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Workshop One
BIBLICAL WISDOM
Nehemiah 8:2–3, 12 (NIV)
So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law
before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who
were able to understand. He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he
faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men,
women and others who could understand. And all the people listened
attentively to the Book of the Law. . . . Then all the people went away to
eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy,
because they now understood the words that had been made known to
them.
Special men were appointed to help the people understand God’s Word because if they
did not understand it, it would do little good. With help from some good communicators,
the people understood the words that were declared to them. They went away praising
God, because understanding God’s Word brings such a sweet sense of joy.
WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES
By the completion of this workshop, the student will be able to:
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Analyze specific ethical challenges in the workplace.
Assess the role of communication in decision making.
Identify various dimensions of organizational culture.
Evaluate how communication shapes an organization.
Apply communication channels and networks to specific business scenarios.
Select an organizational communication topic.
Workshop One Assignments
The following assignments should be completed prior to Workshop One.
Individual Assignments:
Activity 1.1: Reading
1. Read chapters 1, 2, 10 and Appendix I in Communicating at Work, and chapters
1 and 2 in Point, Click & Wow!
2. Read the Sundown Bakery strategic case in Communicating at Work.
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Activity 1.2: Sundown Bakery
1. After reading the Sundown Bakery strategic case in Communicating at Work and
address the following:
1) Identify the changes in communication channels between employees and
management as Sundown has grown. What channels can be used to make
communication about changes in the business most productive?
2) How has Sundown’s formal and informal communication networks changed
as the company has expanded? In what ways have both the formal and
informal networks contributed to Sundown’s growing pains? In what ways can
these networks be used to improve the relationships between the
management and employees?
3) How would you describe the early organization culture of Sundown? How has
the culture changed as the company grew? Consider the issues listed on
pages 58–60 as you answer this question.
4) What advice would you give to Sundown’s management team about how to
maintain the most effective culture in the face of the company’s growth?
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Use the Case Study Rubric found at the end of this workshop for additional
guidance in writing your paper. Your paper should be three to five pages long
and accompanied by a cover page and reference page. Please follow APA style
guidelines when formatting your assignment.
Activity 1.3: Communication Presentation: Topic
1. In Workshop Four or Five you will present a 10- to 12-minute professional
presentation along with a 5- to 7-slide PowerPoint.
1) Select an organizational communication topic that you will use as the
subject matter for your professional presentation. A list of topics is
available for you to choose from at the end of this workshop. You are not
limited to this list; however, you do need to obtain instructor approval for
an unlisted topic.
2) Your paper should be one page long and accompanied by a cover page.
Please follow APA style guidelines when formatting your assignment.
BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES IN BUSINESS
Scripture: Matthew 5:13–16 (NIV)
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it
be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be
thrown out and trampled by men.
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do
people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand,
and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light
shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your
Father in heaven.”
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Questions to Consider:
1. In your organization, what would it mean for you to be salt and light?
2. Would implementing this passage into your work life make you an incurably
religious person, or a more effective communicator?
3. Would you have to change the way you communicate to fulfill the spirit of this
passage?
STUDENT SUPPLEMENTS
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Case Study Rubric
Organizational Communication Presentation topic list
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Case Study Rubric
Analysis
 Content is comprehensive and accurate
 Major points are stated clearly and are well supported
 Research is adequate and addresses course content
 Gives concrete examples
Writing Mechanics
 Logical flow of ideas, i.e., introduction, main body, conclusion
 Clear and concise
 Accurate spelling and grammar
APA
 Title page
 Correct formatting
 In-text citations used
 Reference page
Total points
Organizational Communication Presentation Topic List
Ambiguity in Verbal and Nonverbal
Messages
Americans with Disabilities Act
Appearance in the Workplace
Brainstorming
Clarity in Business Writing
Conflict Management
Corporate Culture
Cultural Diversity
Decision Making
Electronic Communication
Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission
Ethics
Feedback
Group Communication
Group Problem Solving
Leadership in Work Groups
Leadership Styles
Listening
Meetings
Mentorship
Motivation
Negotiation
Power
Report Writing
Sexual Harassment
Teams
Virtual Meetings
Virtual Teams
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20
10
100