1) What kind of barriers to communication can you find in each scenario?
The first scenario gives us a great real life example that shows us just how different our means of communicating are in comparison to those of older generations. Mark finished his work and went outside for a break bringing only his cellphone and his office keys. Once outside, he joined in on a conversation with Kent, one of the company’s managers. While Kent was telling what was described to be a bare expressionless story, Mark began to text his friends about what their plans were for the night. Kent was insulted by this and found it rude that Mark had started to put his attention towards his cellphone instead of what ...view middle of the document...
No matter what age or communicational barriers may exist, no one likes to feel disrespected and even I being 20 and in touch with technology know not to be texting/tweeting while having a conversation with someone. Had Mark been resolving an emergency or handling a time sensitive issue his actions would be justified, however that was not the case. He was looking down at his phone making plans for the night while another person was in front of him trying to have a conversation. In scenario 2 I do not think anyone was at fault, however, Whitney should try and show Brett how to share/view docs as well as how to post comments so that he can perform well and help the group with his ideas and insight. Furthermore, I’m sure Brett would find the help useful and be grateful that he is still being involved giving him a sense of value even though he is nearing retirement.
3) Do you think that in scenario #2 both age and gender differences were factors, or just one and not the other, or neither (that it was just a matter of individual differences)?
Age definitely played a factor in the second scenario although it was enough to excuse Brett from posting on the message boards and participating in the other group events. Due to Brett being much older than the rest of the group he grew up...
