MGT420 c-4 Persuasion Social Sciences Essay Research

Persuasion
Student’s Name
Institution
Persuasion
Question One
I found the work by McLean (2012) to be the most convincing for several reasons. First, it discusses what persuasion is in detail, indicating that it involves “presenting arguments to move, motivate, or change your audience.” I like this definition because it reveals that a persuader has to influence the audience by appealing to their emotions using arguments. In his work, Cialdini (2001) does not explicitly define persuasion. Second, McLean (2012) also differentiates two important concepts; persuasion and motivation. He reveals that persuasion is the process that brings about change, while motivation is the “stimulus that encourages your audience to change their beliefs or behavior, to adopt your position, or to consider your arguments.” From this definition, it becomes clear how motivation can be used as a tool in persuasion. Third, McLean (2012), just like Cialdini (2001), discusses the six principles of persuasions. They include reciprocity, scarcity, liking, commitment, authority, and consensus. These principles can be applied in any context, from writing an office memo to convincing voters to support a certain candidate. Cialdini (2001) also discusses the six principles, but I had a hard time comprehending them until I read McLean (2012). His discussion was more elaborate and direct. Fourth, McLean (2012) goes a step further and explains the five functions that a persuader should consider and incorporate in their presentation. These functions include stimulating, convincing, calling to action, increasing consideration, and developing tolerance of alternative ideas. While reading through these functions, I realized that they appeal to the audiences’ ethos, logos, and pathos. I also realized that it is important to understand your audience first so that you can identify what will appeal to them. These are insights I would not have gained by reading the other materials because they all lacked such detailed information.
Question Two
Memorandum
To: All Employees
From: John Smith
Date: April 3, 2020
Subject: Responding to Short-Term Variations in Our Workload
Recently, we have been experimenting with a flexible work schedule and have allowed every single employee to report to work and leave at any time based on their preference, provided they work for the required minimum of 8 hours daily. From our evaluation, we have determined that employees have been able to maintain a significant work-life balance and employees’ job satisfaction has improved.
Following the recent hurricane on the East Coast, the demand for plywood has gone up. Most of our clients are hardware store owners and they have put in large orders for plywood. Also, a forensic weather expert indicates that the hurricane on the East Coast is likely to last longer than usual. Thus, there will be more demand for our products in the coming days.
As you all know, our company thrives because of teamwork. Meeting the clients’ deadline falls on all of us. If we fail to meet the clients’ deadline and deliver quality products, we risk losing future business with them. This will affect our bottom line, which will also affect our...