3 questions
CASE INCIDENT— James W. Caruso HasCommunication ProblemsJames W. Caruso only has four employees at his public relations firm—MediaFirst PR-Atlanta. But he seems to have done a pretty good job of alienating them. According to his employees, Caruso, 47, is a brilliant guy who has a lot to learn in terms of being a better communicator. His communication style appears to be a regular source of conflict in his firm. Caruso admits he hasa problem. “I’m probably not as verbally reinforcing [as I could be] when someone is doing a good job. I’m a very self-confident person. I don’t need to be told I’m doing a good job—but there are people who do.” Caruso’s employees had no problem listing off things that he does that bother them. He doesn’t meet deadlines;he does a poor job of communicating with clients (which often puts the employees in an uncomfortable position); hedoesn’t listen fully to employee ideas before dismissing them; his voice tone is frequently condescending; and he’soften quick to criticize employees and stingy with praise.
Questions1. A lot of bosses are accused of being “poorcommunicators.” Why do you think this is?
2. What does this case suggest regarding therelationship between reinforcement theory andcommunication?