Final Assignment
For this assignment, choose one of the two options below. Save your submission as a word document or
pdf and upload to Blackboard no later than 11: 59pm on Sunday 3/19. Your assignment is worth a
maximum of 10 points.
Option 1: Communication at your Workplace
Analyze the communication happening at your place of work, then write a 4-5 page paper (double-
spaced) discussing the following. Please note that this is a bit of a general assignment. Meaning, I don’t
want you to focus on exclusively one conversation, or your interactions with just one co-worker. Instead,
I would like you to describe the overall “communication climate” (more guidelines below). In your
analysis, I expect you to draw upon the vocabulary that you have been introduced to in this course.
Your analysis will reflect not only your understanding of key terms, concepts and communication models
discussed, but also your ability to apply these to a specific situation.
Below, find some ideas what to include in your paper. Please note, these are suggestions – likely, not
every single one of these will apply to your workplace. Perhaps one or two of these stand out more than
others. These are listed here to give you a bit more of an idea what I am looking for, and should help you
to structure your paper a bit. Of course also do not feel that you have to limit yourself to these. Should
you, at any point, have any questions regarding this assignment, please email me and I am happy to
explain in more detail.
Describe the organization context of your workplace (see chapter 1 for details)
What are some of the values and ethical standards of your organization? How are these applied
when communicating? (see chapter 2)
What is the communication structure at your workplace (e.g. upward/downward
communication). See chapter 2 for details.
To what extend would you consider your workplace a diverse workplace? To what extend are
diversity/differences in culture a topic at your workplace? (chapter 3)
Are there any structures in place to manage conflict? If so, what are these? (see chapter 3 and
chapter 11 on conflict management)
Reflect on the importance and exchange of verbal/nonverbal messages at your workplace.
(chapter 6)
Discuss the leadership/management structures in place. How well do these work? (chapter 6)
Discuss some of the relationships you have with coworkers. Are there any “difficult coworkers”.
If so, what is the problem and how do you deal with it? (chapter 7).
Discuss some of the relationships you have with customers. Are there any “difficult customers”.
If so, what is the problem and how do you deal with it? (chapter 7).
Does group communication take place? If so, how well does it work? Any problems? (chapter 9.
Also see chapter 11 on meetings).
Option 2: The Ideal Communicator
What are the characteristics of the ideal communicator and why are good communication skills
important?
Write a 4-5 page paper (double-spaced), in which you discuss what makes good communication skills
and why it is important to have these. Where applicable, please illustrate your thoughts using specific
examples. Given that this class places emphasis on organizational communication, preferably relate your
discussion of good communication skills to the organizational context.
In your discussion, I expect you to draw upon the vocabulary that you have been introduced to in this
course. Your submission should reflect not only your understanding of key terms, concepts and
communication models discussed, but also your ability to apply these using specific examples.
Below, find some ideas what to include in your paper. Of course do not feel that you have to limit
yourself to these. Should you, at any point, have any questions regarding this assignment, please email
me and I am happy to explain in more detail.
General communication skills
Verbal and non-verbal skills (chapter 5)
Listening skills (chapter 4)
Leadership and management skills (chapter 6)
Negotiation and conflict management skills (chapter 11).