Business Communication and Ethics in Organizations
Course Description
The Business Communication and Ethics in Organizations - 2023 course is a comprehensive 27-hour program designed specifically for Business and Engineering students. This course provides a deep understanding of the principles and techniques of effective communication, as well as the ethical considerations that are crucial in the business world.
The course covers a wide range of topics, including verbal and non-verbal communication, language and perception, non-verbal cues, cultural differences, and effective listening skills. It also focuses on written communication, including formal and business letters, memos, notices, contracts, tenders, and reports. In addition, the course concludes with a discussion of the importance of ethical behavior in organizations, covering the need for ethical codes, types of ethics involved in daily life and professional practice, and ethical dilemmas and problems.
By the end of this 27-hour program, students will have a solid understanding of the principles of effective communication, as well as the knowledge and skills to navigate complex communication scenarios with confidence. They will also have a deeper understanding of ethical considerations in the business world, which is crucial for promoting ethical behavior and resolving ethical dilemmas.
In short, the Business Communication and Ethics in Organizations - 2023 course is a must-take program for Business and Engineering students looking to build their communication and ethical skills and succeed in their careers. With a focus on practical application and hands-on experience, this course provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in the business world.
This course is specially designed for Business and Engineering Students.
Communication Skills (Oral)
Definitions and Conditions, Modes; verbal, non-verbal, vocal, non-vocal, sender, receiver, encoding, decoding, noise, context, emotional, relationships, etc.
Language and perception, Distortion of thought, interference.
Non-verbal, body language, physical appearance, cultural differences, etc.
Barriers to Comm: ambiguity, context, closure, prediction, pseudo listening.
Listening: effective listening, benefits, and ethics for the listener.
Personal and interpersonal skills/perceptions.
Communication dilemmas and problems.
Public Speaking – speaking situations/ interviews
Written Communication
Types of messages and various approaches
Formal/ Business letters various types
Memos (brief revision).
Notices and minutes of meetings, agenda, layout, language, Leadership styles.
Contracts and agreements (basic theoretical knowledge and comprehension).
Tenders (basic theoretical knowledge and comprehension).
Business reports (Short and Long) Research / Scientific reports.
Engineering / Business Ethics
Course objective.
Need for code of ethics, importance
Type of ethics, involvement in daily life, professional ethics
Problems/conflicts/dilemmas in application.
RECOMMENDED BOOKS FOR THIS COURSE
(01) Report Writing for Business by Lesikar and Pettit
(02) Business & Professional Communication by Roach, Gant, Allyn Perigo & Bacon
(03) Engineering Ethics by Flederman
COURSE OUTLINE
Introduction to Business Communication in Organizations
Why Business Communication?
Introduction to Communication
Definition of Communication
Types of Communication
Verbal Communication
Nonverbal Communication
Technological Communication
Levels of Communication
Intrapersonal Communication
Interpersonal Communication
Small-Group Communication
Organizational Communication
Public Communication
Mass Communication
Non-Verbal Communication
Reinforcement, Modification, Substitution, Regulations of Non-Verbal Communication
Codes of Nonverbal Communication
Temporal Codes
Chronemics
Time Orientations
Psychological Time
Person-Oriented Codes
Physical Appearance & Dress
Gestures & Body Movements
Facial Expressions
Eye Contact
Personal Space & Touching Behavior
Vocal Characteristics
Environmental Codes
Principles of Communication
Be Mindful of the Setting
Use Approachable Body Language
Adjust Your Tone
Ask Questions
Listen to Understand
Cultivate Respect
Be Precise Be Attentive while you present
Provide Feedback
Plan & Practice
Channels of Communication
Process of Communication
Feedback
Situations that require giving Constructive Feedback
Some clues where Constructive Feedback is needed
Importance of Feedback
Why Feedback?
