STUDY GUIDE FOUR

Chapters 8 & 9                                                                                                                               COMM 388

Zalabak (7th)                                                                                                                            Dr. Thomlison

 

 

First, be aware that this study guide is not enough to insure success on the exam.  Be sure to also review notes, handouts and the text, including the sections at the very end of each chapter.   Be sure to review and be able to recognize the definition of terms given in the margins and elsewhere in your chapters.

 

Chapter 8

 

1.         How do decision making and problem solving relate to each other?

 

2.         What are the pros and cons of the consensus method of group decision making?

 

3.         What are the four major influences on decision making and problem solving?

 

4.         Know the main barriers to effective decision making and problem solving. What is organizational silence?

 

5.         What are the stages of the standard agenda approach to problem solving?

 

6.         What are the basic rules of brainstorming?  How does Delphi technique work? 

 

7.         What are some communication competencies or skills that can increase problem solving and decision-making effectiveness?

 

8.         Know each of the main types of organizational interviews and what behaviors appropriately go with each.  What kinds of questions should the interviewee be prepared to answer and ask?

 

9.         What are the major types of organizational presentations?  Who usually gives each type of presentation? 

 

10.       What are the major formats for organizing presentations (chronological, etc.)?

 

Chapter  9

 

11.       Be generally familiar with the contexts and causes for conflicts in organizations.

 

12.       Know Pondy's five conflict stages or episodes and a little about each one.

 

13.       What are Thomas'  five orientations/predispositions or approaches to conflict? Which

            one(s) emphasizes goals over relationships?   Which places personal needs above the needs and goals of others?  Etc.

 

14.       According to Thomas, how are strategic objectives determined?  What are strategic choices? What are conflict tactics?  What do Hocker and Wilmot say about how we see our own approaches to conflict? Be able to recognize which communication tactic for conflict is being used based on a sample piece of dialogue.  (For example, "Fix the machine or you better start looking for another job!" is an example of making a threat.)

 

15.       What is procedural conflict?  What are the major group conflict management processes and the major characteristics of each?

 

16.       What are Gibb's supportive climates? Defensive climates?

 

17.       How do Kreps and Thornton view ethical communication behaviors?  What is the strategy of principled negotiation?

 

18.       What are some of the guidelines and a format for productively managing conflict?

 

19.       (not in text) Be familiar with the "communication styles" model, major behaviors of each color, and information on each regarding what to avoid, roadblocks, what keeps each style from reaching their peak performance and how to adapt your com to each.