Business Communication Portfolio - LEI 3006: Reflective & Application

This business communication portfolio, created by a student, encompasses both reflective and application-based tasks. Part A delves into reflective writing, exploring communication models like the Shannon Weaver Model and Grice’s Cooperative Principle, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and the impacts of globalization. The reflections highlight personal experiences and insights gained from studying these topics. Part B presents application activities, including an employment/language skill plan addressing areas of weakness like strategic planning, time management, and data management. The plan outlines strategies for skill development, such as coaching and enrolling in relevant classes. The portfolio also includes a job application, showcasing the student's ability to apply learned concepts to real-world scenarios. The assignment demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of business communication principles and their practical application.

Business Communication
Student’s Name:
Institution:

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PART A: REFLECTIVE TASKS
1.0 Models of Communication
The communication is the passage of information from the sender to the receiver without
distortion and on time. The information must be timely circulated and accurate Additionally, I
was able to appreciate the Shannon Weaver Model in communication. This is referred to as the
start of communication model because this is the model that is referenced most of the time in
communication (Perez, Watson, Jack and Barnicle, 2019). The model has four stages: the sender-
where information emanates, encoder-an element which translates information coming from the
sender to a form that can be transferred on a medium (Warren, 2017), channel is the medium in
which information passes through to the sender and is prone to noise (Rieger and Kellenberg,
2017), decoder-this changes the encoded information to a form that will be understood by the
receiver, receiver-this is the recipient of information. In this model, there is feedback which is
used to acknowledge getting information or failure of information (Mishra et al., 2017).
This model gets a lot of criticism on the grounds that it is more of mathematical oriented
as opposed to social science oriented because Shannon Weaver is using mathematical formulas
to describe the message, noise in the message and the transformations of the signal to noise
ration into decibel(Venu, Reddy, Venu and Reddy 2016).
On the other hand, Grice’s Cooperative Principle illustrates how people can engage in a
conversation through the use of four Maxims: maxims of quantity-where needed information
must be delivered and not exaggerate, quality-where on has to deliver the truth and not false
information, relevance- where one has to deliver relevant information and manner-where one has
to deliver information clearly and orderly (Leech, 2016).
In my own perspective, I find these theories speaking almost the same concepts because
they detail how is transferred to the sender. In Shannon Weaver model, the emphasis is how

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information must reach the sender in a timely and accurate manner, while in Grice’s principle;
emphasis is on “perfectness”. I am using the word ‘perfectness’ because of Grice’s stresses on
quantity, quality, relevance and manner in which all these shapes the message to a perfect
message.
2.0 CSR
In the study of this section, I was able to learn that CSR is a worthy course undertaken by
organizations with the aim of ensuring that the people, society, and the planet benefit from the
undertaking of the organization. I established that CSR does not only involve charitable activities
alone but also involves activities that endeavor to protect the environment (Montiel et al., 2018).
As per Milton Friedman, organizations distort the economic freedom owing to the fact that they
are doing business on behalf of the shareholders and argue that organization must concentrate on
activities that have a direct relationship with the aim of generating profits and not including
charitable undertakings that have no bearing in the generation of profits. In addition, he added
the need for the manager to avoid fraud and deception and to engage in activities that are
acceptable and to carry out business based on the regulations set by the society both those
embodied in ethical norms and law. A good company is one that carries out ethically and
economically viable activities (Carroll, 2016).
Despite the arguments of Milton Freidman, I learned that CSR does not only entails
organizations striving to make a profit by ethically and economically viable activities, but also
must strive to ensure that the activities undertaken in the process of making a profit takes care of
the environment. In this respect, CSR must be sustainable. Sustainable CSR is the best options
for the present organizations (Hemingway and Starkey, 2018). I learned that the organization
must undertake ethical sustainable activities. This means that a business entity besides aiming for

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profits must ensure that all the stakeholders who comprise of the suppliers, the employees, the
stockholders must uphold sustainable practices. The aim is to ensure that carbon footprint is
minimized in all the processes starting from the stage of getting raw materials all through to the
final product. In the final product, an organization adopts green recycling methods so that any
packaging material is recyclable (Constantinescu and Kaptein, 2018).
In my view, I find that sustainable CSR is a good course when industrialization is put into
the picture because the amount of waste released into the environment by manufacturing
companies is enormous and if not checked, the environment will be dilapidated and future
generation will have no place to stay. Therefore, there is a need for an organization to use the
available resources in a sustainable manner for profit making but taking into consideration to
conserving for future generations. Embracing sustainability encourages conservation with the
aim of making the environment safe for the people, the society and the world at large.
3.0 Globalization
In examining globalization, I understood that this is a competition in which people,
societies, organizations, and nations strive to get a position in the competitive market. There is
an attempt to expose the gap between people with skills, education and the capability to flourish
in an autonomous global market with those with no skills, education and hence no capability of
flourishing (Steger, 2017). As per Friedman (1970), the losers (people with no skills, no
education and no means of flourishing) are anxious over their living standards and their
unjustified position in a cohesive global economy. As a result of this, tension is seen to happen
between society and the markets which bring the government in the middle.
Moreover, I also learn the other perspective which means the ease with which
organization can do business in other nations. As a result of the globalization, organizations have

