Virtual Inspiration Journal

Escape in time and space, refresh your mind, expand your horizon: read on to breath in my world!


A logo is supposed to represent the essence of a company, what it stands for. It is supposed to be consistent with what the brand represents. In that particular example, the lotus flower represents purity and the color green symbolizes the protection of the environment. Since Clean Conscience promotes natural cleaning solution, the logo reflects its core mission of being ethical and natural. I liked the appealing and yet soft design of the logo. I like the repetition of the shape, with the darker green color helping to define the texture of the flower. The blue color of the word “conscience” evokes serenity and peace of mind. The clean sans serif font is particularly well suited to the overall message.


This logo was created for the Japanese Ministry of Defense. I love the fact that it does represent the concept of protection, but in a soft and gentle way. The roundness of the shapes goes against the traditional strong lines that are usually associated with strength and defense. In that respect, it represents the Japonese culture, with a message delivered in a respectful, soft, but yet determined way.
It has a 3-D dimension, which combined with the movement, naturally brings the eye on the circle surrounding the globe, like arms for protection. It also has a global concept of world protection, which is almost avant garde. The Japonese Ministy of Defense positions itself as one element in the world and does not use a protectionist attitude. The color theme is also different from what would be traditionally used in the US (probably red, blue, white). Since green is the color for stability and reassurance, it is very well suited. I really love this logo for its unity and its non-traditional way of conveying a message.


How cleaver can you be? A petroleum company represented as a cheerful, nature oriented, bright, and illuminating entity. What a message! And what a positive brand identity! Taking the antithesis of what a petroleum company is in the mind of people and turning it in a pleasant thought. This logo composition is appealing and dynamic. It has a balanced distribution between the elements, with the flower theme repeated several times on a smaller scale within the same space. The color contrast brings dynamism. The color yellow evokes happiness, cheerfulness, and positive energy. The color green symbolizes growth and the concept of being environmentally friendly.
The font is also clean and the upper location of the text brings a star dimension to the flower. I really like this logo for what it achieved to do: give a positive outlook to BP!


Am I desperate for spring? This billboard caught my attention by its inviting, dynamic, and warm composition and movement. The emphasis on the “bouquet of drinks” invites the viewer to celebrate drinks as if they were ice cream waiting to be eaten! The repetition of the drinks creates a unity, yet the various colors of the drinks promote choices among the drinks. The background orange color is warm, dynamic, and complements the message “orange infusion”. The blue color in a different hue evokes freshness, positivism, and is consistent with the blue find in the logo. The clean sans serif font delivers a message that complements the bouquet. The overall positive/negative space relationship is also well respected. I really like the powerful message to celebrate drinks, summer, and warmth and how it was conveyed.

http://www.bsr.org/reports/leading-perspectives/2007/2007_Winter.pdf

The website Business for Social Responsibility has an e-newsletter that I thought was very effective when I came upon it. I like the accessibility of the information provided and the clean, yet powerful way of delivering the information. The red color from the front page is repeated each time a new article is presented, so as to deliver quickly the important message. The viewer can quickly read it and see if he or she is interested in going further. The whole document is designed with the reader scrolling down in mind: the text is aligned vertically, there are no off balanced text of graphic to divert the eyes, pictures are colorful and/or may be higher than the text to bring dynamism to the page. This e-newsletter has a unity and a consistent tone throughout its delivery. Since its targeted audience is business people, I think it is very effective.

Speak up!

Johann Von Goethe said, “Oral delivery aims at persuasion and making the listener believe they are converted. Few persons are capable of being convinced; the majority allow themselves to be persuaded.” From this perspective, one can deduce it is essential to master speaking skills in order to persuade and communicate a powerful message. In today’s world, where television and the Internet instantaneously relay information, image can strengthen or destroy a message. Mastering the art of verbal and nonverbal communication is a challenge that we all need to learn, politicians especially.

In her article “Nonverbal communication as a persuasion tool: Current status and future directions,” Maria Kopacz (2006) hypothesizes non-verbal communication plays a role more important than previously estimated in voters’ decision-making during political campaigns. She points to the significance television takes in relaying information and portraying candidates, whose image and personality weight now as much as political issues in the public’s perception. This tendency seems particularly relevant in uninformed or disinterested voters.

In light of this hypothesis, Maria Kopacz (2006) explains that research on the subject will provide insight to a new generation of political candidates, especially female and minority candidates. She adds that television is, until now, the primary media used by the public, and as such, exerts great power on other media.

