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Application: Communication Styles Assignment
Liberty University
BUSI675: Human Resource Analysis (B01)
Professor Mary Jo Odom-Dull
August 31, 2025
Application: Communication Styles Assignment
Communication style differences directly affect organizational decision-making and
relationship building. Style flexing, or adapting one's communication to meet the preferences of
others, is important for good negotiation, collaboration, and leadership (Peterson, 2022). The
paper analyzes Eric Welch's helpful communication style, which aligns with, or contrasts with,
Ms. Hernandez's direct style. The paper discusses how both parties adapt approaches to build
rapport and improve professional effectiveness. Clear communication involves exchanging
information and creating shared meaning between individuals who have different perspectives.
Style flexing is a leadership skill that fosters mutual understanding and overcomes barriers, such
as personality differences, cultural differences along with power differences (Peterson, 2022).
Through these principles, leaders but also employees reduce conflict and improve decision
accuracy. That outcome contributes to organizational success.
Directive Communication and Eric’s Response
If Ms. Hernandez shows a directive communication style, Eric should adapt. He provides
clear, structured, goal-oriented responses. Directive communicators value output, factual data,
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and quick action (Ruben et al., 2021). Eric should prepare brief answers, use numbers to
illustrate the property's worth, and show timelines for development. He respects Ms.
Hernandez's preference for results-driven communication. Research indicates that aligning
communication with directive styles increases trust and perceived ability in business talks (Bath
& Bawa, 2023). This means Eric must minimize small talk or vague statements. Such responses
frustrate a direct communicator and damage his credibility. He should frame his points by
describing deliverables, outcomes, and how a process uses less time or resources. Ruben et al
(2021) note that directive leaders excel when communication is concise and structured. Eric's
adjustment of his approach shows he understands emotions and adapts well. When Eric mirrors
Hernandez's directness, she views him as both competent and trustworthy. This helps him close
deals.
Building Rapport with a Supportive Communicator
Because Eric shows a supportive style, Ms. Hernandez builds rapport with relationally
focused behaviors. Supportive communicators prize cooperation, empathy, along with trust.
Hernandez notes Eric's preparation, a show of patience as he takes an interest in Eric's
perspectives. Research finds leaders balance task orientation with relationship building
behavior, and that balance fosters employee engagement plus collaboration (Babalola et al.,
2019). Proverbs 15:1 (ESV) reinforces the balance: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh
word stirs up anger.” Hernandez practices warmth alongside a directive focus, which yields
mutual respect. For example, she could pause during negotiations. She acknowledges Eric's
contributions, and she asks for his opinions. Such actions, small as they are, show respect and
lower defensiveness. Babalola et al. (2019) state that when leaders bring together their
understanding of people with their work goals, they get more new ideas and devotion from
coworkers. In Eric's situation, Hernandez finds a middle ground between power and being kind.
This balance means both sides feel important, but it also builds more cooperation and prepares
for lasting partnerships.
Avoiding Labels and Seeking Deeper Understanding
Reliance on labels such as “directive” or “supportive” is unwise. Labels show general
tendencies but overlook individual characteristics. Eric needs to understand Hernandez's
personality traits. Risk tolerance, decision style along with openness to collaboration show some
of those traits. Recent studies of organizational behavior confirm that overgeneralizing
communication styles reduces adaptability and causes harm in cross-cultural interactions
(Moslehpour et al., 2024). Without labels, Eric shows flexibility plus empathy. As a result, a
relationship with Hernandez is not limited to a stereotype. The deeper understanding allows
Eric to create a sustainable working relationship, not just adjust on the surface. As an example,
by observing how Hernandez responds to different negotiation tactics, Eric can tailor his
responses precisely. He shows cultural sensitivity and situational awareness. Moslehpour et al.
(2024) caution that when individuals reduce others to fixed categories, they risk ignoring
dynamic aspects of communication, such as emotional context, but also cultural nuance. By
avoiding that trap, Eric shows humility and a willingness to learn. Those are essential qualities
for professionals who engage in negotiations as well as decision-making processes.
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Implications for Business Analysis and Decision-Making
Adaptation to communication styles is not only interpersonal, but it also directly affects
business analysis and decision-making. The property sale depends on Eric's ability to align his
supportive style with Hernandez's directive focus. Failure to adjust delays the deal or causes
mistrust. Effective adaptation increases the probability of successful negotiation. Leaders who
adopt style flexing strategies improve decision-making speed, reduce misunderstandings, and
also strengthen stakeholder relationships (Bath & Bawa, 2023). From a business analysis
viewpoint, style variation ensures that both numbers, such as property values or timelines, and
perceptions, like trust and rapport, become part of the decision-making process. A
comprehensive approach reduces the likelihood of missing important facts. By showing how to
adapt, leaders set an example for their teams; they encourage workers to use similar
approaches when interacting with customers and other staff. Bath & Bawa (2023) state that
flexible talkers often overcome resistance during talks, which yields better results for
companies. Knowing how to communicate effectively is not just a gentle skill; it is a smart
approach that drives forward speed, truth, and lasting business gain.
Conclusion
Style flexing is important in business talk and choices. Eric should respond to Ms.
Hernandez's direct way of speaking with a brief talk focused on results, but he should keep his
helpfulness. At the same time, Ms. Hernandez should use understanding and acceptance to
build a good bond with Eric. The changes show what good work relationships are; they balance
getting work done with building good connections. Ultimately, how a person communicates
reveals how they manage their words and actions, as well as their impact on others. With
deliberate adjustment, Eric and Ms. Hernandez meet their objectives, and their work
relationship keeps its dignity and respect. A mix of helpful and guiding ways of speaking
demonstrates that different communication methods, when handled with care, become
strengths, not problems. This idea enhances talks; it also promotes moral values, good
leadership, and a Christ-focused approach.
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References
Babalola, M. T., Stouten, J., Camps, J., & Euwema, M. (2019). When do ethical leaders become
less effective? The moderating role of perceived leader power and follower conservatism.
Journal of Business Ethics, 158(3), 763–777. https://ideas.repec.org
Bath, J. K., & Bawa, A. (2023). the role of consumer face restoration in communicative efforts by
service firms to obtain consumer forgiveness, consumer trust, and consumer reconciliation.
Journal of Consumer Satisfaction, Dissatisfaction, and Complaining Behavior, 36(2), 115-138.
Peterson, S. J. (2022). Flexing your leadership style: By making key choices about how to
communicate, leaders can improve the likelihood of being followed. The School Administrator
(Washington), 79(6), 21.
Moslehpour, M., Kurrahman, T., & Sulistiawan, J. (2024). How does cultural intelligence
influence teamwork capability? The role of leader emergence and relational identification.
Engineering Economics, 35(1), 90–101.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378511547
Ruben, B. D., & Gigliotti, R. A. (2021). Explaining incongruities between leadership theory and
practice: Integrating theories of resonance, communication and systems. Leadership &
Organization Development Journal, 42(6), 942-957. https://doi.org/10.1108/LODJ-02-2021-0072
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. (2001). Crossway Bibles.
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