Further Discussion Concept

I wish we could have discussed quite a few more concepts from the book, although it was merely impossible for an online class in one semester.  The concept I wanted to break apart more would have to be communication relating to the professional environment.  Hearing from other students experiences in the office, workforce, and interviews would be have been helpful and enjoyable.  Another student's post included verbal and nonverbal ques she looked for in interviews (thus she was interviewing the client), in which I thought was extremely informational, interesting, and helpful to students looking for a job (or a new job).  Interviews concentrate hard on communication skills, and without practice or knowledge of thereof, individuals have a difficult time conveying their confidence. Maybe having one of the journal entries should be about interviewing experiences, what the employer expects versus the potential employee. I recently had an interview with my now new job this semester, and honestly, "googling" other people's experiences, thoughts, and ways to answer a question guided me into the right direction.  Not only did it bring background information, it allowed me to prepare and feel comfortable that other people felt nervous such as I did.

Most Interesting concepts

The concepts I have found to be the most interesting had to do with relationships.  Particularly, how a relationship is built between between and how factors come into place when a relationship dissolves. I had (not MANY), but a few experiences of my own to read that section of the book and think back on why a relationship didn't work with a person.  I didn't actually think that relationships could be broken down into models, and we would place restrictions or barriers or even "standards" on others for why or why not we would date one another.  I found this concept very helpful in my real life, not just my school work.  Thus, the building of relationships all based around communication was helpful.  I even got quite a kick out of hearing how a partner does "secret tests" on another partner in order to challenge his or her commitment.  I didn't realize that I do secret tests on my boyfriend, and visa verse, it just happened.  Even though relationships are all different, I do believe these "guidelines" or models of answers can be somewhat tied into every relationship just somehow.

Chapter 13 - Research Methodologies

The most interesting popular research methodologies in Table 13.3 would be experimental research.   Experimental research would be fun to administer and come up with creative and different scenarios.  As for a research method for deception, the question "How does background noise effect work performance?".(noise differences, gender differences in performance, tasks given with/without the noise) The method I would choose to answer the question would be a mixed method.  I would want to integrate parts of performance research along with experimental research in order to conclude my findings on a wide spectrum.  The experimental research would further enhance subject's responses to different background noises regarding their performance mentality.  The performance research would analyze the meanings behind the tasks given with the background noise. For instance: a possible outcome can come from a person doing a horrible job counting money with noise, yet doing a wonderful job cleaning the store with the noise.

Chapter 11 - Mcluhan Model

I agree with Marshall McLuhan that the medium is in the message and thus further not only the meaning of the message, but also the content. McLuhan's idea that television is a "cool medium" because the audience is suppose to fill in the detail.  When I watch television, although believe it or not is actually not as common for the cable bill would be out of price range, I do reflect filling in the plot by myself.  Watching television is a constant, I have to enhance my auditory skills and comprehension to engage in what the story or news is telling me.  As for television, I can turn it on for background noise in doing homework.  For radio, I feel listening in that context and medium, I can envision a greater and more detailed picture of a story, rather than one created on the television.  I enjoy listening to the radio especially driving to school or work and listening to "War of the Roses", because not only do I get to enjoy other people's relationship problems, but it calms down my driving and relaxes my focus to get to my destination not so eagerly.

Chapter 11 Cyberspace vs F2F Friendships

I have made friends that exist exclusively in cyberspace.  These friendships are different from face-to-face relationships because they see and read what I am doing more often than my face-to-face friends.  Because of social networking and all those other websites that allows friends to view random aspects of my life, my cyberspace friends are more up-to-date on what I'm actually doing in my life.  As for my face-to-face friends, they are more involved within my life, for example: hanging out, going to the gym, grabbing a bite etc.  My cyberspace friends, are all people I have met in real life and went to school with, for I do not engage in friendships (unless it is an online school course) with others I do not know personally.  I believe you never can really read into a person unless you have met them on multiple levels of communication (like texting, video streaming, face-to-face contact).  The cyber relationships are realistic because I know and have met the person on the other side of the computer.  I would not form relationships with new or random people because not only is it a trust issue, but also a safety precaution.  I value myself and my personal information, along with my time.

Rules of Professional Behavior- Week 11

For the concept of Chapter 8, I dug my thoughts into Table 8.6 on page 222, "Some Rules for Professional Behavior".  In the workforce, I constantly have to deal with new or regular employees that cannot and do not know the difference of behavior while being at work compared to being outside of work.  Especially since my work deals with customers, they need to realize that showing the utmost respect is what is needed.  I believe high school students should have at least a course or a prep class for professionalism.  Coworkers are not your personal friends, although it does feel like it over time since you see them the most and communicate rather frequently.  Also, the most important reason of being at work, is to be productive at work.  We have a couple girls who attend school together and every time they work the same shift, it's like all the work priorities go out the window.  Being in charge, I find it hard to scold another coworker for slacking off because the coworker / friend line has been crossed.  Just because you are close friends with your boss or manager, doesn't mean you have the right to slack off and be unproductive.  I have seen this happen several times, and unfortunately it is a very difficult problem to fix.  I am happy that my coworkers get along, but it does get irritating when their relationship takes over their job duties. Another example of professionalism comes from experience as well.  This young female I worked with didn't like to talk to anyone, and she always focused only on herself and her job.  Not very many coworkers liked her because she came off rude for not participating in small conversations.  I had to disagree on whether "liking" her or not was appropriate, the fact that she did her job well made her an amazing coworker, in whom I liked.

Etiquette - Week 11

Etiquette Rules - 

Cell Phones - I believe that cell phones are distracting and should not be answered, especially in public gatherings (whether a restaurant or movie theater), because it is distracting, irritating, and rude.  I have learned to take my calls outside, call back later, or just send the other person a text.
Answering Machines - I think answering machines should have a prerecorded professional voicemail for the callers to leave a message.  Also, jokes and such fun is okay with personal friends, but for business phones that is not okay.  I always insure my answering machine has a professional call back greeting because you never know when a job offer is calling, or a medical or insurance place.
Conference Calls- It is always nice to always identify and say who you are during a conference call.  Although I lack experience in this department, I agree.
Faxes - I couldn't tell you how many times my work has received faxes with random numbers or information on it from customers.  If they don't call us to immediately check the fax, and notify who and what it is for, we can mess up orders and so forth.  Calling ahead of time is key.
Timing Communication- One time I answered a call back from a job while on the treadmill at the gym - BAD TIMING!
Screen names/Ring Tones - Screen names should only contain part of your real name, and maybe some number if that is possible.  I cant reply to "sexyredlips" or "hotjuicybooty" and take that person seriously.  How awkward.  Also, having a song play as a ring tone with lyrics is embarrassing as well. 

I have been bothered by electronic devices.  One time, this customer was ordering while on her cell phone the entire time, and told me when I should stop talking and "hold on".  It was extremely annoying and rude.  Your taking up my time as well, and have some respect. Call waiting is annoying, but it's reasonable when there is a wait and transferring calls can not be done instantly. I have been put on hold to answer another phone call, I didn't find it offensive since it was a quick wait, not a couple hour hold.