Critical Thinking Reflective Report

REFLECTIVE REPORT

Critical Reflection involves questioning one's own values, beliefs and assumptions. Although one's values reflect on how one thinks, our beliefs and assumptions become more difficult to identify as they are deeper held ways of thinking(Fisher,2004,p:4) We are usually unaware that beliefs exist unless further challenged. The unit 200717 Employment Relations Professional Practice helped me gain an insight into my values, beliefs and assumptions. My report includes my learning understanding, assumptions, critical analysis and practicality of the nature of readings, activities conducted in class from Week 4-8. Each topic is diverse in its own manner but adds value as a whole to me.

Week 4: Critical Thinking

The learning situation in Week 4 evolved around critical thinking, types and analysis of arguments, and the role of persuasion and credibility. The first part gave me an insight on the different types of arguments present such as deductive and inductive and evaluation of the argument based on logic, credibility and consistency. Persuasion can also form a part of a message in order to identify the main issues and influence a group of people. Oral business presentations follow the persuasive mode to logically present arguments and influence the audience at large. The different types of presentations include prepared speeches, impromptu speeches, manuscript and memorized speeches, oral and team briefings and podcasts.

My knowledge of critical reading involved scrutinizing a particular article, drawing the main points, critically analyzing the content, using third party research on the same topic and formulating my opinions and recommendations. However, this topic provides in-depth information about the basis of an argument, the need to establish a relationship between the premise i.e. the claim and the conclusion. According to Epstein (2006, p 5), an argument is the effort taken to convince a person that a particular claim called conclusion is true. Critical thinking is "evaluating whether we should be convinced that some claim is true or some argument is good, as well as formulating good arguments." The referral readings provided examples on different forms of arguments along with steps of analysis which assisted me in considering the basis to argue or support the claim.

I am able to apply the theory of critical thinking, logical arguments and point of persuasion in my group presentations. By following the steps outlined in presenting a logical argument, I am able to delegate the work among my peers. Due importance and citing is given to primary and secondary data collected. The main idea behind following this method is logically sequencing the argument, supporting it with evidence and reasoning in order to throw light on the topic.

I have been able to incorporate critical analysis in work and my studies as well. It has helped me to prepare power point presentations to visualize the argument, provide logical steps and reasoning, link the events and arrive at a conclusion. This has helped in bringing structure to my work and thinking as well. Another important point is credibility which is highly underrated. It poses as a benefit to a person when presenting an argument or relaying an opinion. General opinions are then formed based on the credibility portrayed by the person.

WEEK5: Knowledge Management

In Week 5, the topic is about the relevance, importance and use of knowledge in an organization. Knowledge workers are considered to be a valuable asset to the organization as they create knowledge and possess the know-how about customer expectations. Effective knowledge management is one where knowledge is gathered, organized and shared in order to create value. This is possible through the support generated in the organization. Knowledge Management Strategies include sharing existing knowledge and using an innovative method to create and convert new knowledge to share.

Knowledge management is crucial especially to me being in the HRM field. Earlier, I did not realize the importance of tapping knowledge which is not seen and converting it into explicit knowledge for an organization to grow. Secondly, I wasn't aware of the different channels available through which knowledge can be shared and made available to everyone. From the readings, I am able to comprehend that knowledge can be obtained through various ways being Brainstorming, reflective thinking, matching situations to those that have happened in the past.

Prior to understanding the reading, my view point of knowledge sharing was limited in scope. I was under the impression that information sharing in a hierarchical structure of company was limited to certain areas or departments. However, after reading about a group such as communities of practice that allows new comers to have access to expertise of experienced personnel, my viewpoint has changed. I encourage knowledge sharing in every group work conducted which induces contradictory arguments and opinions. I have also realized that an HR personnel also plays a key role in locating, managing and retaining tacit/implicit knowledge in the company.

After understanding the reading, I was able to conclude that Organizational culture plays a key role in good knowledge management practices. This is also a continuous process as managing knowledge requires constant mentoring, training and other forms of practices. However, managing knowledge on a diverse range can be difficult and subject to bias creeping in. There are instances where employees resign at an early age wherein tacit knowledge is lost if the company is unable to solve the grievances or requirements of the employee.

I can use this new knowledge to my advantage by ensuring there is open channels of communication whether in an enterprise or in a group. By effectively using the Knowledge tools to conduct knowledge management programs and following the knowledge management strategies with the support of the organizational culture, the enterprise is on the path to growth and success.

WEEK6: Coaching, Counseling and Mentoring

In Week 6, the topic evolved around the different aspects of Mentoring, Coaching and Counseling. Although the roles are similar, each is different in their own manner. The readings starkly differentiates that Coaching involves increasing an employee's abilities, Counseling involves assistance on a more personal and sensitive level and Mentoring involves assisting and guiding the mentee with self-identified problems. Acquiring the three skills adds to the competency of a credible HR professional.

As I have exercised both Coaching