Final answer:
The concept of 'information distortion' describes the situation where a message is altered as it passes through various communicators, demonstrating the challenges of maintaining message accuracy in communication. This highlights the necessity of effective communication strategies to prevent misunderstandings and illustrates the impact of communication on perception and professional conduct.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the scenario where a message is passed from Sue to her coworkers and eventually returns to her with distortions, we're observing the phenomenon of information distortion. This is a clear example of how a message can get altered as it moves through different layers of communication. It shows the breakdown of accurate transmission, often happening through informal networks or the “grapevine” effect within an organization. As the message changes, it highlights the importance of clear and efficient communication channels to minimize misconceptions and misinterpretations.
Theories like the minimal effects theory and the cultivation theory emphasize how the media or communicators influence perceptions. Meanwhile, the email Etiquette and the consequences of improper use of social media demonstrate the need for professional communication and awareness of the wider implications of sharing information.
The list of errors of distortion including misattribution suggest that personal experiences can also lead to incorrect recollections or communication of experiences, as seen with Alejandra's misremembering who she saw a movie with. In a professional context, understanding and adapting to cultural communication norms is crucial to successfully integrating into a workplace, as Tracy explains to Noel in another example.