Business Communication

Question 1

The Role that Business Communication plays in sharing the Knowledge gained through Business Intelligence and Business Analytics

Answer 1

Business intelligence activities are based on effectively sharing/communicating the outcomes of business analytics

Question 2

Business communication takes many forms

Answer 2

Non-verbal
Verbal (e.g. Discussions, Presentations)
Written (e.g. Email, Short messages, Letters, Business Reports,

Question 3

Why is it important that those undertaking business analytics activities understand the principles underpinning effective business communication?

Answer 3

In order to be of value, the results of business analytics activities must be shared with the key stakeholders. If communication is poorly done, the findings may not be fully understood by decision-makers. Findings may have to be shared in different ways so it is important to have developed non-verbal, verbal and written communication skills

Question 4

Nonverbal communication

Answer 4

Nonverbal communication is the process of communication through sending and receiving wordless (mostly visual) cues between people. Most social psychologists believe that nonverbal communication makes up about two-thirds of all communication between two people or between one speaker and a group of listeners.

Question 5

Research on nonverbal communication

Answer 5

Research shows that the impact of communication on the senses of a listener is:
Sight 83%, Taste 1%, Hearing 11%, Smell 3% and Touch 2%

Question 6

movement and body position

Answer 6

Kinesics - The study of how people communicate through posture, gesture, stance and movement (e.g. body motions such as shrugs, foot tapping, drumming fingers; eye movements such as winking, etc)

Posture – body openness can convey the degree of fondness between those communicating e.g. mirror-image congruent postures

Clothing/Hairstyle/Jewellery – can convey personality, background, financial status, and culture

Facial Expression – can convey the degree of acceptance or hostility e.g. a smile

Gestures - conventional, culture-specific gestures can be used as a replacement for words, such as the hand wave used in western cultures for “hello” and “goodbye“.

Question 7

Engagement

Answer 7

e.g. via eye-contact (Oculesics: The study of eye-related non-verbal communication)

Question 8

Genetics

Answer 8

e.g. height (Is height a benefit of not to communication?)

Question 9

Haptics

Answer 9

the study of touching as nonverbal communication - haptic communication refers to how people and other animals communicate via touching. Example: The “High Five”

Question 10

Chronemics

Answer 10

the study of the use of time in nonverbal communication e.g. the use of time; waiting; pausing. A monochronic time system means that things are done one at a time and time is segmented into precise, small units. Under this system time is scheduled, arranged and managed.

Question 11

Olfatics

Answer 11

smell

Question 12

Vocalics

Answer 12

tone of voice, timbre, volume, speed

Question 13

Sound symbols

Answer 13

grunting, mmm, er, ah, uh-huh, mumbling

Question 14

Locomotion

Answer 14

walking, running, staggering, limping

Question 15

Proxemics

Answer 15

: Physical space in communication:
2 cm to 45 cm – the intimate zone;
45 cm – 1.2 m – the personal zone;
1.2 m to – 3.5 m – the social zone; and
Over 3.5 m – the public zone

Question 16

Environmental impact - Collaborative project spaces

Answer 16

The environment/space in which communications take place can impact greatly upon the communication process. In a world of ubiquitous technology every space is a learning place– within the university and the city at large. Students, armed with mobile devices in a completely wireless environment, colonise space in new ways.

Comfort is determined by:
Temperature (mean & radiant)
Air currents (CO2 level)
Humidity
Level of activity and apparel

Question 17

Effective Verbal Communication is an essential skill which ensures

Answer 17

high-impact, audience-focused messages are delivered

builds relationships – to clients, customers, the media

persuasive communication ensures that you pitch your proposals to prospective partner organisations, clients or customers

Question 18

Verbal Communication – Consistency with Non-verbal cues

Answer 18

Note: It is essential that verbal communication is consistent with the non-verbal cues that are being given. You must avoid sending non-verbal cues that are inconsistent with the verbal communication that is taking place!

Question 19

Written Communication

Answer 19

Letters, emails, memos, manuals and reports are forms of written communication.

Question 20

Advantages of written communication:

Answer 20

CLEAR POLICIES

PERMANENT

DELEGATION

PRECISE

Question 21

Disadvantages of written communication:

Answer 21

COSTS (STATIONERY)

DOUBTS

TIME CONSUMING

REQUIRES SKILL

Question 22

Document templates

Answer 22

Templates, are essentially pre-constructed documents in which users can input their own information in lieu of repeatedly designing the document themselves.
Convenient and time-saving.
Microsoft Word is pre-loaded with templates: resumes, business brochures, business reports, cards etc.

Question 23

Cloud-based Document Creation, Sharing and Storage

Answer 23

Google Drive: a cloud based storage system that allows users to store documents, photos, videos and other files online. Google Docs: is a free web-based application that allows you to create, share and manage documents online.