W15_B3

Do you agree with Marshall McLuhan that the medium is the message, i.e. that the format or logic of a medium is as important as its content and, in fact, determines what content will be broadcast through that channel? Evaluate his idea that television is a cool medium.

First of all, I agree with Marshall McLuhan when he states, “the medium is the message.” According to Sarah Trenholm, “he was expressing the beliefs that the channel through which a message is transmitted is as important as the message itself and that the channel, in fact often determines which messages will be transmitted and which will be ignored” (Trenholm 2008, pg. 307). Today, we have so many different types of mediums such as: linear or print media (i.e. - email, text messaging, blackberry, computers, etc.) and mosaic (i.e. - TV, video, CD, DVD, etc.) A good example is trying to reach my son who is away at college. I used to send him emails, but I got no answer. So then, I called him on his cell phone and left a voicemail, but still no answer. So, finally I decided to use text messaging. Ah hah! I finally got a text message back from him or he called me. It is the same at work, if I need to reach someone urgently, I will call their office number. If no answer, I send an email and I call them on their cell phone.

In addition, I agree with McLuhan’s ideas that television is a cool medium. Sarah Trenholm argues, “Because television is what McLuhan refers to as a cool medium, it demands that viewers fill in detail…Exposure to a constant barrage of highly arousing and rapidly changing images (such as those found on TV) changes the way we think” (Trenholm 2008. pg. 307-308). Due to all that we view on the television, the American people are said to have the microwave attitude, “We want things in an instant!” Instead of watching all the commercials in between my NCIS or CSI-NY, I would prefer to record it and then watch it later as I fast forward during the commercials.

W15_B2

Pick one concept from the assigned reading that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.

The one concept I find useful or interesting to discuss is “Mobile Telephony.”
Trenholm argues, “Cell phones can be used to send and retrieve network information…Now access to the Internet is available anytime, anywhere” (Trenholm 2008, pg. 330).

Steve Jobs has taken the iPhone to the next level. With it I am able to use it not only as a phone, but for text messaging, as a Blackberry I can retrieve my emails when I travel, I can listen to my music while on a flight, I can surf the web for the weather in the city I will be traveling to, etc. I love all the high technology. It not only makes my life easier, but what I love about it is the iPhone is so compact. Believe me, when you have to travel, it is nice to be able to pack as efficient as one can.

W15_B1

Have you made friendships that exist exclusively in cyberspace? I have not. If so, how are they different fro f2f relationships? If you have not formed cyber relationships, why not?

I have to say my friendships that are exclusively in cyberspace is due to my friends who have moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba; Fresno, California; or Sacramento, California; etc. Otherwise, I have never made any friends through the internet. The reason for it is that I do not have the spare time to carry on anymore cyber friendships, nor am I interested in having a friendship with someone I have not met face to face, or even know if they are telling me the truth about themselves. Besides, there are too many crazy people out there. I prefer to keep a simple life. I prefer to initiate relationships face to face. This way I can see who they are. I can sense whether they are sincere. I can judge whether this is someone I choose to have as a friend, as I am very picky who I call “a Friend.”

W14_B3

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 obligation does an organization like a college or universities have to the local community?

According to Sarah Trenholm, “Organizations are linked to their environments. Organizations depend on their surroundings for resources and energy. Just like creatures, organizations change (and sometimes destroy) their environments” (Trenholm 2008, pg. 215).

My office is situated in Santa Clara. Therefore, we support a lot of organizations such as the American Heart Association, the Next Door (Domestic Violence shelter), Career Closet (Women getting back in the workforce who require mentoring), and The Giving Tree (men, women and children in need of food and clothing). We have an obligation to give back to our community.

Additionally, because I attend San Jose State University, its relationship to the city of San Jose is it’s obligation to positively support the welfare of the city by contributing back on a social, community service and economic level.

Moreover, the ethical obligation that San Jose State University has to the local community consists of being aware of not destroying our environment by the reduction of litter around campus and beyond the borders of the campus, reduction of vandalism, elimination of loitering, and investing time and energy to clean up around the campus

W14_B2

Pick on concept from the assigned reading that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.

The concept I find interesting is reflected in Table 8.3 “Some rules for Professional Behavior.” According to Sarah Trenholm, “Some of the rules are: remember that you’re there to work…manage time and responsibilities effectively…and remember that you share public space with others and must therefore take their comfort and concerns into account” (Trenholm 2008, pg. 228).

It just amazes me how some people’s work ethics can survive in a work environment. For example, in our department, we had three administrative assistants. Two of us were hard workers; we did our work and rarely complained. However, one woman in particular, punched in and then went to breakfast for about 30 minutes every day, and then she visited for an hour or so in the morning and in the afternoon, and still complained she had too much work. Needless to say, admin #2 and #3 would get upset with her as we considered her to be a slacker. Yet, she got away with it. The good news, she got laid off.

In addition, I worked under several doctors as I began working, so I was mentored by two doctors in particular who taught me how to work smart. Therefore, I believe I manage my time and work in a very organized and efficient manner. However, I see other co-workers who just spin their wheels and yet are not producing as much as I do.

Finally, it really upsets me when a co-worker in the next cubicle is in a conference call and instead of going into a conference room and conducting his/her meeting; the people around them have to put up with their conversations. An example, I sit next to a conference room, so people come into the room and start their meeting without closing the door. So, I decided to be proactive and I put a sign on the outside of the door that reads, “Please close this door when meeting is in session. Thank you.” It sure helps.

W14_B1

Review the etiquette rules suggested in the text. Respond to each one.

