Communication Apprehension in the Workplace and Its

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Communication Apprehension in the Workplace and Its COMMUNICATION APPREHENSION IN THE WORKPLACE AND ITS EFFECTS ON EMPLOYEE JOB SATISFACTION by AMBER LYNNE BYRON, B.A. A THESIS IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of Texas Tech University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of MASTER OF ARTS Approved Kenneth David Roach Chairperson of the Committee Bolanle A. Olaniran Robert Allen Stewart Accepted John Borrelli Dean of the Graduate School May, 2005 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First of all, I need to thank Marc, my fiancé, for always being there for me and supporting me through this project. He has been there from the very beginning, and has seen the many ups and downs of this project. Through it all, he has been there to encourage me and to offer support, as well as new and creative ideas to get things done. As always, he has been and will continue to be my rock. When the stress of this project seemed too much to bear, he was there to encourage me to keep going. He stayed up with me during my all nighters to get my deadlines completed, and without him, this project would not be what it is. For all that he has done, and all the support and love he has shown me, I would like to say thank you, and I love you. I would also like to thank Buddy and Shonie for all of their help with this project. When this project was in its conception stages, they were there to help me in any way that they could. Even when the first plan did not go through as we all hoped that it would, they were there thinking of an alternative plan that eventually turned into the product that I have today. No matter what the situation, I know their love and support are no more than a phone call away. Next, I would like to thank my Mom, Sandy. She has always been there to encourage me through all of the decisions that I have made in my life, and graduate school is no exception. She always let me know that I could do anything that I wanted to do, and has always been there to support me in anyway that she could. While working on this project, she continually called me and offered her support, and was there when I need to just vent and try to get my thoughts together. ii I would like to thank my committee members, Dr. Olaniran and Dr. Stewart. Through this project, they have shown me great patience, and have often offered to help. This project has benefited through the wisdom they have shared with me. I would like to thank you for the support that you have both shown me, either through emails or in person, that helped me to stay focused, and know that there was always someone there to turn to when I was lost and needed help. Finally, I would also like to show my appreciation to Dr. Roach. Since the first day I met Dr. Roach, he has been encouraging me and supporting me no matter what the dilemma might be. Through this project, he has been there to guide me and show me the correct way to conduct a valid research study. Although some of the steps taken in this research study were not the greatest time savers, they were the key steps to making this a reliable research study. From working under him, I have learned what it takes to truly complete a full blown research project, and I have a great deal of respect for those who do this for a living. This is by no means an easy thing to complete, and I have learned so much from working under Dr. Roach about completing a well thought out project. I will forever be grateful for the guidance and support that he has shown me through the course of this project. He is the true embodiment of patience. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS….………………………………………………………….. ii ABSTRACT ……………………………………………………………………………. vi LIST OF TABLES ………………………………………………………………….....viii CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………………. 1 Communication Apprehension………………………………………….. 2 Types of Communication Apprehension…………………………………3 Job Interviews……… ……………………………………………………5 Public Speaking Visualization…………………………………………... 9 Instructional Level……………...……………………………………… 13 Communibiological Apprehension…………………………..………… 19 Behavioral Patterns of Communication Apprehension…………………24 Coping Strategies………………………………………………………. 28 Job Satisfaction………………………………………………………… 31 Employer Immediacy…………………………………………………... 34 Employee Turnover……… …………………………………………... 36 Predicting Satisfaction…………………………………………………. 38 Giving Employees a Voice/Employee Participation……… …………..39 Job Satisfaction Across Cultures………………………………………. 40 University Faculty……………………………………………………... 41 Rehabilitation Professionals…………………………………………… 42 iv Research Questions……………………………………………………. 45 FairMount Minerals…………………………………………………… 47 Products…………………………………………………………………47 II METHODOLOGY AND DISCUSSION……………………………………… 50 Participants……………………………………………………………... 50 Instruments…………………………………………………………….. 50 Procedures……………………………………………………………... 53 Analysis………………………………………………………………... 53 Discussion……………………………………………………………… 64 Limitations………………………………………..……………………. 67 Future Research…………………………………………………………70 REFERENCES………………………………………………………………………… 72 APPENDICES A: DEMOGRAPHIC QUESTIONNAIRE……………………………………………. 77 B: PERSONAL REPORT OF COMMUNICATION APPREHENSION-24………… 80 C: JOB DESCRIPTION INDEX……………………………………………………… 83 D: SITUATIONAL COMMUNICATION APPREHENSION MEASURE………….. 