Human Resource Change and Communication and Diversity essay

Human Resource Change and Communication and Diversity essay Human Resource Change and Communication and Diversity essay Human Resource Change and Communication and Diversity essayIn actuality, there are diverse change models that may be applied to the contemporary human resource management. In fact, the change management may involve different approaches and strategies that may either contribute to the success of the change management in a particular organization or provoke the failure of the change in the particular organization. At this point, it is possible to distinguish Lewin’s three steps model and Kotter’s eight steps model. Each model is efficient, if applied properly, although Kotter’s model is more detailed and may be helpful for organizations conducting complex changes. On the other hand, Kotter’s eight steps model is grounded on three main stages of the change, including creating a climate for change, engaging and enabling the organization, and implementing and sustaining the change.In fact, the first stage of the change, according to Kotter, includes three steps . In other words, creating a climate for change includes three steps: increasing urgency, building guiding teams, and getting the vision right (Peters, 2002). The engaging and enabling the organization stage includes three more steps: communication for buy-in, enabling action, and creating short-term wins. Finally, the last stage is the stage of implementing and sustaining the change that includes two steps: keeping the organization and the staff focused on the change and sticking to the change in a long run (Kotter, 1996). Therefore, Kotter’s model implies that the change management includes the preparation of the organization for the change that is followed by the implementation of the change and only after that the organization should retain the change and make it a norm.Lewin’s model undergoes through similar three stages of the change, including unfreezing, changing and refreezing (Thames Webster, 2009). Lewin stands on the ground that any organization has its ow n organizational culture, norms and rules, which are deep-rooted and, as the researcher defines it, frozen. The personnel of the organization take these norms and rules for granted. At the same time, any organization may need changes and this is the moment, when unfreezing is necessary. Unfreezing means the preparation of employees for the change (Peters, 2002). The second stage is the change proper. During this stage, the organization implements the change and makes it run smoothly. Finally, the refreezing the change is the last stage, when the organization ensures that the change has become permanent (Peters, 2002). In such a way, the change is complete and employees of the company perform their functions and take the implemented change for granted.Therefore, the two models of the HR change management are quite different but organizations and managers carrying out the change should make the choice on the ground of organizational needs and resources available to their organization. In such a way, managers should determine whether they will be able to complete the change successfully before the start implementing the change. They should also prepare their subordinates for the introduction of the change to minimize the risk of the resistance of employees to the change.The impact of equality and diversity, legislation on employmentToday, human resource managers should come prepared in the extremely diverse environment. As many organizations operate internationally and the movement of human resources internationally increases, human resource managers has to be able to work in the diverse, multicultural environment, where they have to adapt their management style to the specific organizational culture and environment. As a rule, human resource managers have to elaborate the specific management and communication style to match the specific organizational environment. They should elaborate their management style through the interaction and close communication with h uman resources. In such a way, they will learn which management style is the most effective in the specific organizational environment.At the same time, human resource managers should be very careful to avoid offensive behavioural patterns or inappropriate behaviour in relation to their subordinates. To avoid such negative behaviour patterns, human resource managers should learn the cultural background of their subordinates and elaborate the management style that matches cultural norms and rules of their subordinates. However, in the contemporary business environment, it is not always possible to elaborate the personalized approach to each employee, when the workplace environment is extremely diverse culturally. In such a situation, it is possible to recommend human resource managers to apply universal, humanistic approaches which are culturally neutral and allow them to maintain effective interaction and communication with their subordinates (Thames Webster, 2009). In this regard, equality is one of the main principles that helps human resource managers to prevent conflicts within their organizations and maintain the positive, healthy organizational culture. In such a way, human resource manager can elaborate the effective management style that helps them to maximize the performance