Review the etiquette rules suggested in the text. Respond to each one. Have you ever been bothered by cell phone, answering machines, or beepers? What do you feel about call waiting? Is it rude to put people on hold to take another call?
I marvel at our country’s increasing advances in technology, but sometimes wonder if things would be simpler without certain modes of communication.
When I study for this class, I go to the local library. If I am not in the quiet room, cell phones are still allowed. I still think it is rude, however, when people are talking in the library at full voice on their cell phone. The library is a place where people should be quiet!
Answering machines and voice mails can be funny but not always professional. I have not been too bothered by anyone’s funny answering machine, but often wonder “what if a future employer calls”, wouldn’t that be slightly embarrassing?
I have had little experience with conference calls, but my roommate works from home and often has them each morning. She never acts silly or funny because she knows that many people are on the end of the phone call. I definitely agree with the etiquette listed in the textbook for this one. ☺
I have faxed my resume to certain employers but always warn them before I am sending. I know at my mom’s office she gets random faxes and it can be confusing if she doesn’t know when they are coming.
Screen names and Ring Tones. When I was thirteen I had a goofy screen name, but now I just list my first name. It’s definitely more professional and beneficial to peers and coworkers than cutiepie13. ☺
I have very mixed feelings for call waiting. I do believe that if I am on the phone with someone I will devote my listening ears to the person. I hate putting people on hold, but also hate knowing that if I get a call waiting, she person on the end of the lines knows I am on the phone and am not picking up their call. I feel guilty no matter what I do! ☺
Overall, technology is great and is helping us reach out to others on a global level. I do believe, however, that we should use the Etiquette for an Information Age as much as possible!
Have a splendid weekend!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Week 12 Post #1
How are organizations tied to the environment? What is the relationship between the school you attend and the city or town in which it is situated? What, if any, ethical obligations does an organization like a college or university have to the local community?
Organizations are tied to their environment because they depend on each other in order to be healthy and make progress. I participate in community musicals, and if the economy is slowing and people cannot afford to buy theatre tickets, we have to accommodate that by using fewer resources and having a smaller budget. The environment directly affects organizations.
The city of San Jose is extremely large and busy. I immediately think of the lack of parking at SJSU, and that is directly influenced by the environment and the lack of space to build more parking lots. The environment in San Jose can be noisy (with many fraternity and sorority houses nearby), and this can directly affect people who live nearby campus.
I think that San Jose State has many ethical obligations to make the city aware of. If there are changes or additions to the campus, it is the University’s responsibility to clear it with the city. I also think it would be important for students or graduates to participate in local internships or volunteer opportunities within the community.
Organizations are tied to their environment because they depend on each other in order to be healthy and make progress. I participate in community musicals, and if the economy is slowing and people cannot afford to buy theatre tickets, we have to accommodate that by using fewer resources and having a smaller budget. The environment directly affects organizations.
The city of San Jose is extremely large and busy. I immediately think of the lack of parking at SJSU, and that is directly influenced by the environment and the lack of space to build more parking lots. The environment in San Jose can be noisy (with many fraternity and sorority houses nearby), and this can directly affect people who live nearby campus.
I think that San Jose State has many ethical obligations to make the city aware of. If there are changes or additions to the campus, it is the University’s responsibility to clear it with the city. I also think it would be important for students or graduates to participate in local internships or volunteer opportunities within the community.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Week 11 Post #2
*Think about the filters you use to eliminate people from consideration as potential romantic partners. What characteristics or behaviors lead you to judge others as unattractive? Does Duck's theory make sense to you? Have you ever eliminated someone by using a sociological or pre-interaction cue only to reconsider them based on interaction and cognitive cues?
After reading this section of the chapter, I realized I have used all the filters to eliminate potential romantic partners. Physical proximity is a huge one for me, I have not had success in long distance relationships and it seems more realistic to be with someone who lives in the same area. I have also used the incidental cues (environment, work/life style), preinteraction cues (nonverbal impressions), interactions (lack of eye contact, facial expressions), and cognitive cues (shared values and attitudes).
For me, the cognitive cues are the most important filter. If I meet someone whose values are in opposition of mine, or negative in some way, I am simply not attracted to the person. I think differences are good, but for instance, if I met someone who had a positive attitude toward smoking, I wouldn’t be with the person! ☺ Other characteristics that lead me to judge others as unattractive are no sense of humor, awkward conversations or nonverbal behavior, and little confidence.
I think as we date more, or experience people more, we kind of figure out what we are attracted to and what “works” for us. Duck’s theory makes a lot of sense to me- the reasons he lists are very true aspects in which we filter when looking for potential partners. I think there must have been a time when I reconsidered a person based on their interaction or cognitive cues. Sometimes I’ll gain a first impression, and be completely blown away by a person’s ideas, values, or attitude.
