Assessment Methods

Portfolio Development»Guidelines by Curriculum

COMM351U Interpersonal Communication in Organizations
Portfolio Reviewer: Deborah F. Meltsner, Senior Lecturer of Communication
Contact: dmeltsne@odu.edu

The following guidelines provide a course syllabus for COMM351U and a specific description of what should be included in the portfolio. Students who have been approved to do COMM351U via portfolio should contact the faculty assessor, Deborah Meltsner, to review the portfolio expectations.

Students wishing to earn credit through the completion of this portfolio should determine that work experience, indeed, matches the focus of the course before developing the portfolio. It is expected that a timetable be established for the portfolio submission, and that an interview follow the reviewed portfolio.

Course Description
Focuses on communication theory, research, and applications of a variety of forms of communication in organizational relationships. Topics include superior-subordinate communication, interviewing, and presentations with an emphasis on a diversity of perspectives and types of organization.

Current Course Text
Garrison, M. and Bly, M.A. (1997) Human Relations/Productive Approaches for the Workplace. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

Topic areas addressed in chapters of the text:

• Effective Human Relations
• Communication Process
• Using Communication Skills Effectively
• The Self: Preparing the Foundation for Success
• The Power of Attitudes & Beliefs
• Motivation & Work
• Job Satisfaction, Involvement & Performance
• Problems in the Workplace: Discrimination,
• Sexual Harassment, Conflict & Drugs
• The Organization and the Role of the Individual
• The Dynamics of Group Membership & Participation
• Heath and Wellness
• Assessment & Evaluation in the Workplace
• Skill Acquisition & Development
• Leadership: Acquiring & Developing Skills for Success
• Work & the Phases of Life
• Preparing for the Future

Portfolio Guidelines
To correspond with the focus of this course's description and this text, the following areas need to be addressed in the portfolio, with description, documentation and discussion (materials you might submit in addition to written responses could include samples of work):

1. A model of the communication networks within your organization, accompanied by information regarding your role in the organizational communication. A discussion of the communication network(s) within the organization and to outside clientele. (To relate to chapters 1 and 2)
2. A description of your duties that reveal attention to improving communication, feedback, listening, impression management. (To relate to Chapter 3)
3. An interpretation of self-esteem and trust among workers within the organization; what do you do to encourage self-image development? (To relate to chapter 4)
4. A description of persuasive messages you execute; a discussion of attitudes within the organization and with your clientele. (To relate to chapter 5)
5. A description of your role in training within the organization and/or with outside clients; consider sensitivity, assertiveness, motivation, technical, instructional training. (To relate to chapter 6)
6. A description of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in your workplace; a discussion of pay rewards along with personal rewards. A consideration of job satisfaction and your role in contributing to job satisfaction. (To relate to chapters 7 and 8)
7. A discussion of your role in management of the organization or organizational functions. (To relate to chapter 9)
8. Consideration of group dynamics within the organization, accompanied by information about your role(s) within the group. An analysis of group leadership in the organization and your leadership style. Give attention to how the individual is affected within group dynamics. (To relate to chapters 10 and 11)
9. A discussion of interviewing within the organization (or with others outside the organization) for assessment and evaluation; describe your role(s) in the organization as interviewer and/or interviewee, and your analysis of these roles. (To relate to chapter 12)
10. Consideration of work related issues, such as wellness, stress, discrimination, sexual harassment, conflict, drugs, life changes. What is your role in dealing with such issues? (To relate to chapters 13-15)
11. A discussion of your professional goal setting, accompanied by information about the relevance of your goals to the organization's goals. (To relate to chapter 16)