Reading

Definition

Reading is the cognitive process of decoding and comprehending written or printed language. It is one of the four major channels of management communication, along with talking, listening, and writing. Reading allows managers to receive and interpret information, ideas, and instructions through the written word.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Reading is a crucial skill for managers as it allows them to stay informed, learn new information, and make informed decisions.
2. Effective reading involves not just decoding words, but also comprehending the meaning, context, and implications of the written material.
3. Managers must be able to read a variety of materials, from reports and memos to industry publications and research articles.
4. The ability to skim and scan written documents efficiently is an important time-management skill for busy managers.
5. Active reading strategies, such as note-taking and annotating, can help managers better retain and apply the information they read.

Review Questions

• Explain how reading is an essential communication channel for managers and the role it plays in the management process.
  • Reading is a crucial communication channel for managers because it allows them to stay informed, learn new information, and make informed decisions. Managers must be able to read a wide variety of materials, from reports and memos to industry publications and research articles. Effective reading involves not just decoding words, but also comprehending the meaning, context, and implications of the written material. This enables managers to gather information, analyze data, and make well-informed decisions that support the organization's goals and objectives.
• Describe the different reading strategies and techniques that managers can employ to improve their efficiency and effectiveness when reading various types of written materials.
  • Managers can utilize a range of reading strategies and techniques to enhance their efficiency and effectiveness when reading. Skimming, for example, allows them to quickly survey a text to grasp the main idea or gist, without focusing on details. Active reading strategies, such as note-taking and annotating, can help managers better retain and apply the information they read. By employing these techniques, managers can quickly and effectively process large amounts of written material, identify key information, and make informed decisions based on their understanding of the content.
• Analyze the role of reading in the broader context of management communication and how it interacts with the other major channels of communication (talking, listening, and writing).
  • Reading is one of the four major channels of management communication, along with talking, listening, and writing. These channels are interconnected and work together to facilitate effective communication within an organization. Reading allows managers to receive and interpret information, ideas, and instructions through the written word, which they can then use to inform their own verbal communication, such as discussions and presentations. Likewise, the information and insights gained through reading can be shared with others through written communication, such as reports and emails. The ability to actively listen and engage in dialogue is also crucial for managers to fully comprehend the meaning and context of what they read. By leveraging the strengths of each communication channel, managers can create a well-rounded and cohesive approach to effectively transmit and receive information, make informed decisions, and lead their teams.

Related terms

Comprehension: The ability to understand and make meaning from written text, involving active engagement with the content.

Skimming: A reading technique that involves quickly surveying a text to get the main idea or gist, without focusing on details.

Active Reading: A strategic approach to reading that involves critically engaging with the text, making connections, and monitoring one's own understanding.