of their subordinates and their organization.At the same time, professional knowledge and skills in the field of human resources are not enough for the successful human resource management today. In addition, human resource managers should be proficient in the legislation on employment because the lack of knowledge in this field can cause conflicts within the organization, whereas the violation of rights of employees can cause lawsuits being filed by employees against their employer. In such a situation, the main function of human resource managers is the prevention of such conflicts and the violation of rights of employees to prevent lawsuits and industrial action against their companies. The understanding and effective use of the legislation on employment allows human resource managers to build up their employment relations effectively (Bovee Thill, 2005). At this point, it is worth mentioning the fact that human resource managers should also come prepared to confront the pressure from the part of employees and unions, which may be willing to gain some extra employment benefits, if human resource manager is incompetent in the field of the legislation on employment (Hart, 2004). In such a case, manager can agree on some employment benefits to prevent the industrial action from the part of employees and unions. This is why the understanding and effective use of the legislation on employment help human resource managers to save costs, maximize the effectiveness of employer-employee relations, and keeps those relations within the legal framework avoiding excessive employment benefits, which mean extra costs for the employer, and keeping employees’ job satisfaction high enough, if employees feel their rights are respected and their employer conducts fair employment policies.Two models of communicationIn actuality, communication plays an important part in the successful business development and maintenance of the effective human resource management. In this regard, it is possible to distinguish different communication models which are widely applied in contemporary organizations. One of such models is the Berlo’s Sender – Messenger – Channel – Receiver model. The Berlo’s model implies that the information is sent from the sender to the receiver but before the receiver gets the information or the message, the sender chooses the messenger that means that a person has to word in the message and choose the appropriate means of the transition of the message to the receiver (Peters, 2007). In such a way, the sender shapes the message and determines the messenger and, when the message is shaped, then th e sender chooses the channel through which he/she will send the message to the receiver. For instance, the sender of the information can use the verbal communication to send the message to the receiver. Alternatively, the sender can use non-verbal communication, for instance, when the sender gives a sign to the receiver and the receiver interprets the sign properly (Clarke, 2000). In fact, the sender can choose a variety of channels of communication and various forms to shape the message, especially today when the development of information technologies and telecommunication systems has reached the unparalleled level of development.Another model of communication that may be applied effectively to the human resource management is the transactional model of communication. The transactional model of communication involves the close interaction between participants of the communication (Schein, 1999). Unlike many other communication models, the transactional model of communication impli es the interaction between sender and receiver of the information which involves not only sending the message from the sender to the receiver but also the reception of the feedback from the receiver by the sender. In such a way, the sender of the message can trace the response of the receiver to the information sent and, thus, the sender can choose the further strategy of the communication.In case of human resource management both models can be applied successfully. However, managers should be aware of the fact that the effective communication is possible only when the communication is a two-sided process. This means that managers should not just communicate messages to their subordinates. Instead, they should learn to listen and hear what their subordinates respond them or try to communicate in their turn. In such a way, the communication can become effective only if the human resource manager is bale to be not only a sender but also a receiver of the information. In this regard, e ither of the two models mentioned above can be effective, but human resource managers should remember that they should choose the model of communication which matches their personal inclinations, their communication style, experience, knowledge and understanding of their subordinates, the overall organizational environment and many other factors that may affect the effectiveness of the communication. In such a way, the communication model should match the organizational environment, culture and personal traits of character and communication style of participants of the communication process. In such a way, the communication process in human resource management may be effective and successful. Otherwise, communication gaps between human resource managers and their subordinates may emerge.

