Margarita Perez5/30/15

Interpersonal Communication

Week 2 Case Study Questions

#1.) What is impression formation theory? Discuss at least two examples where impressions influence Thomas’ hiring behavior?

Impression formation theory is based on our perception of physical qualities, for example what peoplelook like, their behavior, what people tell us, and what others tell us about them. The first impression that influenced Perry’s’ hiring behavior was his unprepared resume. I would have never of called him in for a interview, even if he was working for the rival company. Second impression I got he was late and not dressed toimpress. Perry clearly showed he didn’t care if he got the job or not and had no respect.

#2.) Thomas makes broad, generalized assumptions based on a person’s resume and appearance at an interview. How can this act create a barrier to interpersonal communication?

If Thomas has high expectation of one’s resume of how well written it is, and that it contains all the qualifications he is looking for. Also if Thomas is set of how a person should be dressed and what type of clothing the interviewer should be wearing, then this does create a barrier to interpersonal communication. Thomas needsto relax a bit and not be so judgmental when he first see’s the interviewer. Instead Thomas’ should make hisfirst impression as he begins his interview. Not everyone may have the means to wear name brand clothing to an interview or even have the perfect written resume, therefore Thomas himself becomes the barrier and looses out on hiring great potential employees.

#3.) Nonverbal cues are sometimes more important than verbal communication and offering the best first impression can “speak volumes” during an interview. In your opinion, is it ethical to manipulate your appearance for an interview so as to “look the part”?

In my opinion yes, one should come dress and look the part. I know that not everybody has the money to go out and buy expensive clothing, but one can use what they have and make that good appearance. For example if aperson is interviewing for professional medical facility, then one should look the part with clean short nails, hairup and clean, a nice pressed uniform, and minimal make-up. This itself will speak non-verbally in an interview.

#4.) What are some of the long-term pros and cons to the way Thomas screens resumes and an interviewee’s appearance? What are some characteristics you might expect of Medallion’s workforce?

Some of the long-term pros would be that Thomas will get great employee’s to work under him and they will have the qualifications he looks for in an employee. Cons, well I believe there are more cons then pros, for example, itwill take that much longer to find an employee that is a fit for the company and at the same time lose a lot ofwell qualified people that are just as qualified to do the job. Some of the characteristics I would expect of Medallions workforce, would include always on time for work, never call in sick, always well dressed and manor, well educated. I also would expect that since Thomas non-verbal characteristic is somewhat strict, I can see other types of characteristics from his employee’s, which include they are afraid to speak their mind and or afraid torelax a bit and really enjoy the job they were hired to do. I also see a lot stress and burnout, therefore leading to short term stay employees.

#5.) If you believe you offered a negative first impression, like Perry did in this case study, what steps might you take to correct the perception? Given the various theories discussed in the book, do you think it is possible to overcome the power of perception?

I would have to say yes and no. I have always been taught that a person only gets that one chance to give the first impression. Like Thomas so many employers stick to that concept that the first impression says it all.Honestly it’s not always true but it is so in the employer’s eye who is doing the interview. I t would be very hard for me to change my perception about Perry, because given that his resume was not thought out and or written well, but did have the qualifications, Perry was 15 minutes late to his interview. This is where I got my first Impression about Perry, then he was not dressed to impress. Therefore, my perception of Perry is not possiblebe overcome of what I think about him even before the interview started. I will have to say it is not possible to overcome the power of perception.