FOR EXCEPTIONAL PROFF ONLY

Running Head: WEEK 3 ASSIGNMENT

General Comment: Keep in mind the stakeholder for whom the evaluation is being performed. The stakeholder asked you to evaluate an administrative policy, process, or procedure. Your starting point is the competency and course objective. Yet, the stakeholder knows nothing about the UIU MPA program, its competencies, or its objectives. You need to figure out how you will communicate the information without referencing your MPA program.

To Communicate and Interact Productively with a Diverse and Changing Workforce and Citizenry This is not the correct competency. You can use “to lead and manage” or “To participate in and contribute to the public policy process.”

I. Competency

It is important to develop the ability to tailor non-verbal communication skills that allow effective and efficient communication in a diverse population (Schwartz, 2009). A diverse population might include poor people, geographically isolated people, culturally isolated people, or homeless people. When people speak of the needs of a diverse population, many times a large segment of the population is neglected. Schwartz (2009) also, indicated that “approximately 65 million Americans live in rural areas, and these populations face challenges such the lack of adequate funding for social services.” The ability to tailor non-verbal communication to a diverse audience is a competency where flexibility and adaptability are important because they pertain to meeting the various needs of a diverse population.

Developing a non-verbal communication strategy to target a diverse population is not a place for shortcuts, and in many situations, a one-size-fit-all approach will not work (Jackson, 2010). A diverse population to be reached symbolize different cultures, backgrounds, demographics, and is the reason to know your audience. Also, Jackson (2010) indicated that “multiple internal and external stakeholders may be involved and the non-verbal communication strategy should be tailored to fit each group.” The use of non-verbal communication is effective in building credibility in a diverse population. A company can make a powerful statement regarding diversity by including multicultural leaders and diverse employees at different levels in meetings to assist in reinforcing a commitment to diversity.

II. Course Objective Need to explain how the operational definition of the course objective was created. How did you go from the competency to the characteristic? You need to explain the process.

In PA 504 – Political Economy of Regulatory Policy of Public Administration, the course objectives consist of the ability to perform effectively in leadership and managerial positions in government and non-profit organizations. A successful leader inspires confidence and respect and empowers others to be their best. Buckingham (2009) indicated that “leadership skills associated with the sensitivity of diversity are necessary because of the differences in values, beliefs, and behaviors in the changing workforce.” Critical components are the knowledge of legal constraints regarding equity and equality in public services and the ability to disseminate those standards dealing with race, ethnicity, gender, class, nationality, religion, age, etc. Buckingham (2009) indicated that “the government’s central roles consist of protecting citizens from harm and those at risk of being vulnerable. Leadership and diversity share a power link that involves bringing people together and making them feel accepted, respected, and connected.

In an organization, people feeling confident will perform better in a team environment and individually resulting in increasing the performance of the organization. According to Buckingham (2009), in diversities strategies, these same objectives desire the same results. Diversity initiatives and leadership models should consist of promoting and developing leadership skills, accepting differences, integrating ideas, promoting collaboration, and building an effective work relationship. Using leadership as a method of fostering and maintaining diversity, allows diversity to become weaved into the fabric of its culture.

III. Linking Competency and course objective

The ability to tailor non-verbal communication skills to leadership skills in Public Administration is important because it guides public policy change and reform (Fisher, 2008). Public administrators are considered a connection between the public and policy makers, and to operate effectively, they should consider the desires and concerns of the public. Verbal and non-verbal communication skills can assist public administrators in engaging with public members in discussions, debates, and discuss them with policy makers (Fisher, 2008). The public can be assured that policy decisions occur when information is communicated freely. Both verbal and non-verbal communication assists in persuading decision makers to enact change and assist in disseminating information. Verbal and non-verbal communication can be persuasive, powerful, and change the listener way of thinking to the way the speaker thinks.

References

Buckingham, M. (2009). Managing diversity from a leadership perspective. Retrieved from

http://www.epspros.com/NewsResources/Newsletters?find=13302

Fisher, J. (2008). The importance of communication skills in public administration. Retrieved

from http://publicadin.usc.edu/resources/news/public-management/the-importance-of-communcation-skills-in-public-administration/

Jackson, T. (2010). Diversity communication 101: One size does not fit all. Retrieved from

http://www.diversityjounal.com/4889-diversity-communications-101-one-size-does-not-fit-all/

Schwartz, L. (2009). Nonverbal communication with workplace interactions. Retrieved from

http://smallbusiness.chron.com/nonverbal-communication-workplace-interactions-844.html