AHST 109: Communication and Human Relations

Course Introduction

• The course is Communications and Human Relations (AHST 109) in Spring 2024
• The instructor is Prof. Dr. Hanan Gewefel, Dean of Applied Health Science Technology Faculty
• Teacher Assistants are Hossam Aawad and Mohamed Mostafa, both from the Radiology and Medical Imaging Technology (RMIT) program

Course Objectives and Content

• The course aims to equip students with basic knowledge and skills of effective communication and human relations
• Course content includes:
  • Introduction to Human Relations
  • Improving Personal and Organizational Communication
  • Understanding Communication Styles
  • Building High Self-Esteem
  • Attitudes Can Shape Your Life
  • Motivating Yourself and Others
  • Communication in Healthcare
  • Improving Impersonal Relations with Constructive Self-Disclosure
  • Special Challenges in Human Relations
  • Building Stronger Relationships with Positive Energy
  • Developing a Professional Presence
  • Team Building: A Leadership Strategy

Assessment and Schedule

• Quizzes: QI (Week 4), QII (Week 8), QIII (Week 13)
• Final Exam: Week 16
• Mark Distribution: QI (10%), QII (15%), QIII (15%), Final Exam (60%)
• Lectures: Mondays, Group 1 (9:00-11:00 AM), Group 2 (11:00 AM-1:00 PM), Hall 457

Introduction to Human Relations

• Human relations is the study of interactions among people, including conflicts, cooperative efforts, and group relationships
• The term human relations covers all types of interactions among people in the workplace and personal lives
• The study of human relations emphasizes analysis of human behavior, prevention strategies, resolution of behavioral problems, and self-development

Major Developments in Human Relations

• Every organization depends on three essential factors: people, process, and technology
• Diversity has become a prominent characteristic of today's workforce
• Organizations are recognizing the importance of human relations in achieving career success and increased work-life balance

The Challenge of Human Relations

• Working with clients, customers, patients, and other workers with varying ages, work backgrounds, communication styles, values, cultural backgrounds, gender, and work ethic
• Managing three relationships: ourselves, one-to-one relationships, and group relationships

The "Total Person"

• Each person's characteristics are part of a single system making up the whole person
• Traits are interdependent, including physical fitness, self-awareness, value orientation, and emotional control
• Organizations recognize that improving the whole person benefits the firm

Forces Influencing Behavior at Work

• Organizational culture: a collection of shared values, beliefs, rituals, stories, and myths that create a common identity and feelings of community among employees
• Supervisory-management influence: managers' competence and leadership style establish an image in the eyes of employees
• Work group influence: employees spend most of their waking hours doing their jobs and thinking about work
• Personal characteristics of the worker: abilities, interests, values, and expectations
• Family influence: need for balance between work and family, and creating family-friendly environments

Major Themes in Human Relations

• Communication: the means by which we come to an understanding of ourselves and others
• Self-awareness: understanding of how our behavior affects others
• Self-acceptance: the foundation of successful interaction with others