organizational behavior and communication styles

Yash works for his father's company, which is in an unspecified industry. Before he started working at the company, Yash was concerned that he might be treated differently because he was the owner's son. This would have impeded interpersonal communications, as group members would have possibly been unwilling to speak about all issues when Yash was present. However, Yash was pleasantly surprised to find that the employees welcomed him into the group dynamics as if he were any other new recruit.

Interpersonal relations in the workplace were harmonious and collaborative. Yash was treated with respect and offered a supportive environment where creative problem solving could take place. All employees felt empowered to contribute and offer comments. The interpersonal communication styles fostered independent decision-making, welcoming a diversity of opinions and input from various group members. Overall, the experience was a success and can be used as a case study to illustrate the importance of interpersonal relations in the workplace.

Greg, Lixin, and Yash had similar experiences with their workplace in terms of interpersonal communications. They all had harmonious relations with coworkers and with supervisors, and all indicated working in a supportive work environment. For example, Greg was given a great degree of responsibility in running the weight room at Hudson Valley. He was the only work study student there, but his boss supported him throughout the experience, empowering him to keep the workplace in order without unnecessary surveillance or supervision. His experience with a supportive and empowering leader reflect Yash's experience at his dad's company. Likewise, Lixin experiences positive interpersonal communication styles with her boss. Lixin works as a babysitter, and although the children were demanding, the boss was not. The boss supported and encouraged Lixin, which helped her to feel competent and capable. As a result, Lixin has developed stronger interpersonal communication styles. Lixin and Greg both worked more independently than Yash, who was more able to learn about small group interactions. Although they are completely different work environments, with different organizational cultures and structures, the interpersonal communications are similar in that leadership is strong, supportive, and transformational in nature. Their experiences highlight the importance of what Reece & Reece (2016) call shaping the "total person," where employees are not treated as utilitarian resources but valued as human beings for the unique contributions they can offer (p. 8).