85 ABSTRACT This research study looks at communication apprehension in the workplace and how it relates to an employee’s level of job satisfaction. For this study, 210 employees who worked for subsidiary companies of FairMount Minerals completed a series of surveys that asked them demographic questions, as well as measured the total level of communication apprehension (PRCA), their level of job satisfaction (JDI), and their level of situational communication apprehension (SCAM). Participants came from several different locations including Fresno, Texas, Bridgman, Oklahoma, Troygrove, Illinois, and Roff, Michigan. When the surveys were completed and returned, the data was entered into SPSS for analysis. Several tests were run on the data, and significant findings were present. I found that as an employee’s level of communication apprehension rose, their level of job satisfaction fell. I also found that as an employee’s level of communication apprehension went up, so did their level of situational apprehension. The results and data are discussed in depth within this report. There are also several limitations as well as future research implications at the end of this research study. While there have been a few studies tying communication apprehension into job satisfaction, more research needs to be done in this area. Many of the communication apprehension studies to date have only looked at communication apprehension in the classroom, or when dealing with stage fright. Studies like this are very important when assessing the types of individuals that are working for a company. As you will see from vi the information provided in this report, this type of information can tell a company why they have a high rate of turnover, or why employees keep putting in for a job change. vii LIST OF TABLES 1: Age ……………………………………………........................................................ 54 2: Age Frequencies ……………………………………………………………………54 3: Number of Years Left with the Company …………………………………………. 55 4: Cultural Background ………………………………………………………………. 56 5: Educational Levels ………………………………………………………………… 57 6: Job Titles …………………………………………………………………………... 58 7: Descriptive Statistics …………………………………………………………......... 61 viii CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION Everyone has had an experience when they have felt nervous talking to someone else. This could be as simple as talking to a new person, or giving a speech to a room full of people. We have all experienced what is known as communication apprehension. A great deal of the research that has been done in the area of communication apprehension revolves around the classroom; giving speeches or presentations to our peers in order to receive a grade. But what happens when we graduate from school and enter the workplace, but are still plagued with communication apprehension? Does it affect the jobs we hold, the satisfaction we experience, or the confidence we hold in the workforce? The general purpose of this study is to look at how communication apprehension affects employees. Although there have been some studies done on communication apprehension in the workplace, there is still many aspects that deserve to be looked at. I hope that through this study, we can begin to see the effect that communication apprehension has on employees, and find suitable ways to deal with it. I also hope that through this study, other research can begin to find out just how communication apprehension manipulates us in the workplace. I will begin this project by reviewing what communication apprehension is, and what its characteristics are. I will then give an overview of job satisfaction, and its role in the workplace. I will attempt to show the need for this study, and provide research questions that delve into the relationship between communication apprehension and its relationship to job satisfaction. After I present my research questions, I will outline my study by showing the method in which I 1 gathered my data as well as the respondents that participated in this study. I will then describe the data I collected and go over the instruments used to analyze it. This will be followed by a discussion of what was found from these results and some concluding statements. Communication Apprehension The most widely accepted definition of communication apprehension was given by McCroskey in 1977 as “fear
Recommended publications
  • Job Interview a Concise Guide to Preparing for the Employment Interview Process
    The Job interview a concise guide to preparing for the Employment Interview Process developed by the Career Services and Transfer Services offices of Mercer County Community College www.mccc.edu Table of Contents Section Page Introduction 1 I Getting the Interview 2 II Preparing for the Interview 3 III Interview Structure 5 IV How to Conduct Yourself During Interviews 6 V Sample Questions and Suggested Responses 7 VI Other Frequently Asked Questions 8 VII Questions You Should Ask 9 VIII Illegal Questions 9 IX After the Interview 10 Introduction The Career Services office of Mercer County Community College provides stu- dents and alumni with various services to assist in the job search process. These services include providing assistance with networking, Internet source informa- tion, preparing for interviews, as well as writing resumes. Included in this publication are networking tips, tools to prepare you for the interview process, as well as sample interview questions. These questions along with suggested answers, if carefully studied and rehearsed, will almost certainly help you to navigate the tricky waters of the employment process. Career Services Mercer County Community College 1200 Old Trenton Road West Windsor, NJ 08550 609-570-3397 [email protected] Content contributions courtesy of County College of Morris, Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education. 1 I Getting the Interview We hope to provide you with valuable information and tips to help you with the interviewing process. But first, your initial goal in “the job-hunting game” is to get the interview! To do this, you must be prepared with the right tools and know as much as you can about the job search process.
