Gap Analysis Global Communications

Running head: GAP ANALYSIS: GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS

Gap Analysis: Global Communications

Brett Favre

University of Phoenix

Gap Analysis: Global Communications

Global communications is something that all companies will be faced with in the future. With new mediums of communication and technology emerging daily, companies need to explore these outlets for their company to be successful on a global platform. I have identified three issues of Global Communication. Companies need to evaluate the needs of Stakeholders', research all outlets and feelings, and incorporate plans that lead to minimal conflict.

Situation Analysis

Following the code of Ethics for the Liverpool City Council regarding increasing tourism, the CEO felt more personal communication was necessary to promote their organization and resources available to tourists. There was also mass needless information sent through the office using electronic mail. This leads to bridging the gap of communication through electronic mail both internally and externally. "Intranets, extranets, instant-messaging, and other forms of computer-mediated communication have fueled the hyper fast world of communication," (McShane & Von Glinow, 2004, p. 7-8.) The fueled methods of communication also lead to interruptions with noise, outside influences such as distraction, and at times dropped or failed connections. Using interpersonal communication leads to limited distraction and retains the message. In addition, non-verbal communication is also incorporated to make a lasting impression.

Risks and trademark infringements must also be explored to limit risk and conflict. Research on outsourcing parts of a company's operations to global markets can limit risk. Outsourcing can also lead to gaps in communication between borders if not conducted through the proper channels.

"Some companies mistakenly believe outsourcing HR processes is a simple solution, something that is particularly untrue when the deal marks a transformation to self-automation. It is a change process that requires change management and change communication," (Young, 2007, p. 1). More studies should be done on globally positioning a company's brand before deciding to outsource. Companies may just view it as a simple solution because it is saving them money, however it may cost them more money in the long run.

Additional research should be done to evaluate competition in the global marketplace. Apple launched the Iphone without proper consumer research. Similar global phone companies were seen as more consumer-focused giving the product the option of choosing phone carriers. The company acted swiftly to launch the product but did not have a successful launch. Consumers thought they could follow the Apple product name, but when given a more user-friendly phone for a cheaper price, they followed the competition. Consumer feelings have to be considered for launching a marketing plan. The plan will more than likely fail without this research.

The stakeholders involved in global communications include everyone from employees, management, and all internal people, to people outside of the corporation include consumers. The conflicting interest regarding Liverpool employees was that the employees were used to the standard form of globally communication through e-mailing. The employees value the use of e-mail as a cost effective and non-arguable means of communication. Researching new methods of communication could lead to company conflict.

The stakeholders of Starbucks wanted to use the cheapest form of outsourcing to increase revenue. Their value was profit maximization. They also used integrity in their thought process because it would minimize risk for the company.

The stakeholders for Apple include Apple's management and ultimately the consumer and outside competition. The Helio in competition with Apple valued customer satisfaction and brand loyalty in their product. The consumers in the global analysis valued receiving a fast product for the cheapest cost.

End-State Vision

Researching media outlets I believe is crucial to minimizing conflict in global communication gaps. An employee needs to look forward to going into work everyday. An employee must also be encouraged to make deadlines and increase overall company benefits. It is the work environment that is productive and produces happy employees.

Many companies fail in doing research before making decisions that both affect employees and outside consumers. More comparing and contrasting of employee benefits and outside influences should be included to limit gaps in communication.

In addition, training employees on new software and communication tools will limit the gap in communication. Corporate training is an excellent outlet to provide companies the knowledge to make their communication effective. In addition, the proper outlets must be in place should conflict arise both inside the workplace and from a global perspective.

Gap Analysis

There were will continue to be gaps in global communications. A company must implement the appropriate research outlets to avoid risk and conflict. There are numerous examples available for a company to research. Following the research and examples from other global companies will limit the communication gap.

Conclusion

In conclusion to reaching a bridge to gap global communications, companies should follow the expert advice and past flaws of other companies. Using this research as a model to increase productivity on a global perspective should minimize conflict. The media is full of company achievements and flaws and are visible to people in communication and entertainment outlets. Even following the analysis of this paper is another media outlet to be followed as a guide to bridging the gap.

References

Apple Pipped (2007). Retrieved January 19, 2008, from http://www.economist.com.

McShane, S. L., & Von Glinow, M. (2004). Organizational Behavior: Communication in Teams and Organizations. New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies.

Young, L. Starbucks Perks Up to Outsourcing. Canadian HR Reporter, 1-2. Retrived January 21, 2008, from ProQuest database.

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