The Arts of Communication

This course explores the art and science of interpersonal communication in organizational and professional contexts. It provides students with conceptual foundations and practical tools to communicate with clarity, empathy, and cultural awareness across diverse settings. Drawing on theories from communication studies, social psychology, and cross-cultural management, it provides students the opportunity to develop their communication skills on five core dimensions: listening, conversing, convincing, disagreeing, and managing difficult conversations. Emphasis is placed on developing both complex thinking and empathic understanding in everyday exchanges, from informal discussions to formal negotiations.

The topics covered include the following intersecting domains:

• Fundamentals of interpersonal communication and message framing

• Active listening and perspective-taking

• Conversational dynamics and dialogue building

• Persuasive and ethical communication in professional contexts

• Constructive disagreement and conflict communication

• Navigating difficult conversations with emotional intelligence

• Intercultural and diversity-sensitive communication

Communication lies at the heart of all human interaction in organizations. Where people collaborate, make decisions, and solve problems, their ability to communicate effectively often determines success or failure. Yet communication frequently falters — not because of lack of intention, but due to unspoken assumptions, competing goals, emotional barriers, or differing cultural norms.

This course is built on the premise that mastering the arts of communication requires both cognitive understanding and empathic awareness: the ability to think clearly while listening deeply, to persuade without manipulation, and to disagree without breaking trust. Students will explore the social, psychological, and cultural dynamics that make communication effective, constructive, and ethical across diverse professional contexts.

Aims of this course are:

• To understand the fundamental processes of human communication and the factors that influence clarity, empathy, and mutual understanding.

• To raise students’ awareness of listening, conversation-building, and persuasive communication as essential managerial and interpersonal skills.

• To analyze disagreement and difficult conversations as critical moments for leadership, collaboration, and learning rather than as failures of communication.

• To explore how cultural and individual diversity shape communication norms and expectations in global and organizational settings.

• To apply relevant theories and concepts from communication studies, social psychology, and cross-cultural management to analyze and reflect on real communication episodes.

• To develop a repertoire of practical communication skills that enable constructive dialogue, collaboration, and responsible leadership in organizational settings.

In this course, students learn the art and science of communication in organizations through multiple, complementary learning sources:

1. Theoretical lectures 

2. Interactive exercises and role plays 

3. Class discussions and peer feedback 

4. Weekly individual reflection assignments 

5. Final oral presentations

Each session combines theoretical input with practical application, allowing students to immediately experience and reflect upon the principles discussed in class. Active participation and openness to self-reflection are essential to the learning process.

Students will submit brief short weekly assignments to consolidate learning and prepare for their final presentation.

During the final session, students will deliver individual oral presentations. More information about these presentations will be provided in due time on Université Virtuelle. 

Examination:
Final oral presentation 50%
Weekly reflection assignments 30%
Class participation 20%

References, bibliography, and recommended reading

Selected materials will be posted in due time on Université Virtuelle.

Course notes

• Université virtuelle

Contacts

Instructor: inmaculada.macias.alonso@ulb.be

In all email communication with the instructor please mention your student ID and course Mnemonic GEST-S4002

Campus

Solbosch

Method(s) of evaluation

• Continuous assessment
• Oral presentation
• Other

Continuous assessment

Oral presentation

Other

Mark calculation method (including weighting of intermediary marks)

Final average = Final oral presentation 50% + Weekly reflection assignments 30% + Class participation 20%

You must PASS each component independently (10/20) in order for your final grade to be calculated. 

Language(s) of evaluation

• english