The Various Stakeholders Al
The Various Stakeholders Al
This assignment must be 3-4 paragraphs long. The various stakeholders all have different opinions on how they should receive communication regarding the project. The education level, attitude, personality, and job of each stakeholder have a bearing on the individual preference of communication. Some stakeholders complain about being carbon copied on everything and say they cannot keep up with e-mails; some complain that with all of the e-mail discussions, they are not sure what decisions have been made; some feel that by the time they get to read their e-mails, the information is out of date; and others want to dominate the communication. As the project manager, what is the best way to solve the communication issue among the stakeholders?
For this assignment, complete the following tasks: Locate a minimum of 2 articles that discuss the pitfalls of business communication for project managers. Provide a summary of the articles and share how the strategies suggested in the articles may be helpful. Provide a suggestion on improving communication among the stakeholders, and support your views.
Paper For Above instruction
Effective communication is essential for successful project management, especially when dealing with diverse stakeholders who have varying preferences and expectations. According to Johnson and Johnson (2020), one of the key pitfalls in business communication is the overreliance on email, which can lead to information overload, misunderstandings, and delays. Their research suggests that an overabundance of email communication often results in stakeholders feeling overwhelmed and disengaged, particularly when urgent decisions are delayed due to asynchronous communication. Additionally, Sharma (2019) highlights the problem of misinterpretation and lack of clarity when messages are unclear or too lengthy, often because emails lack context and non-verbal cues. Both articles emphasize the importance of adopting multi-channel communication strategies to mitigate these issues.
Summarizing the strategies presented in these articles, Johnson and Johnson recommend implementing centralized communication platforms such as project management software or collaboration tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams, which facilitate real-time updates and reduce email clutter. Sharma advocates for concise, targeted communication and regular face-to-face or virtual meetings to ensure clarity and engagement. These approaches are particularly effective because they acknowledge the different learning styles and communication preferences among stakeholders, thereby reducing misunderstandings and promoting transparency. Applying these strategies can help stakeholders stay informed without feeling inundated and can foster a more collaborative environment.
To further improve stakeholder communication, I suggest establishing a tailored communication plan that considers individual stakeholder preferences. For example, stakeholders who prefer instant updates might use a messaging app, while those who favor detailed reports could receive weekly summaries. Additionally, scheduling regular brief meetings or video calls can facilitate immediate feedback and clarify any ambiguities in ongoing discussions. As a project manager, encouraging open dialogue and setting clear expectations about communication channels and frequency will help manage stakeholder engagement effectively. These combined efforts will minimize frustrations, ensure timely dissemination of information, and support the overall success of the project.
References
- Johnson, L., & Johnson, P. (2020). Pitfalls of Email Communication in Project Management. Journal of Business Communication, 57(2), 213-230.
- Sharma, R. (2019). Enhancing Clarity in Business Communications: Strategies for Project Managers. International Journal of Business and Management, 14(4), 45-59.
- Burke, R. (2013). Project management: planning and control techniques (4th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
- Kerzner, H. (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling (12th ed.). Wiley.
- Verzuh, E. (2015). The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management (5th ed.). Wiley.