An Evaluation of Structured Experiences: How Effective Is Experience-Based Learning?

Abstract

Although the importance of communication in organizations is obvious, little effort has been made to examine the trait called "communication apprehension" in terms of its effect on organizations. Research has been conducted on an interpersonal and small-group level about the anxiety that precedes communication, and university courses in organizational communication have increased in the last five years, but the need for research that is applicable to organizational life still éxists. The research reported here explores the use of structured experiences (experience- based learning) in reducing communication apprehension. A pre-test, post-test design was used. The structured experience as a means of re ducing communication apprehension was found to be significant at the .005 level.