Theories relating to nonverbal behavior and electoral choice suggest that an individual’s support for a specific candidate is influenced by the candidate’s media exposure, the individual’s affective relationship and identification to the candidate, and the individual perception of the candidate’s dominance (Maria Kopacz, 2006). Referring to the Elaboration Likelihood Model of Persuasion (ELM) framework, the author proposes that information can be processed via a central route, where the individual perceives the argument and forms a judgment on the politician. She also suggests that information can be processed peripherally, with senses and cues determining the perception of a candidate’s status, his credibility, ultimately shaping the choice of candidate.

Maria Kopacz (2006) relates her framework to other theories conceptualizing that facial expression, physical appearance, paralanguage, visual focus or gaze of a candidate may impact a voter’s decision based on affective process. Kopacz later points to potential future research experiments involving voter’s attitudes towards specific verbal and non-verbal stimuli, or the information processing of preconceived arguments. Kopacz concludes that her theory sought to complement previous research.

Maria Kopacz states that nonverbal behaviors, such as a speaker’s elocution or physical appearance, may influence an individual’s perception toward competence and trustworthiness. When I previously worked in a sleep disorders clinic, I noticed patients were impressed by the physician’s tenure, his authority and expertise expressed through his voice and body posture. As a result, patients view the physician as extremely competent and felt they would be well cared for.

I agree with Maria Kopacz who mentions that unfamiliar or unmotivated voters may turn to the candidate’s appeal to make their choice. This proved very true in the 2001 and 2004 presidential campaign during which Al Gore’s and John Kerry’s controlled postures did not convince voters as much as George Busch’s jovial tenure. I disagree with the fact that women’s physical appearance and vocal pitch may create bias assessments, which in turn, influence the competence and leadership ratings of female candidates. Karen Breslau reports in Newsweek’s current issue that “new research shows that voters give female governors significantly higher marks than their male counterparts on such qualities as honesty, cooperation and caring—as well as toughness.” (2007, p. 66)

Maria Kopacz’s article brought to my attention that judgment and attitude formation can come from a central route where the individual evaluates and processes information, or from a peripheral route where emotions affect the person’s attitude. I define persuasion as the art of encoding and delivering a similar message from a peripheral and direct route in order to influence an individual’s behavior and create a response. Since nonverbal communication accounts for more than 70 % of the message, I consider peripheral cues as a determinant factor in convincing an individual of an argument or actuate a specific action. In that respect, my definition quantifies the importance of nonverbal communication in the persuasion.

In my previous work setting, the employees seemed to respond to the information-integration theory. For example, the company was concerned with achieving the best quality care in sleep medicine, but some employees maintained unorganized and untidy work areas. Our manager explained to them, in a serious and attentive manner, that an excellent first impression was important in pursuing excellence. He, himself, set an example by cleaning up his office, and as a result of his argument and behavior, employees were more diligent in straightening up their office.

In the future, I will use my voice and body posture to reinforce the persuasive message so that I am more effective in communicating and achieving desired outcomes. I will also determine if the information delivered supports or refutes previous beliefs in my audience and how much critical thinking goes into my audience’s perception of my message.

To be a successful leader in the 21st century, I realize projecting a powerful image is very important. Persuading an audience is not just about a message but the way it is transmitted. I also think it is important to analyze how an audience perceives a message and to realize that new media, such as YouTube, will soon have an enormous impact.


References

Breslau, K. (2007, October 15). Now this is woman’s work. Newsweek, 66.
Kopacz, M. (2006). Nonverbal communication as a persuasion tool: Current status and future directions. Rocky Mountain Communication Review, 3(1), 1-19.

Managing and motivating: a balancing act!

Motivation is considered a key element in achieving success. When combined with abilities in a stimulating environment, motivation can propel a person to attain professional goals. In a company, motivation is essential to effective productivity and competitiveness. A recent article (Ken Shah & Param Shah, n.d.) describes motivation as inspiring people to work and generate the best possible results. The authors consider motivation as the most important mission for managers who must adopt a certain set of attitude to positively influence their employees’ behavior.

Motivation can be categorized according to the following criteria: achievement, affiliation, competence, power, attitude, incentive, and fear (Ken Shah & Param Shah, n.d.). The authors state that motivation differs from satisfaction, inspiration, and manipulation. They also acknowledge various motivational theories and address, for some, their limits. Among others: Jeremy Bentham’s “carrot and stick” based on reward and punishment might lead to defensive and unproductive behavior; Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory, based on physiological, security, social, esteem, and self-actualization (achieving one’s potential and self-fulfillment) has not been proven; Douglas McGregor’s X theory –employees dislike work, avoid responsibilities, and respond to authority—and Y theory –employees engage in work, have self control and self-direction, and participate— has been criticized; Frederick Herzberg’s motivation and hygiene theory –satisfaction is essential to motivation--; Elton Mayo’s need theory with the “Hawthorne Experiments”– group belonging, recognition, and influence--; David McClelland’s need theory –power, affiliation, and achievement--.