Have a great weekend! ☺
After reading this section of the chapter, I realized I have used all the filters to eliminate potential romantic partners. Physical proximity is a huge one for me, I have not had success in long distance relationships and it seems more realistic to be with someone who lives in the same area. I have also used the incidental cues (environment, work/life style), preinteraction cues (nonverbal impressions), interactions (lack of eye contact, facial expressions), and cognitive cues (shared values and attitudes).
For me, the cognitive cues are the most important filter. If I meet someone whose values are in opposition of mine, or negative in some way, I am simply not attracted to the person. I think differences are good, but for instance, if I met someone who had a positive attitude toward smoking, I wouldn’t be with the person! ☺ Other characteristics that lead me to judge others as unattractive are no sense of humor, awkward conversations or nonverbal behavior, and little confidence.
I think as we date more, or experience people more, we kind of figure out what we are attracted to and what “works” for us. Duck’s theory makes a lot of sense to me- the reasons he lists are very true aspects in which we filter when looking for potential partners. I think there must have been a time when I reconsidered a person based on their interaction or cognitive cues. Sometimes I’ll gain a first impression, and be completely blown away by a person’s ideas, values, or attitude.
Have a great weekend! ☺
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Week 11 Post #1
*Pick one concept from the assigned reading that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.
It was refreshing and useful to go over dyads in this chapter. I liked learning about the various rules we subconsciously use when with certain people. For instance, my girlfriends and I exhibit psychological-level rules. We seem to have our own language when we are together, and “make” our rules based on what we know about each other.
When I am at a job interview, however, I use cultural-level rules. One would almost always formally greet a future employer with a hand shake rather than a hug or kiss.
I participate in local musical theatre productions, and here the sociological-level rules are exhibited. People in this group know to be quiet when a director talks, or to use quiet voices when backstage during a performance. Interpersonal communication depends on a particular group's rules.
I liked when Trenholm writes "As we become more familiar, however, we can understand our partners better because we know about their backgrounds and about their attitudes and values" (Trenholm 143). This relates to many other sections we've read this chapter, but I like the idea that we tend to use our intuition depending on who we talk to in order to make communication successful. I liked reading this section of the chapter because these rules are so subconscious, yet we use them every day. Talking to a best friend or family member is so casual, but really, we are subconsciously following rules of communication.
Hope everyone has a great rest of the week!
It was refreshing and useful to go over dyads in this chapter. I liked learning about the various rules we subconsciously use when with certain people. For instance, my girlfriends and I exhibit psychological-level rules. We seem to have our own language when we are together, and “make” our rules based on what we know about each other.
When I am at a job interview, however, I use cultural-level rules. One would almost always formally greet a future employer with a hand shake rather than a hug or kiss.
I participate in local musical theatre productions, and here the sociological-level rules are exhibited. People in this group know to be quiet when a director talks, or to use quiet voices when backstage during a performance. Interpersonal communication depends on a particular group's rules.
I liked when Trenholm writes "As we become more familiar, however, we can understand our partners better because we know about their backgrounds and about their attitudes and values" (Trenholm 143). This relates to many other sections we've read this chapter, but I like the idea that we tend to use our intuition depending on who we talk to in order to make communication successful. I liked reading this section of the chapter because these rules are so subconscious, yet we use them every day. Talking to a best friend or family member is so casual, but really, we are subconsciously following rules of communication.
Hope everyone has a great rest of the week!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Week 9 Post #3
Do you believe in the rationality, perfectability, and mutability premises? What social institutions and practices are based on these beliefs?
I don’t really know if I wholeheartedly believe in all of these concepts. I think that in terms of rationality, people do have the ability to discover the truth. I do think, however, that life, selfishness, and differing beliefs can get in the way. Based on differing beliefs, one person’s “truth” may be different than another person’s idea of truth. In terms of the perfectability premise, I think that life is one opportunity. Mistakes are made, and we have the choice as to whether or not we want to commit crimes against the rules of our society. People in jail, or people who commit crimes are actively not being good citizens in a particular community.
Mutability premise believes that “human behavior is shaped by environmental factors and that the way to improve humans is to improve their physical and psychological circumstances” (Trenholm 353). I really agree with this last concept, because our environment truly shapes our ideas and beliefs. School/education is a social institution that models the mutability premise. Our surrounding give us a place to progress and grow, or can affect us in negative ways that influence our mental and physical health. All three of these premises are factors into our well beings as individuals.
I don’t really know if I wholeheartedly believe in all of these concepts. I think that in terms of rationality, people do have the ability to discover the truth. I do think, however, that life, selfishness, and differing beliefs can get in the way. Based on differing beliefs, one person’s “truth” may be different than another person’s idea of truth. In terms of the perfectability premise, I think that life is one opportunity. Mistakes are made, and we have the choice as to whether or not we want to commit crimes against the rules of our society. People in jail, or people who commit crimes are actively not being good citizens in a particular community.
