Learning Objectives for Chapter 29

Upon completion of this chapter, the reader should be able to:

• Assess the importance of communication on a software product development team;

• Describe some of the difficulties in achieving “true” communication;

• Define “frame of reference” and discuss how it affects communication;

• Explain why teams and team building activities are so important to communication;

• Name some team motivators;

• Explain why motivated teams are better able to communicate;

• Describe Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and explain how it applies to motivation and communication;

• Describe Herzberg's two-factor theory and differentiate motivators from dissatisfiers;

• List the characteristics that high achievers prefer in a job;

• Compare and contrast management Theories X, Y, Z, and W;

• Name the MBTI dimensions of preference and describe how each affects communication in the sender and the receiver;

• Weigh the effect of situational leadership on communication;

• Summarize the types of goals that increase performance;

• Clarify the key relationships in expectancy theory and equity theory, and explain how each could impact team motivation and, therefore, communication;

• Explain how the contemporary theories of motivation complement each other;

• Differentiate between the kind of communication that occurs in meetings and the kind that occurs during negotiation;

• Contrast bargaining with negotiating;

• Analyze the types of communication that occur with change;

• Apply communication tips provided by Dr. Edward Tufte;

• Distinguish types and frequency of project reports;

• Employ a communications management plan.