Types of Feedback
Communication with respect to Culture
Multicultural Communication
Cross-Cultural Communication
Intercultural Communication
Role of Intercultural Communication
Flexibility in Intercultural Communication
Importance of Intercultural Communication
Cultural Differences
Power Distance
Individualism versus Collectivism
Femininity versus Masculinity
Uncertainty Avoidance
Long Term Orientation
High Context Cultures
Low Context Cultures
Barriers to Intercultural Communication
Ethnocentrism
Stereotyping
Prejudice
Discrimination
7Cs of Communication
Completeness with Bad and Good Example
Conciseness with Bad and Good Example
Consideration with Bad and Good Example
Concreteness with Bad and Good Example
Clarity with Bad and Good Example
Courtesy with Bad and Good Example
Correctness with Bad and Good Example
Barriers of Communication
Linguistic Barriers
Causes of Linguistic Barriers
Overcoming the Linguistic Barriers
Psychological/Emotional Barriers
Common Examples of Emotional Barriers
Overcoming Emotional Barriers
Physical Barriers
Examples
Overcoming Physical Barriers
Physiological Barriers
Causes of Physiological Barriers
Cultural Barriers
Examples
Overcoming Cultural Barriers
Perception Barriers
Examples
Overcoming Perceptual Barriers
Interpersonal Barriers
Examples
Overcoming Interpersonal Barriers
Gender Barriers
Examples
Overcoming Gender Barriers
Organizational Structure Barriers
Attitude Barriers
Technological Barriers
Reasons for Communication Breakdown
Listening Process and Improve Your Listening Skills
Listening
Objectives of Listening
Importance of Listening
Mechanics of Listening
Process of Listening
Types of Listening
Participatory Listening
Passive Listening
Surface Listening
Deep Listening
Judgmental Listening
Non-judgmental Listening
Empathic Listening
Objective Listening
Discriminative Listening
Content Listening
Biased Listening
Appreciative Listening
Selective Listening
False Listening
Group Task
Barriers of Listening
Low Concentration
Lack of Prioritization
Poor Judgment
Focusing on style rather than Substance
Cultural Barriers
Gender Barriers
Technology Barriers
Physiological Barriers
Physical Barriers
Attitudinal Barriers
Wrong Assumptions
Lack of Training
Bad Listening Habits
Benefits of Effective Listening Skills
Common Listening Mistakes
Ways to Improve Listening Skill
Understand Ethics and Code of Conduct for working in Organization
Why Study Ethics?
Professional Ethics
What is Engineering?
Who is an Engineer?
Engineering Ethics
Personal vs Professional Ethics
Ethics and Law
Code of Ethics
Objections to Codes
Codes of the Engineering Societies
Two Codes of Ethics
IEEE
NSPE
Ethical Problems
Resolving Internal Conflicts in Codes
Can Codes and Professional Societies Protect Employees?
Other Types of Codes of Ethics
Code of Conduct
Articles (1-15)
Ethical Principles
Beneficence
Least Harm
Respect for Autonomy
Justice
Ethical Theories in Engineering
Utilitarianism
Basic Tenets of Utilitarianism
Advantages & Disadvantages
Characteristics of Utilitarianism
Variations among Forms of Utilitarianism
Different Accounts of How Facts about Well-Being Determine the Rightness and Wrongness of Acts
Different Accounts of Well-Being
The Scope of Moral Concern
The Aggregate Utility to Be Maximized
Duty Ethics
Rights Ethics
Virtue Ethics
Personal vs Corporate Morality
Which Theory to Use?
No-Western Ethical Thinking
Ethical Problem Solving Techniques
Conflict Problems
Line Drawing Technique
Flow Charting
Analysis of Issues in Ethical Problems
Factual
Conceptual
Moral
How can Controversies be Resolved in Ethical Problems?
Relevance vs Conflict Problem
Methods for Relevance Problem
Resolving the Conflict Problems
Line Drawing Technique
Fundamentals of Line Drawing
Case Study
Flow Charting
Flow Charting Advantages
Key Ethical Concerns and Concepts
Confidentiality
Risk and Safety
Computer Ethics
Whistleblowing
Bribes vs Gifts
Sexual Harassment
Organizational Messages and Business Letters
Writing Business Messages
Planning Audience Centered Business Messages
Using Audience Analysis to Plan a Message
Understanding the Writing Process for Business Messages
Stage I: Planning Business Message
Stage II: Writing Business Message
Stage III: Completing Business Messages
Scheduling the Writing Process
Three-step writing process
Identifying Your Audience
Identifying & analyzing purpose for Business message
Developing an Audience Profile
Using Audience Analysis to Plan a Message
Predicting the Effects of Audience Composition
Uncovering Audience Needs
Providing Required Information
Adopting a “You” Attitude
Maintaining standards of etiquette
Emphasizing the positive
Using bias-free language
Establishing your credibility
Creating a conversational tone
Creating a conversational tone
Selective active or passive voice
Choosing Powerful Words
Balancing Abstract and Concrete Words
Finding Words that Communicate Well
Finding Words that Communicate Well
Powerful Words
Choosing from Four Types of Sentences
Using Sentence Style to Emphasize Key Thoughts
Creating the Elements of a Paragraph
Developing Paragraphs
Completing Business Messages
Revising Different Message Types
Evaluating your Message
Question’s for evaluating someone’s message
Proofreading Carefully
Business Letters
Strategies for Effective Letters
Four Considerations of a Business Letter
The seven C’s Style
Format of Business Letter
Elements of Business Letters
Types of Letters/Messages
Writing Plan for Request for Information or Action
Writing Plan for a Direct Claim
Writing Plan for Adjustments
Goodwill Messages
The Five S's
Expressing thanks for a gift.