Mutability premise believes that “human behavior is shaped by environmental factors and that the way to improve humans is to improve their physical and psychological circumstances” (Trenholm 353). I really agree with this last concept, because our environment truly shapes our ideas and beliefs. School/education is a social institution that models the mutability premise. Our surrounding give us a place to progress and grow, or can affect us in negative ways that influence our mental and physical health. All three of these premises are factors into our well beings as individuals.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Week 9 Discussion Post #2
*Do you agree with anthropologist Ruth Benedict that we are "creatures of our culture" and that our habits, beliefs, and impossibilities are shaped by our culture? If so, how can we break through the limits of our culture?
Generally, I agree with Ruth Benedict’s statement. We are born into communities of society that have various beliefs, customs, and rules. Whether we know it or not, we act as creatures of cultures on a daily basis, in our daily lives. Religion, ethnic background, and various activities are a few of the ways we engage in being a “creature of culture”.
We are apart of culture whether we like it or not. Our age and gender categorize us in ways that separate us from others. In order to break the stereotypes that come with cultures, we should seek out other cultures and actively participate in new ways. This type of intercultural communication truly connects us to others.
Participating/living in only one culture certainly limits our communication and most importantly, our progression as a human being. By actively learning about other cultures, and experiencing new cultures, we are not only broadening our knowledge but we are also expanding means of communication. Living outside one’s culture can be difficult, but extremely beneficial. I think it can be difficult to break the habits of one culture, but the sacrifice comes with so many benefits. We not limiting ourselves to one culture, we are enabling ourselves to learn and experience new ways of living. (Not to mention new beliefs, new outlooks, new ideas).
Have a great weekend! ☺
Generally, I agree with Ruth Benedict’s statement. We are born into communities of society that have various beliefs, customs, and rules. Whether we know it or not, we act as creatures of cultures on a daily basis, in our daily lives. Religion, ethnic background, and various activities are a few of the ways we engage in being a “creature of culture”.
We are apart of culture whether we like it or not. Our age and gender categorize us in ways that separate us from others. In order to break the stereotypes that come with cultures, we should seek out other cultures and actively participate in new ways. This type of intercultural communication truly connects us to others.
Participating/living in only one culture certainly limits our communication and most importantly, our progression as a human being. By actively learning about other cultures, and experiencing new cultures, we are not only broadening our knowledge but we are also expanding means of communication. Living outside one’s culture can be difficult, but extremely beneficial. I think it can be difficult to break the habits of one culture, but the sacrifice comes with so many benefits. We not limiting ourselves to one culture, we are enabling ourselves to learn and experience new ways of living. (Not to mention new beliefs, new outlooks, new ideas).
Have a great weekend! ☺
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Week 9 Post #1
Pick one concept from the assigned readings that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.
A concept I always find interesting (an especially so in this chapter), is the concept that cultures are learned. I work with children, and it's always amazing to see similarities between children and their parents. From the moment we are born we are aware of the cultural patterns that take place, and the according consequences and privileges received by choosing to abide by these patterns. I don't know how many classmates this holds true for, but in kindergarten we truly had "gender appropriate" toys. It was very rare for the girls to be playing with blocks and the boys to be playing with Barbies. It seems like we are taught from a young age what is "right" in our culture.
Growing up, my family had a rule that after dinner, each member of the family had to put their own dish in the dishwasher. If one of us didn't do this, we would have to go back and fix the mistake or they may have been a consequence. In other households, many dishes are left untouched in the sink until the next day. This little act between my family is a way that we express our culture, even among a small group It's funny how little cultural patterns can seem. We learn through accepted behaviors. I truly agree with Trenholm when she writes "We are so well programmed that we seldom stop to think that culture is learned." (Trenholm 344). It was my trip to Scotland this past summer that I truly thought about how different various communities or cultures can be. I think by traveling, constantly visiting other places and different cultures, we slowly can break the barrier that limits connection between cultures.
A concept I always find interesting (an especially so in this chapter), is the concept that cultures are learned. I work with children, and it's always amazing to see similarities between children and their parents. From the moment we are born we are aware of the cultural patterns that take place, and the according consequences and privileges received by choosing to abide by these patterns. I don't know how many classmates this holds true for, but in kindergarten we truly had "gender appropriate" toys. It was very rare for the girls to be playing with blocks and the boys to be playing with Barbies. It seems like we are taught from a young age what is "right" in our culture.
Growing up, my family had a rule that after dinner, each member of the family had to put their own dish in the dishwasher. If one of us didn't do this, we would have to go back and fix the mistake or they may have been a consequence. In other households, many dishes are left untouched in the sink until the next day. This little act between my family is a way that we express our culture, even among a small group It's funny how little cultural patterns can seem. We learn through accepted behaviors. I truly agree with Trenholm when she writes "We are so well programmed that we seldom stop to think that culture is learned." (Trenholm 344). It was my trip to Scotland this past summer that I truly thought about how different various communities or cultures can be. I think by traveling, constantly visiting other places and different cultures, we slowly can break the barrier that limits connection between cultures.
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