    [Show full text]
  • Job Interview Preparation
    CHECKLIST FOR PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW • Read this pamphlet carefully. • Make a list of your good points and think of concrete examples that demonstrate them. • Practice answering the questions on page 6. • Review a copy of your application and the examination announcement. • Make sure you know the exact date, time, and place of your interview. DOING YOUR BEST • Dress neatly. • Bring the interview notice with you. ON YOUR • Have enough money for parking. You will need quarters for the parking meters near the Personnel Building. JOB • Leave in time to arrive at least 15 minutes before the INTERVIEW appointed time. PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT CITY OF LOS ANGELES ABOUT THE INTERVIEW The Personnel Department makes every effort to assure that all candidates receive a fair interview and that the persons who serve on interview boards are competent. There are three parts to every job interview. Each part is important. The interview board that conducts your interview will probably be 1. The Job is the duties and responsibilities that need to be done. composed of two or three members. They are men and women from 2. The Interview Board is the men and women who make a business, government, and community organizations. They are chosen because of their familiarity with the work for which you are judgment on how well your qualifications match the requirements applying and are experienced in hiring employees for their own of the job. organizations. Additionally, the Personnel Department strives to include interviewers who reflect the diverse nature of the City's 3. Your Qualifications are your education, experience, knowledge, population.
    [Show full text]
  • “Practical Guide” on Job Sharing
    A PRACTICAL GUIDE JOB SHARING TWO PROFESSIONALS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE CONTENTS PART-TIME WORK AND THE LABOUR MARKET 1 A MODEL FOR ALL AGES 3 DEFINITION OF JOB SHARING 4 LEGAL ISSUES 5 ADVANTAGES 8 CHALLENGES AND CONSTRAINTS 9 ORGANISATION 10 INTERGENERATIONAL JOB SHARING 11 The Go-for-jobsharing THE IDEAL PARTNER AND THE JOB APPLICATION 12 initiative is supported by the Federal Office for Gender Equality. ENSURING A SUCCESSFUL JOB SHARE 15 Federal Department of Home Affairs FDHA TESTIMONIALS 16 Federal Office for Gender Equality FOGE Funded under the Equal Opportunities Act PERCEPTION WITHIN THE ORGANISATION 18 WHEN A PARTNERSHIP ENDS 19 EDITED AND PRINTED BY Authors : Irenka Krone-Germann SUPPORT FROM THE TOP 20 and Anne de Chambrier, Association PTO Graphic design : THE 10 STEPS TO JOB SHARING 21 Contreforme sàrl Photographs : Keren Bisaz (Introduction, p. 1 and p. 25) TESTIMONIALS 22 www.miragesphoto.com Photograph on p. 1 taken at Kelly Services in Fribourg USEFUL WEBSITES IN SWITZERLAND 25 Proofreading : Anne Kelleher Cuendet February 2015 INTRODUCTION Dear Readers, The number of part-time workers has grown steadily in Switzerland over a number of years, especially among women. With one-third of its working population holding part-time positions, Switzerland is virtually the European record-holder where part-time work is concerned, just after the Netherlands. Yet despite the fact that part-time positions help provide work-life balance, these jobs have a number of disadvantages. For example, part-time positions are not typically advertised, but rather granted at the specific request of the employees. Part-time work is rarely offered for positions with a high-level of responsibility, makes it difficult for a part-time employee to change jobs even within the company and hinders the employer’s abililty to ensure coverage at the workplace every day of the week.