Ken Shah and Param Shah conclude with some management recommendations: be friendly to employees, think like a winner, understand employees’ different mindsets, and set achievable goals.

Ken Shah and Param Shah assert “to motivate others is the most important of management tasks.” In my previous work experience, our manager considered excellence a strategic component to differentiate the company from its competitors. As a result, he encouraged employees to perform to the best of their ability and to show a commitment to providing excellent service. By empowering employees, our manager gave them the drive to make the company successful.

The authors portray motivation as a will to inspire others to perform and achieve the best possible results (Shah & Shah, n.d.). This concept seems quite relevant. American culture is based on this concept. It values achievement and success as essential elements in the search for happiness and self-fulfillment. This is achieved through motivation. From early on, American children are encouraged to foster their strengths, all the way to upper education, and later in the workplace. This translates into a confident and driven society, ready to take on major challenges throughout the world.

I disagree with the concept advanced by Ken Shah and Param Shah that “motivation is a personal trait”. In some situations, the environment might also be important in determining the motivational level. For example, if an employee is in a conducive workplace, where financial or promotional rewards are used as incentives, he or she will be inspired to better perform.

This article enlightened me on the fact that there are several types of motivation based on the following criteria: achievement, affiliation, competence, power, attitude, incentive and fear. This helped me to refine my definition of motivation. I consider motivation a combination of self -determination and external drive to achieve a result. The internal component is based on the person’s genuine character and features and the assimilation of past experiences that have shaped his/her approach to being motivated. The external drive refers to the environment surrounding the motivational event and its impact on the person. I also differentiate between short and long term motivation.

In my previous work setting, the manager used the need for self-actualization conceptualized by Abraham Mallow, presented in Ken Shah & Param Shah’s article. My manager felt that employees were committed to achieve self-fulfillment. He also used achievement and competence methods of motivation. These methods were generally well received, because upon hiring, my manager would seek candidates who were receptive to those methods. The company organizational model was based on a mix of traditional and human resources.

I will now consider motivation as a key element into determining and implementing a successful communication strategy. If I were still working in my previous company, I would for example emphasize even more participation and feedback from the employees and encourage informal communication. In the future, I will determine the type of organizational model the company utilizes and how employees receive and perceive information. I will then access which factors motivate them to act and communicate accordingly.

It is important to correlate rapidity, efficiency, and motivation to be a successful leader in the 21st century and stay competitive in a global market. Multiunit organizations made of separate businesses or virtual organizations composed of various teams have to rely on effective motivation through opened and participative communication. The challenge for a communication leader is to correctly motivate in a high technology context where employees might never meet each other.

Global and multi-cultural organizations have to take into account how a culture will react to a particular motivational style. For example, the traditional achievement motivation model found in Japanese companies might not prove as successful in African countries. Therefore, to be an effective global leader and motivate, one has to foresee employees’ perceptions and its implication on the company’s success. This is especially important when relying on the fear motivation approach. It might ultimately alienate employees instead of motivate them.

Although I consider fear motivation detrimental if overused as the primary approach, the protection motivation theory (Welbourne, 1995) might prove necessary in certain situations. For example, health and safety issues or rapid unfolding events need a swift and profound reaction. To provoke action and reaction, fear motivation might be needed. This type of motivational approach should, however, be carefully weight to meet the needs of the environment and workplace culture.


References

Shah, K. & Shaw, P. (n.d.) Motivation. Retrieved October 2, 2007, from http://www.laynetworks.com/Motivation.html
Welboune. T. (1995). Fear: The misunderstood component of organizational transformation. Human Resource Planning, 18(1), 30-37

Challenging effective listening traditional theory

In the 2005 article, “The Listening Style Inventory (LSI) as an Instrument for Improving Listening Skill,” Juanying Lu addresses the importance of effective and appropriate listening as key elements to successful communication. This concept is particularly relevant when, for example, writing newsletter articles and reporting on specific information. During interviews, one has to practice effective listening to understand and quote appropriately, confirming through feedback the accuracy of the message. In addition, one has to select what part of the message is relevant. In that regard, the statement “appropriateness addresses social acceptability of communication goals” (Lu, 2005) is not accurate. Appropriateness should be considered as a skill to differentiate what part of the information delivered is pertinent.

However, previous research from Dillon and McKenzie conducted in 1998 demonstrates that “a message has several purposes: to be understood; to understand others; to gain acceptance for yourself and/or for your ideas; and to produce action or change” (as cited in Lu, 2005.) Developing awareness of the listening process is a significant concept that one should reflect on upon reading Lu’s article. To improve communication skills, it is necessary to assess which predominant listening style applies and make a conscious effort to listen closely.