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extended their business boundaries to the global context where they tap the bigger market
(Coates et al., 2018). However, the challenges they experience calls for the globalized structure
of an organization, and global leadership that takes into consideration the cross-cultural
differences. When this is done businesses are done with ease and simplicity by exploiting the
global human resources full of diverse skills and expertise (Pieterse, 2019).
I found that there is an advantage that globalization has brought is that skills, education,
and business get transferred from one region to another. The regions that are still developing
benefit owing to adopting new ways of doing things as a result of technological advancement.
Additionally, there are advances in all spheres of the economy ranging from education, farming,
business, health among others. For instance, in the health sector as a result of new skills and
knowledge, there is enhanced and modernized medical equipment as well as expertize for
treatment which is an advantage to the society and the nation at large (Baylis, Smith and Owens,
2017). It facilitates pool of resources, reduces exploitation of labor, eliminates issues of tyranny,
enhances access to communication, accelerates the development of developing nations, lessens
currency manipulation, free trade is encouraged, and create employment opportunities.
Irrespective of the advantages, I also learn that globalization has its shortcomings like benefitting
only the wealthy as opposed to the poor, prevent consumption of resources, encourages the
transfer of disease, and encourage the increase of offshore disadvantaging the home country
(Crane, and Matten, 2016).
In conclusion, I have learned that globalization is beneficial to the people, organizations,
society and the nation as a whole. Despite the fact that there are disadvantages that come with
globalization, the benefits outweigh these disadvantages.

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5.0 Personal Reflection
Feeling
In learning business communication, I felt that what we learned is true. For the case of culture
shock, I experience this incidence when I came to study in the UK. The culture in the UK is not
the same as the culture back at home. At home, people leave in a communal manner and work
cooperatively in tasks. This is not the same in the UK. Despite the organized nature of doing
things, people are individualistic in nature. Also, I experienced cross-cultural misunderstanding
due to spoken words.
Difficulties
English as a Global Language
Even though I appreciated and learned that English use in today’s business encourages
uniformity and bridges on the cross-cultural differences, I experienced difficulties in learning the
‘World Englishes’. I found that it confuses me a lot when the English language is twisted in
different formats.
Successes
Models of Communication
I was able to learn and enjoy the models of communication where I understood both the Shannon
Weaver model and Grice’s Cooperative Principle.
CSR
Additionally, I was able to get that CSR is a worthy course undertaken by organizations with the
aim of ensuring that the people, society, the planet benefit from the undertaking of the
organization, and embracing ethical sustainability make the environment safe for the people, the
society and the world at large.

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Globalization
I understood that globalization is a competition in which people, societies, organizations, and
nations strive to get a position in the competitive market. There is an attempt to expose the gap
between people with skills, education and the capability to flourish with those without. On
another perspective, I learned that globalization means the ease with which organization can do
business in other nations. As a result of the globalization, organizations have extended their
business boundaries to the global context where they tap the bigger market. I have learned that
globalization is beneficial to the people, organizations, society and the nation as a whole.

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PART B: APPLICATION TASKS
1. EMPLOYMENT/LANGUAGE SKILL PLAN
The areas that were identified as my weakness are strategic planning skills, time
management skills and data management skills. Time management and strategic planning skills
require coaching and it is done on the job. The reason is to ensure that there is hands-on training
as one works and at the same time learning.
In realizing this, I plan to set three hours every day for the development of each skill for a
period of two months. To begin with strategic planning, the approach is that I was beginning by
elevating my thinking through collecting facts in reading frequently, I will have a string mentor
whom I will be asking questions for direction, continuously work by anticipating the situations
that might arise in the business and learning what the company need for its growth.
In time management, I will start by reducing the workload by delegating some
assignment to a manageable level, giving priority to tasks beginning with the most urgent,
scheduling tasks so that I work in an orderly manner, setting up deadline, reducing or avoiding
multitasking completely, avoiding procrastination and starting early on my tasks.
In data management, this is a skill that cannot be learned on the job. I plan to enroll for
weekend classes and register with an institution offering the skill. I will be trained on data
management for a period of three months after which certification is given to show an attestation
that I have completed.

