"What is perception? How does it differ from sense making?" Write a report which illustrates how an understanding of these two concepts can assist managers and those they manage in the workplace.

Essay by OltreoceanoUniversity, Master'sB+, March 2008

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Executive SummaryPerception is highly influenced by the circumstances in which individuals understand objects and events and the way in which these are processed, interpreted and attached to a meaning. When individuals perceive a condition of confusion where things are not clearly understandable they start the process of making sense of the situation. Through the sensemaking process individuals (or organizations) create an understanding and plan actions which enable them to act in a principled and informed manner.

Perception and sensemaking are of primary importance within the business context. Managers are always engaged in the process of understanding the environment in which they operate and they make decisions based on how they perceive it. Employees' perception of work is an important driven force that managers must take into account in order to minimise discomfort which may lead to work alienation and low production. In this case managers should act as leaders and turn negativity into positivity.

Table of ContentsExecutive Summary1Introduction4Perception5Sensemaking7Perception and sensemaking in organisation8Conclusion10Works Cited11IntroductionPerception is highly influenced by the circumstances in which individuals understand objects and events and the way in which these are processed, interpreted and attached to a meaning.

One of the key roles of top managers is to provide clear explanations, guidance, and actions for the series of equivocal and often critical tasks the organisation faces in today's fast and complex working environment. Thus, without a doubt, the ability to explain meanings related to issues which are marked as unclear and characterised by a certain level of ambiguity, has become of paramount importance for top managers. The two main processes perception and sensemaking are characterise managerial experience and feeling assisting in understanding the environment in which the organisation operates.

This report will firstly define the concepts of "Perception" and "Sensemaking" from a philosophical and sociological perspective.