Introduction
Managerial communication is a very significant process to any organization. This is mainly because it provides information required for work to be done. It is defined as a function that enables managers to communicate with one another as well as with staff of the organization.
It, therefore, allows for smooth flow of information between managers that work for a common goal. Several concepts and strategies are utilized in achieving effective interpersonal communication. This paper will compare and contrast two approaches to communication as utilized by two managers in their workplace. It will also explore their approaches to achieve effective communication as well as their consequences (Hynes, 2004, p. 15).
The issue, concept, or consequences
Recently, an event in my working place between the operations manager and sales manger caught my attention. The sales manager had just secured a new niche in the market that needed breakdown of the product into smaller units. The prospect of sale in smaller potions was promising given that it appealed to the low-income earners. Moreover, it formed the highest percentage of population. However, the operations manager was not convinced about it.
This was because breaking down the product meant to order smaller packages and hence more workers and resources. Sales manager communicated through telephone over the issue to the operations manager. The latter seemed to have accepted the former’s proposal over telephone; however, he later sent an email to the sales manager citing reasons why the proposal could not work.
Unfortunately, by this time, the sales manager had prepared quotations for most customers who waited expectantly for the goods. What transpired was a breakdown in communication that led to confusion and a bad reputation for the company as customers felt shortchanged over the quotations. The director suspended both managers pending investigation into the crisis (Wilbers, 2010, p. 1).
Concepts
According to the example, the operations manager utilizes contingency approach to managerial communication when he consents on telephone but does the opposite in writing. In essence, he is influenced by each method of communication differently. On the other hand, the sales manager portrays behavioral approach to his managerial communication.
He is influenced by customers’ need for smaller and affordable products. External factors are hence influential in his decisions. The two approaches are, therefore, in conflict since contingency depends on the situation.
Opinion
From the example above, it can be noted that there was a breakdown in communication between the sales manager and his operations counterpart. It is instrumental to note that effective interpersonal communication is essential in managerial communication. Lateral communication between managers is expected to be fluid and comprehensive in order to allow for smooth flow of information and hence improve efficiency.
Vertical communication both downward and upward is also essential to the smooth flow of information. Sales manager should have explored the best type of communication for this proposal in order to make correct decisions. Moreover, the operations manager should have spoken freely of the difficulties on achieving what the sales department expected over the telephone.
Management communication systems used
The sales manager utilized telephone to communicate his message to the operations manager. On the other hand, the latter used email to communicate with the former. It can, therefore, be seen that they used both verbal and non-verbal communication systems.
These systems were chosen in accordance with the needs of the managers. For instance, the sales managers considered urgency while the operations manager went for a detailed message. Moreover, technology was utilized in both ways that is telephone and internet. This helped in faster transmission of information.
The more effective manager and its impact
Operations manager was more effective in his message. This is mainly because he sent a comprehensive email to his counterpart with detailed information regarding his decision not to reduce size of the product. However, he should have preceded the same by declining the proposal over the phone and requesting for a face-to-face meeting or a report on the same.
This is mainly because messages sent by telephone are prone to interference and cannot be used in the future. In addition, it is only appropriate for brief messages that do not require comprehensive detail. The result of sales manager’s communication resulted in a breakdown of communication. Moreover, that of the operations’ manager increased complexity and confusion.
Potential long-term consequences to each approach
Contingency approach is usually unpredictable since it depends on the underlying situation. This means that potential consequences of operations manager’s approach include unpredictability, experimental decisions and increased conflict in managerial communication, among others.
On the other hand, sales manager’s approach depends on human behavior. This means that potential consequences include response to human attitudes (for instance, consumer behavior) and best practices, among others. Moreover, it is predictable as well as based on behavioral theory on management.
Conclusion
Effective communication is essential in managerial communication. This is important in improving flow of information within the organization. Moreover, approaches to managerial communication have been introduced to help improve effectiveness of interpersonal communication.
However, these approaches must be used in accordance with the requirements. This helps to minimize misunderstandings and confusions as seen above. The two approaches, contingency and behavioral are important in managerial communication. Moreover, use of technology is becoming increasingly momentous in communication (Management Study Guide, 2012, p. 1).
References
Hynes, G. (2004).Managerial Communication: strategies and applications (5th edn.). New York: McGraw-Hill Irwin.
Management Study Guide (2012). Managerial Communication – Meaning and Importance Concepts. Web.
Wilbers, S. (2010). Managerial Communication. Web.