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2. JOB APPLICATION
1. Jobs advert
The Etech Company is seeking for an office administrator to work in the head office. The
requirements are:
1. A bachelor’s degree in business management or related field with second honors upper
2. Computer literate
3. One year experience in a similar working environment will be an added advantage
Send application to the manager via company email in the company website or send via post
using company postal address so as to reach the office not later than 5th June, 2019 at 5.00pm.
2. A covering letter
From:
Andrew Jones
P.O Box 342-20177
Kingsway
To:
The Manager
Etech Comoany
P.O Box 211-9000
Norfork
Dear Sir/Madam,
RE: APPLICATION FOR THE JOB OF OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
In view of the advertisement made on your company website for the post of office administrator,
I wish to submit my application.
I am 23 years old; I have completed my bachelor degree in Business Management with
specialization in administration. I obtained a second upper of 69 points. After completion of my
degree, I worked at Ramco ltd as an office assistant for one year after which my contract ended. I
have computer skills.
Attached is my CV for reference, I am ready to attend an interview when needed.
Thank you.
Yours Faithfully,
Andrew Jones

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3. My CV
Curriculum Vitae
Personal Data
Names: Andrew Jones
Date of Birth: 04/02/1995
Marital status: Single
Contact Address: P.O Box 211-9000, Kingsway
E-mail address: [e-mail]
Nationality: UK
Languages: English
Education Background and Experience
Date College Professional Exams/ Designation
2018-2019 Ramco Ltd Office assistant
2013-2018 Wageningen University Bachelor of Business Administration
Personal Attributes
 Ability to lead or working in a team
 Ability to use computer packages
 Ability to plan, organize and schedule tasks
Hobbies
 Writing Business articles
 Reading novel
Referee
Prof. David McDoe
Warwick University
P.O. BOX 230, Warwick

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3. MARKETING AND BRANDING – a Brief
Verdant Leisure: https://www.verdantleisure.co.uk/
Cross-Cultural Competency: Cultures vary from one region to another. As per Hofstede’s
dimensions each region has their own ways of doing things. In comparing UK and India, I find
that there is the UK is high in individualism and low in collectivism, they are an indulgence but
power distance is low, while India is low in individualism and high in collectivism and not an
indulgence but power distance is high. In using this, targeting India requires an understanding of
cultural barriers and enhances the cross-cultural competency so that people with high power
distances and collectivism can be taken on board. Indian people are aggressive and take high
regard to the family (Gregory, 2019).
Understanding Regional Laws: There is a need to take into account the laws that govern
advertising where there is a need for approvals to advertise in some cases and in some products.
Competitive words should be considered so that they are not overused. Also, there is need to
consider the regulations on sales tactics which is not the same across borders and take into
account the laws governing the products and in this case, the language will be a factor to
consider in the website (magnet4blogging, 2019).
Customize Search Engine and Customization on Local Usage: The search words must be made
and localized to fit into the Indian market. This has to be done in a skillful manner and in this
case, the website must adopt the local search engines with the use of an understandable keyword
(Forbes, 2017).
Content Localization and Key Word selection: In order to fit into the Indian market, the content
has to be localized which means the website has to be translated into the Indian language even

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though this might be costly but will be profitable in the long-run. Additionally, a native keyword
has to be selected so that they capture the target market (Gregory, 2019).
Optimizing Site Design, colors and Symbols: The websites have to be developed to be globally
friendly, flexible and more appealing design. The use of color must be considered given that
colors are ingrained in cultures choosing a common them color like white will be fine. There is a
need to relook at the icons, graphics, and logos so that does not interfere with Indians art and
culture (Forbes, 2017).
Currency Conversion: Since the currency is e-commerce, there is a need to integrate a currency
conversion system that allows people to easily convert currency from one form to another.
Adopting API tools for converting currency is probable (magnet4blogging, 2019).
The Speed: The website has to consider using Content Delivery Network (CDN) which is a
cluster of web servers situated around the world that enhances load time by serving clients from
location nearest to the client as opposed to one location (Forbes, 2017).
4. NEGOTIATIONS – An e-Mail
To all Staff,
Following the negotiation that was undertaken, as the chair of the negotiating team, I
wish to bring to your awareness the agreement that was reached. First, the meeting began at
1000hours at the common boardroom and was started with a word of prayer by Ms. Vanessa.
The negotiating team comprised of three members from the management, three union members,
and on the member from the labor relations office from the ministry. The negotiating committee
was constituted following the concerns that were raised by the staff union over employees’
grievances. Each of these items deliberated upon by the negotiating team and the conclusions
made are communicated below.

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Terms of service
The concern was that there are a number of employees who are still on contract terms and
have exceeded the number of years which labor laws stipulate for one to undergo to be
confirmed on permanent terms. This was a bridge by the management since the law mandate that
one has to work for three consecutive years to be absorbed under permanent terms. It was
established that many employees under contract terms have worked for over five years
consecutively. Since the management bridged the law, they have no option but were compelled
to absorb the employees or risky legal implications.
Appraisals
The appraisal was another issue raised where the concern was that there are employees
who have worked for many years and have not been promoted and they have stagnated in one
position for long. The management responded that the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)
stipulates that promotion to another grade is subject to a competitive process and attainment of
maximum qualifications for that grade. Since a number of employees do not have maximum
qualifications, they have not been promoted based on the CBA. The management encouraged
employees seeking promotion to study and earn qualification so that they will be promoted. The
negotiating team agreed to that fact because there is a binding agreement-the CBA that was
signed between the union and the management and cannot be bridged unless it is amended which
will not be an immediate solution.
As a result of these resolutions, I urge every member to observe the law and act as per the
law. The management is willing to act based on legally binding agreements.
Thank you
Chairperson,
Negotiating Team

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