    [Show full text]
  • Telecommuting Research Job Interview Questions and Answers
    Telecommuting Research Job Interview Questions And Answers Interview Questions Answers http://interviewquestionsanswers.org/ About Interview Questions Answers Interview Questions Answers . ORG is an interview preparation guide of thousands of Job Interview Questions And Answers, Job Interviews are always stressful even for job seekers who have gone on countless interviews. The best way to reduce the stress is to be prepared for your job interview. Take the time to review the standard interview questions you will most likely be asked. These interview questions and answers on Telecommuting Research will help you strengthen your technical skills, prepare for the interviews and quickly revise the concepts. If you find any question or answer is incorrect or incomplete then you can submit your question or answer directly with out any registration or login at our website. You just need to visit Telecommuting Research Interview Questions And Answers to add your answer click on the Submit Your Answer links on the website; with each question to post your answer, if you want to ask any question then you will have a link Submit Your Question; that's will add your question in Telecommuting Research category. To ensure quality, each submission is checked by our team, before it becomes live. This Telecommuting Research Interview preparation PDF was generated at Sunday 4th February, 2018 You can follow us on FaceBook for latest Jobs, Updates and other interviews material. www.facebook.com/InterviewQuestionsAnswers.Org Follow us on Twitter for latest Jobs and interview preparation guides. http://twitter.com/InterviewQA If you need any further assistance or have queries regarding this document or its material or any of other inquiry, please do not hesitate to contact us.
    [Show full text]
  • Telecommuting Guide Produced By
    Telecommuting Guide Produced by: tafep.sg All information in this book is correct as of June 2021. All rights reserved. No part of these contents may be reproduced in any form or by electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems without permission in writing from the publisher. Contents 1 Introduction 19 Engage • Why this Telecommuting Guide? 1 • Keys to Keep a Hybrid Workforce Engaged 19 • How the Guide is Structured 2 • Organisation Considerations 21 • Terminology 2 • Manager Considerations 24 • The Organisation Case for Telecommuting - • Team Considerations 25 Maximising the Benefits and Reducing the Risks 3 • Employee/Individual Considerations 26 6 Plan 28 Perform • Organisation-level Considerations 6 • Manager Considerations 9 • Telecommunting Policy/Guidelines 10 31 Develop 12 Attract 34 Overcoming the Challenges • Virtual Hiring 12 • Considerations for Successful Virtual Hiring 13 37 Conclusion • Assessing Skills and Abilities Conducive to Successful Virtual Working 14 • Virtual Onboarding 15 39 Company Profiles • Assessing Progress and Feedback on the • Dell Technologies 40 Onboarding Process 18 • Foo Kon Tan 42 • Rajah & Tann 44 • SAP Asia Pte Ltd 46 • Singtel 48 • Toshiba Asia Pacific Pte Ltd 50 Introduction WHY THIS TELECOMMUTING GUIDE? remote working issues, for example, those related to managing time zone differences or geographically dispersed teams. This Guide focuses on employers who provide ‘hybrid’ or ‘blended’ work arrangements where employees have the option to work virtually or at an office/shared workplace. Recent projections of future employer practices indicate that many employers will continue to offer their employees the This Telecommuting Guide was developed to In this Guide, we aim to share important flexibility to telecommute during the work encourage and support Singapore employers considerations and best practices, combined week, in an arrangement that works best for in the implementation of a sustainable with learnings and examples from Singapore- the employee and team.
