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As we instruct
our students in the concepts and techniques associated
with the various disciplines, it is our goal simultaneously
to enhance our students' abilities in the following areas: communication skills, interpersonal skills, problem-solving
and decision-making skills, technology skills,
awareness of ethical considerations,
and the understanding of cultural
diversity issues. These ability areas are further
described below, and for each area a set of assessment
guidelines has been developed.
COMMUNICATION
The term used to
describe the proficiency with which the individual conveys
and receives information, ideas, and opinions. To be
effective communicators, students must learn to read,
write, listen, speak, create, and interpret media across
disciplines. The ability to communicate effectively requires
the organization of thoughts and ideas into a coherent
whole.
INTERPERSONAL
Effective management
requires the ability to communicate one's thoughts and
ideas to others. Individuals must also possess the ability
to elicit the thoughts and ideas of others and to collectively
forge a consensus. Interpersonal skills have three dimensions:
1) leadership; 2) conflict management; and 3) the ability
to work in teams. Leadership is the ability to influence,
motivate, and direct others. Conflict management consists
of interventions designed to propitiate competing views
held by different individuals. The ability to work effectively
in teams requires the individual to sublimate their personal
goals to those of the organization.
PROBLEM-SOLVING & DECISION-MAKING
Critical
thinking is the term used to describe the ability to
reason logically
and to put forth arguments with clarity and precision.
Effective problem-solving involves four stages. First,
one must be able to identify the existence of a problem.
Second, the individual must be able to sort out the relevant
facts so that the source of the problem can be identified.
Third, the individual must identify the best means of
dealing with/rectifying the problem. Finally, the person
must be able to effectively implement the corrective
action. Decision-making
is often a subset of problem-solving. In identifying
the means of solving/dealing with a problem, there typically
exists more than one alternative. In decision-making,
one must be able to identify and evaluate various alternatives,
interpret information, and the use results. In identifying
the most effective means of dealing with a problem, decision-making
also interfaces with interpersonal communication. Implementation
often involves effective communication with others and
the delegation of responsibility and authority.
TECHNOLOGY
Technical
skills entail a general facility for the use of existing
business
technology. Technical skills tie in with problem-solving
and decision-making. Many of the available alternatives
for dealing with problems require the utilization of
business information systems and the ability to understand,
select, and use business technologies. These technically-oriented
alternatives may entail significantly lower "costs" than
other alternatives; hence, they are often the most desirable.
ETHICAL
RESPONSIBILITY
Social and ethical
responsibility means an appreciation for the social,
political, and environmental consequences of the market
system. Effective business management requires the incorporation
of ethical judgment into decision-making. Individuals
must be able to discern ethical from unethical business
practices and be made to understand the legal/social
environment that seeks to regulate such behavior, as
well as the short and long-term consequences of the behavior.
DIVERSITY
The business
community is increasingly heterogeneous. Individuals
need to develop an understanding and appreciation of
demographic diversity in organizations. We must develop
the ability to interact professionally with diverse groups
of people. There is also a need to be cognizant of the
legal constraints that require sensitivity to the needs
of a diverse work force. Individuals must also understand
how an appreciation of these needs and concerns can enhance
the effectiveness of the organization as a whole.
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