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Implicit Vs Explicit Communication

There are two types of communication rules: implicit and explicit. Implicit communication relies on nonverbal cues like facial expressions and body language, while explicit communication is direct and clear. Joseph has two bosses - Michelle uses implicit communication that can be confusing through angry tones and negative body language, while Tim uses explicit communication through detailed written instructions and demonstrations, making his expectations clear. While implicit communication can be ambiguous, when used positively like Tim, it can also create a good work environment.

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Tooba Akhter
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64 views

Implicit Vs Explicit Communication

There are two types of communication rules: implicit and explicit. Implicit communication relies on nonverbal cues like facial expressions and body language, while explicit communication is direct and clear. Joseph has two bosses - Michelle uses implicit communication that can be confusing through angry tones and negative body language, while Tim uses explicit communication through detailed written instructions and demonstrations, making his expectations clear. While implicit communication can be ambiguous, when used positively like Tim, it can also create a good work environment.

Uploaded by

Tooba Akhter
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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*Implicit and Explicit Rules of

Communication
There are two different rules of communication within a business environment. Implicit
communication focuses on the ambiguous areas of gestures, vocal tones and actions, while
explicit communication deals with what a person writes or says directly.

Implicit & Explicit Definitions


Joseph works at the brand-new Water Park in Boston City, USA. He spends his days organizing
kid birthday parties, directing parking lot traffic and cleaning the facilities. He loves his job and
reports directly to two bosses: Michelle and Tim. Michelle is the manager of the parties at the
park, while Tim handles the day-to-day operations, such as cleaning. The only issue Joseph has
regarding his job is that both of his bosses communication very differently.
Michelle uses implicit communication rules to direct and inform Joseph at work. Implicit
communication rules are the use of facial expressions, body language, gestures, postures or vocal
qualities to help get a message across. Sometimes Michelle's use of no communication can also
be considered implicit as well. This type of communication can be very powerful. It is also hard
to interpret, as the recipient can be confused about the message.
Joseph's other manager, Tim, uses explicit communication rules to direct him with regards to
operation assignments. Explicit communication rules are about what a manager says or writes
and is usually very direct, clear and straightforward. This gives little room for confusion or
interpretation.
Let's take a look at each type of communication to see what challenges Joseph has during his day
at work.

Implicit Examples
Michelle's use of implicit communication rules can sometimes be very infuriating for Joseph.
She can be vague and confusing in her communication. For example, Michelle will tell Joseph
that he is doing a great job, but her face and tone is angry, and she doesn't even look at him when
speaking to him. Joseph is always stressed about whether he really is doing a good job or if
Michelle is upset with his work. She never has a smile on her face and always has her arms
crossed when she addresses his work team.
She also points and moves her hands superficially. Most employees on the team find that her
negative body language and vocal tone reflect an unhappy manager. She is not highly liked and
most employees dislike working for her.Her uncertain attitudes, make it quite a challenge for
employees.In contrast, Tim's use of Explicit Communication Rules are easy to understand and
interpret the meaning. Tim is very straight-forward and direct as he leaves detailed written
instructions and also speaks at length about work projects. In addition, he also spends time
answering any questions so his workers are confident and sure about the assignments. Tim is
known for walking through demonstrations of new procedures to eliminate any worker
confusion. He also does not add emotion into his managerial style. For example, most of the
team was shocked to find out that Tim's wife was battling a cancer diagnosis since he always
was upbeat and understanding at work. He did not let his personal life intrude into his work life.
He also did not ignore his workers when he got upset like Michelle does on a daily basis.
Ironically, Tim uses implicit communication rules as well but he always has a smile on his face
and his gestures are supportive, such as clapping for employees when they do a good job. Tim
knows how to use both rules of communication to create an excellent work environment.
Implicit Communication Rules are the use of facial expressions, body language, gestures,
postures or vocal qualities to help get a message across.
Explicit Communication Rules are about what a manager says or writes and is usually very
direct, clear, straight-forward. Joseph enjoys Tim's examples of explicit Communication rules,
which is leaving detailed written emails, demonstrating examples of procedures and clear
directions. Joseph fortunately was moved to Tim's team permanently as Michelle's implicit
Communication rules, which consisted of negative tone, facial expressions and gestures, made
work difficult."

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