    [Show full text]
  • Career Mentorship Map and Resource Guide
    CAREER MENTORSHIP MAP AND RESOURCE GUIDE ERIEC.CA November 2017 Supported by the Government of Alberta Table of Contents The Career Mentorship Map ................................................................................. 2 Job Search (Map)..................................................................................................... 3 Identify Profession ................................................................................ 5 Network Job Opportunities ................................................................ 6 Search for Jobs .................................................................................... 8 Create Resumés & Cover Letters ...................................................... 8 Prepare for Job Interviews ...............................................................10 Career Change (Map) ............................................................................................12 Identify Transferable Skills, Aptitudes, Strengths ........................14 Identify Niche Jobs ............................................................................15 Identify Alternate Job Requirements .............................................16 Networking New Career Opportunities ..........................................17 Refine & Adapt Skills ..........................................................................18 Job Retention (Map)..............................................................................................21 Identify & Set Goals ...........................................................................23
    [Show full text]
  • How to Prepare for Job Interview Questions
    Talking the talk: How to prepare for job interview questions At best, a job interview can be a thoughtful conversation about a subject close to your heart: You! At worst, it can be a sweaty interrogation. Don’t sweat it. Be prepared. Before an interview, carefully review your transcript and resume, think critically about your personal successes and failures, and inventory your skills and experiences. You should be ready to answer detailed questions about your academic and professional past, and demonstrate that you are thinking about your future. There are two main question types you are likely to encounter in an interview: 1. Behavior Based Questions: - Tell me about a situation where you took on a leadership role. - Give an example of a time when you had to communicate effectively. - Describe your proudest academic achievement. 2. Personal History Questions: - Who do you consider to be your role model? - What are your long-term career goals? - Why do you want to work for this organization? In the heat of the moment, these questions can seem overwhelming. By anticipating how you will answer them, you can stay in control of the interview. 1. Behavior Based Questions: Employers have to assume that the past is precedent, so they will ask you to share personal experiences that illustrate relevant skills. Your examples may come from work experiences, internships, coursework, research, extra-curricular activities or volunteer work. The STAR technique (Situation or Task, Action, Result) can help you structure informative and concise personal narratives. Situation/Task: Description of a specific situation or task related to a relevant skill Action: Description of the specific steps you took in the situation or to 1 complete the task.
    [Show full text]
  • How to Negotiate a Flexible Work Arrangement in a New Job Interview by Pat Katepoo Workoptions.Com
    How to Negotiate a Flexible Work Arrangement in a New Job Interview By Pat Katepoo workoptions.com Interviewing for a new job is a tough-enough situation. But what if you want both a job and a flexible work arrangement to go with it? Finding a flex-friendly employer paves an easier path, but not all companies fit that category. Even those that do sometimes have a waiting period before new employees can telecommute or work a non-traditional schedule; the employer prefers new workers get oriented to their position—and demonstrate job performance and reliability—before flex scheduling kicks in. I won’t mince words: it is usually tough, tricky, and even risky, to negotiate a flexible work arrangement during a new job interview with a typical employer. But it’s not impossible. Information and timing are key elements to negotiating success. Information: Scout Out Clues Before the interview, surface clues about the company culture that will help you to decide whether or not to bring up the topic, and if so, how directly. Check the company’s “Careers” section of their website to see if they position flexible work arrangements as one of their desirable employment features. Savvy employers recognize that workplace flexibility helps in recruitment and is a strong driver of retention. They promote it and practice it. But some don’t walk the talk. Verify actual practices by checking with current or past employees; use Linkedin and GlassDoor to find people to ask. If nothing is publicly mentioned about telecommuting and other flexible work arrangements, the prospective employer is probably not using them as a business and human resource strategy.
    [Show full text]
  • A Job Interview Is a Mutual Exchange of Information Because It Provides
    A job interview is a mutual exchange of information because it provides the candidate with an opportunity to both gain information about the department and position, and to discuss his/her own skills and career goals in relation to the job. Prepare for the Interview • Review the Class Specification and Supplemental Job Description. Interviewing candidates for a state • Learn more about the department by visiting their web page. position helps managers and supervisors determine three things • Review your résumé and be prepared to discuss your relevant before they make a hiring decision: skills. • Decide who your references are. They should be a current or 1. Can the candidate do the past supervisor, coworker, teacher/professor or associate who job? has knowledge of your work history, skills, abilities, 2. Are you motivated to do the job? accomplishments, initiative, education and integrity. Get 3. Are you a good fit in the permission to use their name in advance and collect their organization? current contact information [including e-mail address] • Bring extra copies of your résumé and a notebook. Doing the Job: Management • Dress for Success – Appearance should reflect maturity and wants to know if you possess the necessary knowledge and abilities self-confidence. Be neat, clean, and dress in good taste. to successfully perform the duties • Find out where the interview will be, obtain clear directions, of the job. and confirm the time. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early. Motivation: Management wants During the Interview to know if you are interested in the job and if you will do the job with • Relax! Think of the interview as a conversation, not an consistent effort.
