Communication in Computer Science

Communication in Computer science

By Leo Jahn

ComputerScience

According to the Michigan Technilogical University, computer science is defined as:

Computer Science majors commonly get jobs in Game Design, Software Development, IT, etc.

"the study of computers and computational systems. It is a broad field which includes everything from the algorithms that make up software to how software interacts with hardware to how well software is developed and designed."

But how does communication fit in?

Communication: Why is it important?

First, What Is It?

Communication is the exchange of meaningful messages through verbal and nonverbal signals.

Why We Should Care:

Communication defines all of our experiences with others. Proper communication can be the difference between accomplishing a goal or not.

The two most important types of communication for computer science

In COMM 1100, there are 14 key principles of communication discussed. Of these, 2 are necessary for success in the Computer Science industry:

The two most important types of communication for computer science (cont.)

Communication Across Cultures

Communication In Organizations

• In the modern age, companies are aiming to expand the range of people working for them
• Many of your colleagues will be from completely different backgrounds than you, so you must adapt your communication style appropiately

• As a computer scientist, many jobs will require you to work with others in order to accomplish your goal
• Learning the appropiate way to speak to your boss as well as your colleagues is an invaluable skill

Diversity in Computer Science

Hispanic adults make up

It is no secret that the Computer Science field has a reputation for being racially and genderly uniform. However, many companies are actively taking effort to increase diversity in their workplace for reasons we will soon discuss.

8%

Black adults make up

of STEM jobs but

9%

17%

of STEM jobs but

of total employment

11%

of total employment

Example 1:Microsoft

Microsoft, one of the biggest software companies around, places a strong influence on diversity in their workplace.

Lindsay-Rae McIntyre , Chief Diversity Officer, frequently posts on Linked-in about the effects of intercultural communication and diversity efforts at Microsoft.

"I continue to learn so much from employees who willingly share the experiences, insights, and influences, which shape the perspectives they bring to the workplace. "

See the Linked-in Post

Adobe By the Stats

Example 2:Adobe

As of 2022, Adobe boasts the following improvements in their efforts to increase diversity in their company: +50% to women in a director or higher leadership position +49% to URM* members in director or higher leadership roles +63% to Black employees (All since 2020) *Underrepresented Minority

"Greater representation leadsto a virtuous cycle of more role models, advancement, growth and meaningful innovations for our customers and communities." - Shantanu Narayen, CEO of Adobe

Read the full report

The point

So we've established that cultural diversity in the Computer Science industry is a growing reality and that companies recognize its value.

80%

of purchases are emotional

The question remains, why does it matter?

Different Cultural Values Change how we Communicate!

4 Key Value Orientations of Culture for the CS Field

• Long-term vs Short-term orientation: Short-term place an emphasis on one fundamental truth, while long-term cultures value virtues.
• Preferred Personality: A spectrum of which it is culturally acceptable to "do" or to "be"
• View of Human Nature: A culture's perception of whether humanity is good, bad, or neutral.
• Power Distance: The length to whcih less powerful members of a society are comfortable with an unequal distribution of power

The point (cont)

When someone has different experiences in life than you, the way they process information will be different. Success in any industry, not just Computer Science, is contingent on working effectively with a team. Learning to analyze others and adapt your communication is an invaluable skill that employers look for

CommunicationIn Organizations

Many Computer Science jobs involve collaborating with others in some way, be it in a team or talking back and forth with a designer. This form of communication is typically referred to as horizontal communication. While upward communication (speaking with those of a higher role in the company) is highly important, we will be focusing on peer to peer communication for this section as it is especially vital for CS majors.

Example 1:Game design

According to Geoff Ellenor, creative director at the video game studio People Can Fly, horizontal communication is key to succeed in a game studio.

"In the absence of a clear, communicated vision, people will repeat the designs that have worked for them in the past. In order to innovate, you need to share and re-share ideas. The more effective you are at communicating the more powerful you are as a designer."

Integral to his point is the idea of tailoring your communication to its recipient. Learning how your colleagues prefer to recieve information can increase the efficacy of your communication severalfold.

Example 2:Software Development

David Berube, President of software development boutique Durable Programming, commented on the role of communication among programmers.

"It's true that programmers may rue the hiring of a well-spoken but incompetent programmer, but it's also true that the rude but technically savvy programmer may be the bane of a department."

One form of a "rude" programmer is not adhering to company or common standards for writing code. Making your code readable is as important a skill as writing code itself.

The point

**Remember! Although we've talked mostly about your approach to communication, it is not a linear model. Listening to what others say and building off of that is vital to success in conversation!**

Programmers, at some point in their careers, will have to work with peers. While it is vital to pay special attention in core CS classes, additional skills in communication are necessary to exceed in the field. Even if you grasp the general vibe of an organization's communication style, according to the General Systems Theory, subsystems exist inside the organization that have their own preferred methods of communication.

A few tips

To improve your communication practices with colleagues, it is recommended you:

1. Choose the appropiate method of communication-Email, text message, face-to-face, etc.2. Phrase your message to said communication method -Don't use slang in an email to your boss, for example3. Engage in a back-and-forth conversation -The most productive communication includes participation from all parties4. Be a desirable communication partner -Following the ideas of openness and supportiveness will make colleagues enjoy talking to you

Conclusion

The focus of this presentation has been mostly on the prominence of the need for advanced unsterandings of communication in the computer science industry. However, if you wish to learn in detail how to deal with these challenges, taking a class like COMM 1100 will adequately prepare you for these communication intricacies. By learning to communicate effectively, you will have a better chance of succeeding in the CS field as well as generally being a better employee in your organization.

Bibliography

Adobe(2023). Adobe Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2022.www.adobe.com/content/dam/cc/en/corporate-responsibility/pdfs/Adobe-CSR-Report-2022.pdf. Alberts, Jess K., et al. Human Communication in Society. 5th ed., Pearson, 2019. Berube, David. Comment on “How do you communicate with other programmers?” LinkedIn,www.linkedin.com/advice/0/how-do-you-communicate-other-programmers-skills-programming. Ellenor, Geoff. “Communication is a game design skill.” Medium, 27 May 2017,gellenor.medium.com/communication-is-a-game-design-skill-84df4b200700. Fry, Richard, et al. “STEM Jobs See Uneven Progress in Increasing Gender, Racial and Ethnic Diversity.”Pew Research Center, 21 April 2021, www.pewresearch.org/science/2021/04/01/stem-jobs-see-uneven-progress-in-increasing-gender-racial-and-ethnic-diversity. “How do you communicate with other programmers.” LinkedIn,https://www.linkedin.com/advice/0/how-do-you-communicate-other-programmers-skills-programming. Laswell, H.D. (1948)/ "The structure and function of communication in society. In L. Bryson (Ed.), The Communication of Ideas. Harper.

Bibliography

“What is computer science” Michigan Technological University, www.mtu.edu/cs/what/. McIntrye, Lindsay-Rae. LinkedIn, 2023, www.linkedin.com/posts/lindsayraemcintyre_at-microsoft-diversity-and-inclusion-has-activity-7123803342325088256-HqTA/ utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop.