Management Communication N4 | INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL INTERACTION

Question

Explain how the media can negatively influence people’s self-esteem.

Answer:
The mass media often portray unrealistic or unattainable standards of beauty, success, and lifestyle. When people compare themselves to these idealized images, they may feel inadequate or inferior. As a result, they might experience negative emotions such as feeling like they don’t fit in, aren’t good enough, or don’t belong. These feelings can lead to self-doubt, withdrawal from social situations, or a reluctance to pursue their full potential.

Question

How can family and friends positively influence a person’s self-esteem?

Answer:
Family and friends can play a crucial role in boosting a person’s self-esteem by providing affirmation and support. They can help by:

• Offering compliments and emphasizing the person’s strengths and positive qualities.
• Avoiding comparisons to others and instead focusing on individual achievements.
• Giving constructive advice rather than making disparaging remarks about a person’s appearance.
• Showing genuine care and encouragement, which helps build confidence and a positive self-image.

Question

Name the dimensions of the self-image (how people view themselves).

Answer:
The dimensions of self-image include:

1. Physical
2. Psychological
3. Skills
4. Intellectual
5. Sexual

These dimensions represent the different aspects of how a person views themselves, such as their appearance, mental health, abilities, intelligence, and sexuality.

Question

State points to help your friend improve his/her self-image.

Answer:
Here are several ways to help improve your friend’s self-image:

1. Know your strengths and weaknesses: Understanding both allows for self-acceptance and growth.
2. Set realistic goals: Setting achievable goals promotes progress and builds confidence.
3. Adopt a positive “I can do” attitude: Encourage a mindset of possibility and optimism.
4. Don’t be self-critical: Avoid making negative comments about yourself. Be kind and forgiving to yourself.
5. Practice self-care/self-affirmation: Taking care of your body and mind helps build self-worth.
6. Be proud of your achievements: Recognize and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small.
7. Accept compliments gracefully: Embrace compliments as positive reinforcement of your value.
8. Judge/weigh criticism: If criticism is constructive, accept it; if not, let it go.
9. Control your emotions: Manage emotional responses to situations to maintain balance and perspective.
10. Decide to be happy/positive every day: Make a conscious choice to focus on the positive aspects of life.
11. Remember it is up to you to change your self-image: Empower yourself to take control of your thoughts and feelings about yourself.
12. Be more sociable: Engage with new people to expand your social connections and build confidence.
13. Take up new extramurals: Try new activities to develop new skills and interests.
14. Travel or broaden your perspectives: Stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to personal growth and a broader view of the world.

READ AND ANSWER THE QUESTIONS BELOW

Maslow argues that workers are motivated when their needs are satisfied. Google ranks No. 1 in the Happiest Companies Survey.

Question

Name the NEED that was satisfied in each of the following statements made by Google employees:

Question

‘Best place to work! Lots of learning and skills training!’

Answer:
This statement satisfies the Self-actualisation need. Self-actualisation is about fulfilling one’s potential and achieving personal growth. The opportunity to learn and develop new skills directly contributes to self-actualisation by allowing employees to grow professionally and personally.

Question

‘My wife will receive 50% of my salary for the next 10 years should I die now.’

Answer:
This statement satisfies the Security (income) need. The provision of financial security for employees and their families in case of death addresses the need for job security and economic stability.

Question

‘Google supplies really healthy meals to all our staff canteens.’

Answer:
This statement satisfies the Basic (physical/physiological need). Access to healthy meals is a fundamental physiological need, which is essential for survival and well-being.

Question

Explain the term gate-keeping and give an example.

Answer:
Gatekeeping is the deliberate creation of a barrier that prevents access to certain information, people, or things. It involves controlling who or what is allowed to pass through or be included.
Example: A company restricting access to a high-security area to only authorized personnel is an example of gatekeeping.

Question

Explain the term ethnocentric.

Answer:
Ethnocentric refers to the evaluation of other cultures based on the preconceived perceptions and beliefs of one’s own culture. This often leads to viewing one’s own culture as superior to others and can result in biased judgments or misunderstandings.