Property of Kendall Hunt Publishing
Irwin, Hopkins, Payne's Comptetent Communication at Work
2010 copyright | 978-0-7575-5217-5

Chapter

6 Interpersonal

Communication
Skills at Work
After reading this chapter, you will be able to:
■ Understand the role of interpersonal communication in the
■
■
■
■
■
■

workplace
Describe the types and functions of relationships
Identify different approaches to conflict
Determine how certain conflict styles work in different situations
Analyze and apply negotiation strategies that meet different objectives Provide and evaluate constructive feedback
Identify and apply Gibb’s framework for building positive climates Chapter Outline
I troduction n Defining Interpersonal Communication
T
ypes of Workplace Relationships
Dealing
with Conflict
Giving
Constructive Feedback
Dev
eloping Supportive Communication Climates
Conclusion
A ctivities Ref rences e 120

Irwin_Competent Communication01E_Ch06_Printer_Pdf.indd 120

8/25/10 2:04:21 AM

KEY TERMS
I terpersonal n communication
I terdependence n Uniqueness
M
ixed-status relationship L eader-member exchange theory (LMX)
I -group n Out-group
Same-status
relationship

I formational peer n C ollegial peer
Specialpeer
C ict onfl A voiding A ccommodating C ompete C ompromise C ollaborate Negotiation
C
onstructive feedback Or ganizational climate
Descriptiv message e P roblem-focused message
Spontaneous
communication
Empatheticmessage
M essage of equality
P
rovisional message

Introduction
Cora Sims has worked at Kelpin Publishers as a project manager for five years. In this role she works with many different members of the organization to facilitate the publication of elementary school reading materials. From graphics to technology to accounting, she has developed relationships with many different departments.
She reports directly to the senior publishing partner, Mac Feral.
Although she feels that