Apple Inc Occupational Emergency Response Plan Research Paper

Apple Inc Occupational Emergency Response Plan - Research Paper Example Just as is the case within all other working environments, the ‘occupational emergency response plan’ is very relevant to the organization especially for such emergencies as injuries that would be sustained in the process of computer assembly as well as in operation of the machines during production. This paper therefore intends to develop an occupational emergency response plan for the Apple Inc organization as a mandatory and necessary tool within any working environment. The Apple Inc has a commitment to providing safe and secure working environment to its employees and as such takes any possible way to eliminate any hazard at work places in order to protect all people and in the process reduce the cases of illnesses or injuries at work place. For instance, within the suppliers ‘code of conduct’ of the organization, the organization’s commitment is to ensure all working conditions within the supply chain are safe and that employees are treated in a dignified manner as well as environmental safety is maintained for the well being of all (‘Apple Inc.’, 2009). The EPA as well as the OSHA has taken an active role in ensuring that organizations adopt an active role towards ensuring the safety of the working conditions within which their employees are. They require that organizations develop such occupational emergency response frameworks through which resources as well as specific responses towards particular situations are outlined and which often are refined regularly. Basic elements that are expected in a good response plan are up to date contacts of persons responsible for various duties within an organization in case of an emergency as well as ensuring that all departments as well as facilities work as stipulated within the plan to avoid confusion . Besides, it is as well necessary to stipulate resources to be used in case of such an emergency at work place (Hamel, 2012). The Apple Inc is obligated to have thoroughly trained response team personnel who would be set to offer immediate response in case of any emergency. The plan should sp ecifically outline the procedures and routes of escape in case of such an emergency as a fire, special assignments obligated on specific persons in response to any hazard and proper system through which employees will be accounted for after such a hazard. Besides, the plan should have a well stipulated mechanism of detection and communication of such a hazard as a fire within the working plant and immediate response procedures such as switching off the power mains. Therefore, the key elements that must be represented in an emergency plan within any organization are management structure, emergency responsibilities and assignments for emergencies as well as general procedures that employees should follow in cases of emergencies. This is because the main aim in developing the plan is to ensure that safety for employees within the organization is guaranteed against any hazard that faces the organization. Apple Inc occupational emergency response plan 1.0 Introduction: The following is a sample model of ‘Apple Inc occupational emergency response plan’ to a fire hazard. The organization’s activities in assembly and packaging of the computer systems occur within housing facilities, which are susceptible to fire outbreaks. Causes of such fires

Should Organisations Have a Mentoring Scheme for all Employees Essay

Should Organisations Have a Mentoring Scheme for all Employees - Essay Example According to Olian, Carol et al (2004), studies show that the age of the mentor and the work experience of the mentee has no effect on the relationship between the two. Mentoring at the organizational level Mentoring literally means to advise or train someone, but at organizational level, mentoring changes meaning. Mentoring at organization levels does not limit itself only to advising and training but to a complex system of employer and employee relationship involving notions of reflection, openness, uncertainty, complexity and restoration. Mentoring is being studied alone from decades, where mentoring in organization is relatively newer research. Mentoring is a precious tool for managing and bringing a change in any organisation. (Conway, 1995). It is also considered as an economical way of transferring knowledge from a specialist to a learner. (Bjorson & Dingsoryr, 2005) According to a research conducted by Trevor, more women proteges than men felt that their thinking and performa nce was inspired by mentoring. Functions of a Mentor The mentor’s role is to act as a guide, provide insight, and also advise a mentee in his/her department to reach the highest potential level. Mentors advise on the basis of their professional and personal experiences and guide the mentee on short/long term basis depending on the company’s policy. The mentee’s performance is not usually catered but through guidance, help and advice, the mentor helps the mentee to provide great insights, fast move learning, and also support and improve any drawback of the mentee. On-the-job relationships between employees and employers have been greatly focused in recent years and great emphasis has been laid. There are two types of mentoring; informal or formal in an organization. Informal developmental relationships occur naturally in the workplace between senior managers, lower managers and, subordinates or peers. A combination of assistance is provided through such relations hips such as feedback, role modelling, counselling, mentoring, coaching, and skill building. Thus it brings lasting benefits to an organization.( Singh, Bains  &Vinnicombe, 2002) However, with the passage of time, informal developmental relationships have declined. This decline is mainly due to changing demographics, introduction of technology, and intense competition. As informal relationships decline, there is a rise in formal mentoring called â€Å"formal developmental relationships†. These are distinguished from informal relationships by the fact that they are assigned, maintained, and monitored by the organization, usually through an established program. An employee can interact with senior manager, peer or external consultant in a formal relationship. Although, nowadays, most organization facilitate on creating and implementing programs that would help relationship between senior and junior managers to get better. This helps the communication, trust, and productivity to rise as both sides of managers feel part of one organization. (Douglas, 2003) Formal mentoring is widely being used in the organizations which are rapidly changing and becoming leaner in hierarchy. This type of mentoring helps in the personal and career development of employees. (Tabbron, Macaulay, Cook, 1997). Prof. Dr. Antal Arriene presented four case studies of formal mentoring