    [Show full text]
  • DETJ-6951-P, Keys to Successful Interviewing
    DETJ-6951-P (R. 11/2016) Keys to Successful Interviewing to help you unlock the doors in your job search CONTENTS An interview gives you the opportunity to showcase Plan and Prepare ______________page 2 your qualifications to an employer, so it pays to be Present your Strengths _________page 3 well prepared. Be Prepared for Questions ______page 4 Be Effective in your Follow Up ___page 8 The employer is looking for what you can offer the Do’s and Don’ts __________page 10-11 company: your talents, your skills, your knowledge, Why Didn’t I Get that Job? _____page 12 your energy. Keep Learning _______________page 14 Interviewing Checklist ________page 15 To interview effectively, you must communicate effectively using your words, tone of voice, and positive visual image. The employer will receive your message of confidence, credibility, trustworthiness, intelligence, experience and education levels appropriate for the job. The information in this publication provides some helpful hints for interviewing success. 1 Feeling “locked out” of the job market? There are many key elements to a successful job search – research, resume writing, filling-out applications, interviewing and follow up. The job interview puts you on the spot to show your key strengths. Unlock the door to successful interviewing by fol- lowing these keys: • Plan and prepare carefully • Present your strengths clearly • Be prepared for questions • Be effective in your follow up Plan and prepare Learn about the company or organization that is in- be your boss, if you are hired. terviewing you. The employer will be impressed that you took the time to research the company.
    [Show full text]
  • Interview Strategies 101
    Interview Strategies 101 LWTech Employment Resource Center West Bldg. W207 (425) 739-8113 [email protected] Agenda: • Interview Purpose/Hiring Process • Before the Interview – Preparation • During the Interview • After the Interview • Job Offer – Salary Negotiation • How to contact LWTech Employment Resource Center and additional services You got the interview! Yay! Now what?! What is the purpose of an interview? An interview is a meeting to exchange information. Both parties ask & answer questions to see if the position is a good fit for both you and for the employer. The purpose is: • To answer the employer’s question: “How can you be valuable to me?” • To discuss whether your skills and experience match what the employer is looking for. • Learn more about the position to see if it’s what you’re looking for. • Sell your skills and get the job! Steps of the Hiring Process • Apply for position • Obtain interview (phone or in-person) • Understand types of interviews • Prepare for interview • Complete interview (one or more) • Post-interview follow-up (send thank you) • Salary negotiation (once job offered) • Start job! Types of Interviews Interviews can be onsite, on video, by phone, or in-person. • Screening Interview • Usually with Human Resources, on the phone, short, you answer a few questions. If it goes well, you get invited to an onsite interview. • Skills Test Interview • You are given a “test” as part of the interview. • One-on-one Interview • You meet with one person and ask/answer questions. • Panel Interview • You meet with a group of people at different levels in the company (manager/team members/human resources) • Progressive Interview • You meet with a series of people, but one at a time.
    [Show full text]
  • Mentor Interview Questions and Answers Guide
    Mentor Interview Questions And Answers Guide. Global Guideline. https://www.globalguideline.com/ Mentor Interview Questions And Answers Global Guideline . COM Mentor Job Interview Preparation Guide. Question # 1 Can you describe your ideal boss/supervisor? Answer:- During the interview Regarding Mentor process employers will want to find out how you respond to supervision. They want to know whether you have any problems with authority, If you can work well as part of a group (see previous question) and if you take instructions well etc. Never ever ever, criticize a past supervisor or boss. This is a red flag for airlines and your prospective employer will likely assume you are a difficult employee, unable to work in a team or take intruction and side with your former employer. Read More Answers. Question # 2 Are you willing to work overtime or odd hours? Answer:- Be completely honest. You don't want to lie to get the job if you're not going to work the hours required. Read More Answers. Question # 3 Describe a time when you anticipated potential problems and developed preventive measures? Answer:- The key here is to show that you were proactive. How did you find out about the potential problems? How did you address it quickly? Read More Answers. Question # 4 How do you believe you would benefit our organization? Answer:- This is a great question that provides you the opportunity to put your best foot forward, to tell the interviewer why he or she should consider hiring you for the job. Make sure you're well prepared for this question as you won't likely get a second chance to really shine.
    [Show full text]