First, have you ever been bothered by cell phone? Yes, I have been bothered by a cell phone once. I went out to lunch and sat down in a restaurant (it is always quiet in the back room) and began studying for one of my classes. When a gentleman sat down on the table next to me and off went his cell phone. Now it would not have really bothered me if what he was talking about was work related. However, he spoke in a very loud voice (to me he sounded like he wanted to brag, so the whole world could hear) and he was bragging about his portfolio. I then, turned to him and said, “Excuse me, but will you take your conversation outside. Thank you.” On the other hand, I am not too bothered by people’s answering machines or beepers.

Next, what do you feel about call waiting? I can’t stand this feature. My mom puts me on hold every time I am talking to her, as she takes a call from my sisters.

Is it rude to put people on hold to take another call? Yes, I definitely think it is absolutely rude for someone to put you on hold only to take another call. Whenever someone does this to me, I tell them to call me back when they are finished with their call. I will not hang on while they talk to someone else, as I called or they called me first.

W13_B3

Pick one concept from the assigned reading that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.

In the corporate world, “giving effective feedback” in an appropriate manner is essential in order to maintain business relationships and work effectively with your associates. According to Sarah Trenholm,
“Feedback is information that helps individuals to control and adjust their behavior. It is also information that tells people how they are doing and what they may need to change to be more effective” (Trenholm 2008, pg. 167). However, it amazes me each year when our reviews come up, to find people who will actually give feedback that state, “Well, I really have not interacted with Wanda, but I really do not care for the way she…and they give some negative feedback instead of keeping quiet.” This of course lowers my rating. In addition, their feedback does not even fall under any of my core competencies. Needless to say, I get very upset with people who do this for any motive.

W13_B2

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? I have very high standards for myself, so of course I am very judgmental about my partner’s characteristics and behaviors. However, over the years I’ve had to adjust my standards a little. I said, a little. LOL. Steve Duck identifies four filters: “sociological or incidental, preinteraction, interaction, and cognitive cues” (pg. 158). For me I use filters such as interaction and cognitive cues to eliminate anyone as a potential romantic partner. The reason being, I want a gentleman who is intelligent enough to hold an intellectual conversation. I want a gentleman who is able to communicate his inner most feelings, share his beliefs and values.

Does Duck’s theory make sense to you? Of course it makes sense to me. These filters are commonly used by the majority of the people who are searching for a partner.

Have you ever eliminated someone by using sociological or pre-interaction cue only to reconsider them based on interaction and cognitive cues? Yes. I have eliminated someone by using sociological and pre-interaction cue only to discover that the bottom line or what really counts is to base your consideration for a potential romantic partner using sociological or pre-interaction cues.

W13_B1

Which pattern (rigid complementarity, competitive symmetry, or submissive symmetry) do you think would be the most difficult to change? Why? I believe the rigid complementarity pattern in a relationship would be the most challenging to change. Sarah Trenholm argues, “When the submissive partner begins to resent always giving in or when the dominant partner begins to tire of being in charge, dissatisfaction can result” (Trenholm 2008, pg. 148). Sooner or later, the partner who takes the one-down position (submissive role) will no longer accepts his/her situation. A very dear friend of mine whose husband dominated her throughout their 17 years of marriage, has said, “Enough is enough,” and has filed for a divorce.

In addition, the most damaging to a relationship is the competitive symmetry. As Trenholm states, “Both members fight for the one-up position. Although there are times when competition can encourage both members to do their best, in typical relationships this pattern can be stressful and frustrating and can take its toll on the patience of the partners” (Trenholm 2008, pg. 148). A great example is two male workers in the same department competing for a promotion to the next level. Both of these gentlemen are highly educated and experienced. Both would make be an asset to the department as a manager. However, only one could hold the title. After months of competing with one another, one of the guys left the company and is now a Director, while the person who has remain with us has not been promoted.

I believe the submissive symmetry pattern would be the most potentially damaging to the self-esteem of the individuals involved. According to Trenholm, “Both parties struggle to relinquish control…this is an especially interesting pattern, because it is paradoxical. Although both partners ostensibly avoid control, each does his or her best to control the other by forcing the other to make the decision” (Trenholm 2008, pg. 148). With this pattern, it seems to me that nothing would get accomplished and it would be frustrating. I work with people like this and to me; it is difficult to get a decision out of them. It is as if they are afraid to make any decisions on their own. I end up leaving the decision up to them and I will wait until they come up with an answer (if the situation is not critical) or I end up making a decision for them.

Ciao,
Paris

W11_B3

Q1. Do you believe in the rationality, perfectibility, and mutability premises?

First of all, I do believe in the rationality premise only. According to Larry Samovar, Richard Porter, and Nemi Jain who argues,“That most Americans hold basic beliefs about human nature that humans are at heart, rational. The rationality premise – the belief that most people are capable of discovering the truth through logical analysis-underlies many American institutions, including democracy, trial by jury, and free enterprise, all of which are based on the idea that the average person can be trusted to make good decisions” [pg. 353].

An example is someone taking a driver’s permit test. It is a multiple choice test. A person would have to have read and understood the question, then read through the four possible answers to be able to pick the correct answer through a process of elimination (logical analysis). It doesn’t matter how long it will take a person to complete the test. Any average person will be able to discover the answers and pass the test.

Q2. What social institutions and practices are based on these beliefs? Large corporations, Medical/Dental fields, the Court Systems, Colleges and Universities, National Football League, National Basketball Association, Professional Golf Association, Stock Market, etc.