Effective Listening: An Exercise in Managerial Communication

Abstract

"This paper describes an experiential exercise that has been successfully used in principles of management courses to teach and emphasize the importance of effective listening skills In management. A two-way flow of communication is certainly desirable, If not absolutely essential, for effective managerial performance. Transmission of information is necessary for coordination of activities; and receipt of information Is necessary for control, and allows for better decision-making. The process of information exchange--communication--has been modeled to Include: Sender -> Message -> Channel -> Receiver Feedback (from receiver to sender) is usually desirable, although not technically necessary, for communication to take place. What keeps communication from being 100% effective, i.e., the interference in getting the message from the sender to the receiver, 18 “noise.” Noise can be physical or psychological, additive or subtractive. This exercise demonstrates to students how certain forms of noise"" can impair effective communication-- especially the receiving of information--and how some noise can be minimized to promote more effective listening. (Administration instructions and exercise materials are combined in sequence--exercise materials are enclosed in boxes.) "