Sending thanks for a Favor
Responding to goodwill Messages
Answering Congratulatory Messages
Extending Sympathy
Negative Messages
Communicating Bad News: Goals
Avoiding legal liability in conveying negative messages
When to Use the Direct Strategy
When to Use the Indirect Strategy
Possible Buffers for Opening Bad-News Messages
Evaluating Buffer Statements
Presenting the Reasons
Cushioning the Bad News
Closing Bad-News Messages
Sample Negative Messages
Refusing Donations
Declining an Invitation
Saying No to Job Candidate
Email Announcing Price Hike (Rate Increase)
Presenting Bad News in Other Cultures
What is Persuasion?
Persuasive and Sales Messages
Effective Persuasion Techniques
The Importance of Tone
Writing Plan for Persuasive Requests
Persuasive Claims and Complaints
Persuading Within Organizations
AIDA Strategy: Sales and Marketing
AIDA Writing Strategy for Sales and Marketing Messages
Ineffective Sales Message
Improved Sales Message
Organizing Business Email and Memos
Organizing E-Mails and Memos
Knowing When to Send E-Mails and Memo
Defining Memos
Preparing to write a memo
Formatting Memos
Writing Informative Memos
Writing Persuasive Memos
Revising Persuasive Memos
Analysis of a Poorly Phrased Persuasive Memo with an improved version
Writing Negative Memos
Revising Negative Memos
Analysis of a Poorly Worded Negative Memo with an improved version
Characteristics of Effective Memos
Understand about Meetings and Tender Processes in Business
Meeting
What is a Meeting?
Purpose of Meeting
Establishing Aims & Objectives
The Need for Agendas
Minutes of Meeting
Tender Process
Classification of Tender
The procedure of Inviting Tender
Samples of Tender
Short Tender Notice
Business Reports in Organizations
Understanding Report Basics
Report Functions
Report Formats
Report Patterns
Report Delivery
Developing Informal Reports
Gathering Data for Reports
Typical Informal Reports
Information Reports
Writing Plan for Information Reports
Describe six kinds of informal reports.
Adopting an appropriate writing style
Understanding Business Proposals
Informal Proposals and Informal Proposals
Parts of Formal and Informal Proposals
Understanding Business Reports
Report writing process
Prepare to write.
Research secondary data (web, social media, blog, and microblog).
Generate primary data.
Documenting data.
Organize, outline, and discuss data.
Illustrate report data.
Matching Visuals with Objectives
Incorporating Graphics in Report
Present final report.
Understand about Formal Reports
Parts of Formal Reports
How to search for your desired job and make a resume accordingly
Job Search
Preparation for the Job Search
Evaluating Your Qualification
Recognizing Employment Trend in today’s workplace
Curriculum Vitae (CV) & Resume
Writing the Customized Resume
Choosing the resume Style
Improving the Career Objectives
Summary of Qualifications
How to write Education in Resume
How to Write Work Experience in Resume
How to Write Reference List in Resume
Polishing your Resume
CHRONOLOGICAL RÉSUMÉ: Current College Student with Limited Experience
CHRONOLOGICAL RÉSUMÉ: Current College Student with Limited Relevance Experience
FUNCTIONAL RESUME: College Student with unrelated part-time Experience
Cover Letter
Purpose of Cover Letter
Three Primary Parts of Cover Letter
Solicited and Unsolicited
Highlighting your Strength in the Body of Cover Letter
Motivating Actions in the Closing
Final Tips for Successful Cover Letter
Prepare yourself for your First Job Interview
Job Interview
Purpose of Employment Interviews
Types of Employment Interviews
Interview Success
Professional Phone Techniques
An Impressive First Conversation
Researching the Company
Prepare and Practice
Cleaning Up “Digital Dirt’
Traveling to your Interview
Arriving at your Interview
The Basic of Good Handshake
Fighting Fear
Answering the Question Effectively During the Interview
10 Important Qualities for any type of Job
Kinds of Interview Questions
Gauging your Interest
Your Experience and Accomplishments
The Future
Challenges
Money
Situational
Behavioral
Illegal and Inappropriate
Tell me about yourself
After the Interview
Contacting References
Interview Follow up Message
Other Employment Letters and Documents
Application Form
Application or Resume Follow Up
Rejection Follow up Message
Job Acceptable Message
Resignation Letter
Interviews- The Dirty Dozens