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Research Paper

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - Research Paper Example Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, 2010 will go down in history as a major health care reform bill that has been signed into law. It has a comprehensive coverage that would see 31 million Americans currently uninsured getting a medical cover. If this new proposal, the government will incur approximately $848 billion over the next 10 years, consequently, there will be a gradual increase in taxes and revenue is proposed to reduce the total cost of this cover by $131 billion within the same period (Eaton 2010). The proposed reform aims at achieving a number of strategic healthcare goals. Firstly, it aims at ensuring that every US citizen can access, quality and affordable health care. In essence, this is an important component of the entire reform agenda. In light of the increasing burden of increasing burden of disease and skyrocketing prices of health care services, the government undertook this deliberate strategy to ensure that there is universal health care insurance cover age. Today, the majority of US citizens continues to battle with out-of-pocket financing, which is prohibitively expensive (Junior 2010). Secondly, it aims at improving quality and efficiency of healthcare by establishing a vibrant health care workforce that would meet the growing demand for healthcare services. In addition, there is a growing body of evidence showing an increase in the burden of chronic diseases, this proposed health care financing in its full implementation will see the middle and elderly persons receive a comprehensive cover that focuses on affordable health care services for chronic diseases. United States (2010) states that the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has determined that the fully paid patient protection  scheme, in the end, will ensure that more than 94% of Americans will be covered within $900 billion limits set by President Obama.  

Critical review Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Critical review - Article Example The Hofstadter dimensions of culture can be used to analyses relationships across various studies, countries, and different continents (Samaha, 2014, pg, 83). For purposes of future theory, there is a need for four tenets that analyze the essence of culture impact on relationship marketing.42, 378 relationships were used in 144 studies where the continents were six across 29 countries. With the research, the method used in the first study the evidence showed that in support of the tenets that there is the importance of a variety of different cultures were it always varies. This can be explained where individualism and collectivism had effects in 114%- 169% that had an impact that was greater in RM than other cultural situations (Theodosiou,2013, pg 73). Masculinity to femininity had no effect on RM.The second research method of analysis uses the country and regional level approach to establish RM effects when it comes to performance especially out of United States.17%,15%,38% and 55% the RM was seen to be more effective in Brazil, Russia, India and China. This indicates that RM plays a primary role in mist developing countries of BRIC (Sium, 2013, pg 524). Cultural customization is required to establish and build customer relationships that are considered as effective strategies. The model used predicts there is a 150% dependency that builds strong relationships especially in Russia than other countries like United States. Relationship investments were 58% less in Russia was less effective than in USA. The second research method of country to regional approach established that culture influences greatly relationship construction rather than relationship outcomes. In business, a manager may analyze the efficiency of relationship marketing from objective performance outcomes in the countries or regions and may place more

Mac & Cheese Essay Example for Free

Mac Cheese Essay The article â€Å"Why Games are Good for You† by Steven Johnson presents reasons why electronic video games are not harmful. While other people have written and talked about the harms that video games bring to young people. , Steven Johnson argues just the opposite. He says that video games have many benefits including making us smarter. Steven Johnson begins his article by describing what the critics say about video games. First, they are a great waste of time says Dr. Spock. At their worst, they promote violent responses from children. The main argument about video games is that they take away from children reading. Then the author presents the reasons that reading is so good for people. However, the author then says that a lot of the criticism about video games is because they are being judged by old standards by people who believe reading is the main way for children to learn skills. He asks the reader to think of a world where video games came before books. Then he argues that the criticisms of books would look a certain way. The criticisms are the author’s way of showing benefits of video games, like they are three-dimensional, and they have strong visual images and sound. The user uses complex motor skills to navigate them. Also, he shows that the children interact with the games and can control what happens in them. Steven Johnson then shows that the arguments used against books in this made up situation are like the ones used for video games. They do not show the benefits of reading like using the imagination or the shared experience of reading the same story. The arguments against video games are limited also says the author. He says if you compare video games to books, then the games will not be judged well because the two are so different. Next, he talks again about the benefits of reading like concentration and making sense of words and meanings. After showing how reading brings many benefits, he then argues that some of the benefits of readings are found with video games. He says, â€Å"By almost all the standards we use to measure reading’s cognitive benefits—attention, memory, following threads and so on—the nonliterary popular culture has been steadily growing more challenging over the past thirty years† (485). Research is showing in the last few years that people who play video games regularly are gaining important skills. In fact, