Social Dynamics & Communication in the Workplace

Firstly let’s take a look at the definition of social dynamics: As per Wikipedia Social dynamics (or sociodynamics) is the study of the behaviour of groups that results from the interactions of individual group members as well to the study of the relationship between individual interactions and group level behaviours.

Based on this definition, I would say that social dynamics play a very important role in the workplace. Should the interactions between the individual group members not be positive, this would cause discontent, which would cause unproductivity in the workplace. Employers need to ensure that the interactions and relationships between the individuals are conducive to a good working environment.

Let’s look at ways to ensure that the social dynamics remain constructive:

• Keep your employees motivated, offer them incentives, the more industrious an individual is the greater their feeling of belonging and making a difference to the team.
• Know your employees, be aware of changes in their persona and their personal appearances, and provide them with safe, undiscriminating channels to communicate their concerns.
• Be open to the effects that our diverse cultural backgrounds can have on the interactions between individuals.
• Resolve issues that arise swiftly, before they cause a rift in the social dynamics of the group.
• The various generations tend to have different attitudes towards work ethics, these variations need to be taking into consideration. Individuals that fall into these groups need to learn to show tolerance and patience towards each other to work in harmony.

Let’s look at the definition of communication:

As per Wikipedia Communication (from Latin communicate, meaning “to share”) is the act of conveying meanings from one entity or group to another through the use of mutually understood signs, symbols, and semiotic rules. The formation of communicative motivation or reason.

I believe that good communication is key to a good working relationship. Without effective communication, the end goal would be misunderstood and remain unmet. Poor communication between individuals and groups leads to discontent and disrespect which leads to unnecessary disagreements which disrupt the workflow.

Let’s look at ways of improving communication within the workplace:

• Relationships are built on trust; ensure the trust is maintained by appointing leaders that uphold this.
• Listen, to communicate effectively, one needs to be able to listen to hear and understand employees and colleagues concerns, to enable you to act and not react.
• Follow through on what you say, if you fail to do so, it will lead to distrust in the workplace.
• Provide employees with the protocols to follow to improve the communication between colleagues, departments and managers, for them to obtain the required result and work coherently.
• Employers need to adopt an open-door policy, be approachable, enabling employees to view their concerns in a safe environment.

The uncertainty during the current COVID19 pandemic is certainly affecting individuals in ways that can jeopardise the good social dynamics within the workplace. For this reason, it is more important than ever to keep the channels of communication open and encourage positive social dynamics between the groups within the workplace.

Here’s hoping that you can apply some of the above pointers to you or your organisation to improve the social dynamics and communication within it. I believe that a happy employee with a sense of belonging and loyalty will be a productive one.

Keep well and stay safe.

Sources:
Wikipedia

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