New technologies can present a challenge in communicating appropriately in an ever-increasing virtual and cross-cultural organizational world where information has become knowledge. According to Sheila Bentley, this affects “what we listen to, whom we listen to, and how we listen to” (Bentley, 2000.) We can no longer rely on nonverbal cues, direct feedback or comments to determine the meaning of a message. As a consequence, new listening behaviors are emerging in interpersonal relationships. On an intrapersonal level, the overload of information leads to “become more selective about what we listen to” (Bentley, 2000.)

To successfully communicate in the 21st century, it is important to take into account cultural differences in listening style and in the use of technology (Bentley, 2000.) The traditional concept of effective listening no longer applies. In that respect, Bentley’s article offers a new and more accurate perspective on challenges companies face to implement effective communication strategies and manage employees.

References
Bentley, Sheila. C. (2000). .Listening in the 21st century. International Journal of Listening. 14, pp. 129-142
Lu, Jianying. (2005). The listening style inventory as an instrument for improving listening skill. Sino-US English Teaching, 2(5), 45-50.

Successful Graduate Student Essay

To be a successful student, I will need to conduct appropriate research using the articles, databases or catalog search tools from the Franklin Library by consulting http://franklin.edu/go/library. I will attend library workshops to learn how to conduct successful research and use RefWorks, and submit writing review requests by consulting http://www.franklin.edu/go/slc. I will need to properly cite sources and avoid plagiarism, apply the Franklin University APA Style and Academic Integrity Guidelines, refer to the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (5th ed.), and “The Gregg Reference Manual” from William A. Sabin (2004). I will need to master the use of the newest communication technologies such as blogs, and wikis.

I will also need to be able to conduct appropriate research and determine if a resource is valid, reliable, useful and appropriate. I will use critical thinking to analyze information and data, reason, make assumptions, infer evidence, evaluate concepts and ideas, and express my point of view. I will have to work in team effectively and monitor the use of my time according to the various assigned tasks. It will be essential to develop an appropriate schedule to study, work and combine family responsibilities. I will also need to know when to reassess a situation or learn to cope with any major problem.

I will need to strengthen my writing skills and learn to apply the American Psychological Association format guidelines regarding citations. I will also need to learn to use RefWorks, blogs and Wikis. Since English is a second language, I will need to overcome some potential language barriers and manage my time effectively.

I am organized and analytical, with good critical thinking skills. I am result driven and will take the necessary time to achieve good, quality results. I work well in teams, relate easily to others, and I am supportive.

Evaluating Resources Summary

One can assess if a resource is valid by checking if the information is accurate, objective, and contains up-to-date examples or other data. The scholarly article “Cultivation Theory” responds to those criteria.

One can check if a resource is reliable by checking if the author is objective and has authority over the subject. One should ask if the resource comes from a scholarly or popular source. An article such as “Cultivation Theory” or the book “Essentials of Business Communication” contains scientific or scholarly analysis and references. On the other hand, the “Persuasion Technology” Wikipedia page cannot be considered reliable since it is edited by various unknown sources.

One can check if a resource is useful by determining if the content is suitable for the research conducted. The scope, or breadth, of the material can cover an overview or a specific aspect of a topic. For example, the blog “Communication Nation” shows a palette of opinions on how to improve various aspects of communication. It is also important to determine the target audience, and if the content is basic or advanced. Evaluating resources in graduate school is essential because it allows students to use the most accurate and relevant information and provides the foundation and depth to support theories and hypotheses.

Although it is appropriate to use Wikipedia at the beginning when researching a topic to have a general overview of a subject, one should ultimately refer to more reliable sources. In that respect, it is better to use information coming from an encyclopedia, which has been submitted to several knowledgeable reviewers. It is essential to cite all sources accurately so the reader can go back and refer to them. These sources serve as supportive points for an argument.

Think outside the blog!!!

Hello all!

How exciting life can be! And how busy life can be too! How can one manage a fullfilled and happy life in Central Ohio?

This blog is about sharing ideas, recommendations, tips about how to achieve a glimpse of hapiness and fulfillment in Columbus, Ohio. Whether you are working, studying or just leasuring, share some of your ingights. Take the chance to make a change in your life and in the life or others! Share on this blog what makes your life a little more special. Are you an opera lover, a Buckeye fan, a scrapbooking freak, or anything else? What do you get out of it?

Spread your words, so others benefit from your passion. And if you have no passion yet, don't worry. This blog does not ask you to have one, just think about what makes your day special. This morning the brightness and warmth of the sun illuminated my day... This can be it! Life is short, let's make the most out of it! Carpe Diem!

Laurence