Communication and Organizational Practices

NB: We do not resell your papers. Upon ordering, we do an original paper exclusively for you.

NB: All your data is kept safe from the public.

Introduction

Change within an organization may either arise as a result of internal or external factors. According to Dransfield (2004, p.170), some of the major external forces which lead to change include legal changes, increase in the level of competition and technological changes. In order to survive in the dynamic business environment, firms must be able to respond to these pressures by changing their operation process. This arises from the fact that external changes have a capacity of influencing a firm’s internal processes and hence its survival in the long term. Therefore, it is imperative for firm’s to be proactive in integrating the change. One of the ways through which a firm’s management team can ensure effective transition of the firm and hence its success is by effective communication.

In the 21^st century, the Australian healthcare industry has undergone rapid transformation as a result of technological innovation. One of these changes relates to electronic commerce (More, 2002, p. 32). In an effort to remain competitive, Pharmaxis Limited which operates in the Australian healthcare industry has found integration of e-commerce in its operation to be vital (Tomisich, 2010, para. 1). The firm deals with research, development and marketing of various healthcare products used in the treatment and cure of various diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, bronchiectasis, asthma and cystic fibrosis. Considering the fact that the firm is committed towards commercialization of its products in Australia, the firm has incorporated the concept of supply chain management. This ensures that the firm’s products are available in the market. In an effort to enhance its effectiveness and efficiency in its supply processes, Pharmaxis management team reached a consensus to integrate e-commerce within its supply chain.

Lack of effective communication in an organization when implementing change can result into failure. This means that the firm will not be able to achieve the intended goal. In an effort to integrate e-commerce within the organization, Pharmaxis Limited considered a number of issues.

Communicating the purpose

Prior to implementing the change, the firm’s management team ensured that the employees understood the purpose of the change. The employees may not be conversant with the challenges that the firm is facing. Therefore, it is important for the management team to tell the employees. In addition, the employees must understand what the firm intends to achieve by integrating the change and also the expected outcome if the change is not implemented. The purpose of the change must be logic so as to get the support of the employees.

In an effort to ensure that the employees accepted the decision, Pharmaxis management team ensured constant communication regarding the intended change. The firm used in communicating the information. According to Larkin (1994, p.10), supervisors are considered to be opinion leaders who have a well established contact with the employees. Therefore, they can have the capacity to change employees’ behaviors.

Addressing human concern

In their operation, firms consider employees as the greatest assets. However, only a few firms are committed to this claim. According to Dransfield (2004, p.172) decision to implement change within an organization can result in resistance. This arises from the fact that the employees may perceive the change as a threat to their career through job loss. In addition, employees are resistance to changing their traditional way of doing things. The resultant effect is an increase in their level of stress and hence a decline in their level of productivity. The firm’s management team ensured that the employees understood the benefits associated with the new technology. For example, the employees were educated on how the new technology would enhance the employees’ career. The resultant effect t is that the firm was able to instill a positive attitude amongst the employees.

To improve their attitude towards the intended change, Pharmaxis’s management team instituted a listening post. This enhanced interaction between the firm’s employees and the management team. For example, the employees were able to express their frustrations.

Modification to improve the communication -Developing a personal transition plan

In order to improve its effectiveness in communicating the change, Pharmaxis Limited should have developed a transition plan of how the change will be implemented and make it available to the employees. Some of the issues which should have been included in the plan relate to when and how the training will be conducted. In order to ensure effectiveness in communication, the firm should have developed a personal transition plan. This would ensure that every individual is aware of how and when their roles will change.

How can individuals use communication skills to become more effective negotiators?

Communication is considered to be a two way event which demands involvement of the two parties (Crossman, 2010, p. 34). According to Ellis (2009, p.81), there is a direct relationship between negotiation and communication. Becoming an effective negotiator required one to have strong communication skills. There are numerous communication barriers which limit an individual’s effectiveness in negotiations. However, an individual can be able to enhance his or her negotiation acumen by improving the communication skills (Mersino, 2007). In order to attain this, there are a number of issues which should be considered.

Organizing your thoughts

During negotiations, individuals should take time to organize their thoughts. This will play a vital role in avoiding passing on the wrong or confusing message. It is advisable to write short notes on what one intends to say. Only the main points should be noted down. However, more points should be noted upon the negotiation commencing. Therefore, individuals should have good note taking skills. A moment of silence when talking is a key consideration in organizing thoughts (Hargie, 2006).

Being concise and ensuring clarity

When negotiating, one should always be straight to the point by saying what is intended using few words. This will create interest amongst the audience to listen more attentively. As a result of oversimplifying the message, one is able to explain further when questions arise from the audience.

When communicating one should ensure that there is a high level of clarity. According to Stephenson (2004, p. 45), thinking about a certain issue may lead to confusion while thinking through the issue results into clarity.

Listening carefully

In most cases, negotiations are at attaining a mutual agreement. Therefore, one should listen to the other parties in order to understand the message. One can improve his or her listening skills by being receptive and opening his or her mind. In addition, all distractions should be eliminated to increase concentration. It is also important to be attentive of the other parties’ facts and feeling in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of their concerns. Poor listening may culminate into failure of attaining a proper solution (Panse, 2010, para. 3).

Improving non-verbal communication

According to Dolan (2005, para. 5), 75% of all communication is conducted non-verbally. Therefore, individuals should ensure that their non-verbal communication does not conflict the intended message. For example, one should be concerned about his or her actions and looks. In order to be a good negotiator, it is important for one to be good in non-verbal communication. In addition, one should be attentive of other people’s non-verbal messages.

Translating the message for the benefit of the counterparts

According to Panse (2010, para. 4), people become more attentive if they expect some benefit from the message. Therefore when negotiating, one should focus more on the benefits even though the underlying purpose is the main concern. This will help in ensuring that all the parties involved perceive the expected mutual benefits.

Conclusion

In an effort to implement change within an organization, it is important for those charged with this responsibility to communicate the intended change effectively to all the employees. This can be achieved by communicating the purpose and addressing their concern. To ensure effective understanding of the change, communication should be undertaken by developing a personal transition plan. This will help in addressing individual concerns.

To become a good negotiator, one should improve his or her communication skills. Some of the ways through which this can be attained is by organizing the thoughts, being concise and ensuring clarity. Negotiations should also focus at the other parties’ benefits. Nonverbal communication should also be considered to ensure that they do not conflict with the message.

References

Crossman, J., 2010. Communication and organizational practices. New York: McGraw Hill Custom Publishing.

Dolan, J., 2005. Simplify negotiations with the six rules of effective communication. Web.

Dransfield, R., 2004. Business for foundation degrees and higher awards. London: Heinemann.

Ellis, R., 2009. Communication skills: stepladders to success for the professional. New York: Intellect Books.

Hargie, O., 2006. The handbook of communication skills. Oxford: Taylor & Francis.

Larkin, T., 1994. Communicating change: how to win employees support for new business directions. London: McGrawHill Professional.

Mersino, A., 2007. Emotional intelligence for project managers: the people skills you need to achieve outstanding results. New York: AMACOM Div American Mgmt Assn.

More, E., 2002. The Australian case in e-health communication and change. Journal of management development. Vol. 21, issue 8. Sydney: Macquarie University.

Panse, S., 2010. What are the best methods for effective negotiation? Web.

Stephenson, N., 2004. The confusion. Chicago: Morrow.

Tomisich, F., 2010. Australian industry participation purchasing policy: company overview. Web.

Click Here To Order Now!