PUB3702
ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: SEPTEMBER 2025
, Essay
Evaluating Sam Maluleke’s Listening Skills and Managerial Involvement in
Workplace Relations
Introduction
Effective listening is a critical skill for managers as it influences workplace
communication, employee morale, and group cohesion (Brownell, 2012). A good
listener not only pays attention to what is being said but also creates an environment
where employees feel heard and valued (Nichols & Stevens, 2011). In the case study of
Sam Maluleke, the accounting manager in the Department of National Education, his
interaction with financial analyst Brian Furham raises questions about his ability to listen
effectively. This essay examines whether Sam can be considered a good listener,
identifies ways to overcome his listening shortcomings, and discusses whether he
should have become more involved in addressing Brian’s workplace integration
challenges.
Is Sam Maluleke a Good Listener?
From the evidence provided in the case, it can be argued that Sam Maluleke is not a
good listener. Listening, in a managerial context, goes beyond simply hearing words; it
involves active engagement, empathy, and the ability to withhold judgment until the
speaker has fully expressed themselves (Brownell, 2012). In Sam’s interaction with
Brian, several indicators suggest that he failed to practice effective listening.
Firstly, Sam shows impatience from the outset. When Brian enters his office hesitantly,
Sam immediately emphasizes that he has “a number of reports to complete” and insists
that Brian “must be quick.” This sets a tone that discourages open communication.
According to Adler and Rodman (2011), effective listeners demonstrate interest through
ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: SEPTEMBER 2025
, Essay
Evaluating Sam Maluleke’s Listening Skills and Managerial Involvement in
Workplace Relations
Introduction
Effective listening is a critical skill for managers as it influences workplace
communication, employee morale, and group cohesion (Brownell, 2012). A good
listener not only pays attention to what is being said but also creates an environment
where employees feel heard and valued (Nichols & Stevens, 2011). In the case study of
Sam Maluleke, the accounting manager in the Department of National Education, his
interaction with financial analyst Brian Furham raises questions about his ability to listen
effectively. This essay examines whether Sam can be considered a good listener,
identifies ways to overcome his listening shortcomings, and discusses whether he
should have become more involved in addressing Brian’s workplace integration
challenges.
Is Sam Maluleke a Good Listener?
From the evidence provided in the case, it can be argued that Sam Maluleke is not a
good listener. Listening, in a managerial context, goes beyond simply hearing words; it
involves active engagement, empathy, and the ability to withhold judgment until the
speaker has fully expressed themselves (Brownell, 2012). In Sam’s interaction with
Brian, several indicators suggest that he failed to practice effective listening.
Firstly, Sam shows impatience from the outset. When Brian enters his office hesitantly,
Sam immediately emphasizes that he has “a number of reports to complete” and insists
that Brian “must be quick.” This sets a tone that discourages open communication.
According to Adler and Rodman (2011), effective listeners demonstrate interest through
