Perception and Communication

Definition

Perception has been defined by Robbins et al as “The process by which individuals organise and interpret their sensory impressions in order to give meaning to their environment”.

Perception plays a huge impact towards human, because that is the process of achieving or understanding of sensory information. In order to understand or to archive we gain information from our senses such as hearing, tasting, sight, smell or even touching. Past experiences and expectations from previous work or social circumstance also vary the perceiver’s view. These certainly come from the external world. With those perceived information human has gathered, they integrate and evaluate in order to make their decision.

Own Experience on perception

In my own experience, there were few times when my perception was incorrect. During school time we had to submit our Maths coursework in on a specific date. At that time I wasn’t sure with the exact date, therefore asked one of my close friend when the deadline was. She advised me that it is in few weeks time, whereas we only had a week left to submit it. She had wrong information that the actual submission date was just to make sure the teacher knows we are on track. As of a close friend also trust played a role in this situation, I was confident that I had time to get my work started. Two days before the submission date I realised the actual date and was shocked. I was stressed and also had a negative impact on my friend who gave me the wrong information. Though I had two days left to finish my coursework, I was still able to hand the work in. I have realised that I can’t blame her for giving me a wrong date, as it was my own responsible to have those information on me. Therefore I have learnt my lesson that even if a good friend advises me her perception, without having adequate awareness I should believe it.

Also at my work experience, I worked at Blue Arrow, where four guys were working there. When I met them on the first day of work, I wasn’t comfortable as there were no other women working there. All I could think of on the first day was, when to get away from that place as the man who had to supervise me was older as well. This judgement directed me to think that I wouldn’t enjoy the workplace as he was elder also looked strict, which took my interest away from those two weeks of work experience. When I got to know my supervisor a little more and when I moved on with the work, I released that I judged him wrong. He was a great man, who I was able to have a laugh with, treated me very well and also was there for me when I needed help.

That has taught me not to prejudge any individuals based on their attribution and their inability to carry out tasks.

How to improve staff Communication

Effective communication within organizations, workforce or institution is considerably essential, because disagreements can be caused. For managers it is significantly important in the organisations as to perform the basic functions of management such as planning, organising, leading and also controlling. Communication is not possible without written, oral or sign communication and also is the acceptance of the sender’s message by the receiver.

There are several ways in which the university can improve communication with the students. Firstly I believe that the lecturers should have regular one to one meeting with their students, which could be each term in fact. This would be an advantage for both the student and the lecturer, as the lecturer would know on what stage the student is working on also if any further support has to be given if needed. The lecturers can view areas where they may need to improve. For the student this is also a chance to find out where they have missed out, and also they would be able to talk to the lecturer about their difficulties they may experience in the class, which they wouldn’t be able to say out loud in during the lecture. I believe that the face to face meeting or communication is appreciated as this is way of keeping the personal touch between lecturer and student.

Secondly another way of improving the communication within the university is to keeping up with the technology, whereas at this time technology has become a huge role in everyone’s life and changed their life style. The blackboard is a good use of communication, as the students are being informed about any urgent message on the announcement board, whereas at the same time they are being emailed by the lectures. This is an effective way of communicating, as it is very efficient, time and money saving for each other, because it saves the time and money not having to send letters individually.

Lastly, surveys to be used as a way for the lecturer to analyse the students result. This is a good way for the lecturer to see the student’s wishes and what they prefer, whereas they can then try to work according to their favour and requirements. I also believe that the student’s will have a common goal, which makes it even easier for the lecturer to work according it.

Conclusion

In Conclusion, I have learnt that perception and communication is important in our lives, as this will help us in our lives to reduce the risk of conflict and disagreement, which therefore reduces the risk of disappointment or failure. From my experience I have learnt that perception should not be used to judge regarding to our past experience or from views. In order to be confident and correct with judgments, Communication is important as this could lead us to right path by gathering information’s efficient.

Reference:

CIPD Survey results. (online). How to improve staff Communication. Available: Peoplemanagement.co.uk/pm/articles/2010/07/how-to-improve-staff-communication.htm [Accessed 16th April 2011]

Mullins, LJ. (2010) Management and organisational behaviour. 9^th ed.