the communication process and distinguish between formal and
informal communication.
The communication process
- Before communication can take place, there must be a purpose
- Stands for the steps between a source and a receiver that result in the transfer
and understanding of meaning
- Key parts: sender, encoding, message, channel, decoding, receiver, noise,
feedback
- Formal channels: communication channels established by an organization to
transmit messages related to the professional activities of members
- Informal channels: communication channels that are created spontaneously
and that emerge as responses to individual choices
Contrast downward, upward, and lateral communication through small-group networks
and the grapevine.
Contrast downward, upward and lateral communication and provide examples of
each.
- Downward communication: flows from one level of an organization to a lower
level, such as managers to employees. It is important that managers explain
decisions and ask their advice
- Upward communication: flows to a higher level in the organization.
To provide feedback to higher-ups. Lower-level employees tend to be more
positive than they really are, so honesty is critical. A climate survey is an example
of upward communication.
- Lateral communication: takes place between people at the same level.
Most of the time this communication is informal and is used to save time.
Know how channel richness underlies the choice of communication method.
Identify common barriers to effective communication.
Contrast formal communication networks and the grapevine.
- Chain: Follows the formal chain of command (use when accuracy is needed)
- Wheel: Relies on a central figure to act as the conduit for the communication
(use for emerge of a leader)
- All channels: All members can actively communicate with each other (use if high
satisfaction is needed)
- Grapevine: an organization’s informal communication network (sometimes
rumours)
- Characteristics:
- Not controlled by management
, - Perceived by employees as being more believable/reliable than formal
communication
- Used to serve self-interest of the people within it
Understand the leadership theories.
1. Trait Theories: focuses on personal qualities & characteristics that differentiate leaders
from non-leaders. Conscientiousness and extraversion are positively related to leaders’
self-efficacy (emotional intelligence); traits can predict leadership, however; these are
NOT good at distinguishing between effective & ineffective leaders.
2. Behavioral Theories: Specific behaviors can differentiate leaders from non-leaders.
a. Initiating Structure: (goal attainment) leader who assigns group members to
particular tasks, maintains standards of performance & emphasizes the meeting
deadlines.
b. Consideration: (relationship: trust & respect) Help employees with personal
problems, friendly, approachable, treats all employees as equal.
Appreciation/support.
3. Contingency Theories: Effective leadership depends on the situation.
- Ex: Fiedler Contingency Model - proposing that effective group performance
depends on the proper match between the leader’s style & the degree to which
the situation gives the leader control.
- LPC- Least preferred coworker: to identify that style by measuring whether a
person is task or relationship oriented.
4. Situational Theory: focuses on the follower’s readiness. Extent to which they’re willing
& able to accomplish a specific task.
Define the contemporary theories of leadership and their relationship to foundational
theories.
- Contemporary focuses on the manner which leaders emerge, guide their employees
and influence the organization
- Foundational focuses on the behaviors aspects of the leaders
Roles of leaders in creating ethical organizations.
- create policies and procedures setting the groundwork for an ethical organization
- influence employees through action and model, leading by example
- create an environment of trust among the employees providing honest, frequent, and
accurate information to help ethical standards.
- ethical training and providing protection for employees who report unethical behavior.
- They should implement the idea of charismatic leadership among the management
group toward the employees.
Describe the functions and process of communication.
Identify the main functions of communication
- Communication: the transfer and understanding of meaning.
- Main functions: control, motivation, emotional expression, information.
Describe the communication process and distinguish between formal and
informal communication.
The communication process
- Before communication can take place, there must be a purpose
- Stands for the steps between a source and a receiver that result in the transfer
and understanding of meaning
- Key parts: sender, encoding, message, channel, decoding, receiver, noise,
feedback
- Formal channels: communication channels established by an organization to
transmit messages related to the professional activities of members
- Informal channels: communication channels that are created spontaneously
and that emerge as responses to individual choices
Contrast downward, upward, and lateral communication through small-group networks
and the grapevine.
Contrast downward, upward and lateral communication and provide examples of
each.
- Downward communication: flows from one level of an organization to a lower
level, such as managers to employees. It is important that managers explain
decisions and ask their advice
- Upward communication: flows to a higher level in the organization.
To provide feedback to higher-ups. Lower-level employees tend to be more
positive than they really are, so honesty is critical. A climate survey is an example
of upward communication.
- Lateral communication: takes place between people at the same level.
Most of the time this communication is informal and is used to save time.
Know how channel richness underlies the choice of communication method.
Identify common barriers to effective communication.
Contrast formal communication networks and the grapevine.
- Chain: Follows the formal chain of command (use when accuracy is needed)
- Wheel: Relies on a central figure to act as the conduit for the communication
(use for emerge of a leader)
- All channels: All members can actively communicate with each other (use if high
satisfaction is needed)
- Grapevine: an organization’s informal communication network (sometimes
rumours)
- Characteristics:
- Not controlled by management
, - Perceived by employees as being more believable/reliable than formal
communication
- Used to serve self-interest of the people within it
Understand the leadership theories.
1. Trait Theories: focuses on personal qualities & characteristics that differentiate leaders
from non-leaders. Conscientiousness and extraversion are positively related to leaders’
self-efficacy (emotional intelligence); traits can predict leadership, however; these are
NOT good at distinguishing between effective & ineffective leaders.
2. Behavioral Theories: Specific behaviors can differentiate leaders from non-leaders.
a. Initiating Structure: (goal attainment) leader who assigns group members to
particular tasks, maintains standards of performance & emphasizes the meeting
deadlines.
b. Consideration: (relationship: trust & respect) Help employees with personal
problems, friendly, approachable, treats all employees as equal.
Appreciation/support.
3. Contingency Theories: Effective leadership depends on the situation.
- Ex: Fiedler Contingency Model - proposing that effective group performance
depends on the proper match between the leader’s style & the degree to which
the situation gives the leader control.
- LPC- Least preferred coworker: to identify that style by measuring whether a
person is task or relationship oriented.
4. Situational Theory: focuses on the follower’s readiness. Extent to which they’re willing
& able to accomplish a specific task.
Define the contemporary theories of leadership and their relationship to foundational
theories.
- Contemporary focuses on the manner which leaders emerge, guide their employees
and influence the organization
- Foundational focuses on the behaviors aspects of the leaders
Roles of leaders in creating ethical organizations.
- create policies and procedures setting the groundwork for an ethical organization
- influence employees through action and model, leading by example
- create an environment of trust among the employees providing honest, frequent, and
accurate information to help ethical standards.
- ethical training and providing protection for employees who report unethical behavior.
- They should implement the idea of charismatic leadership among the management
group toward the employees.
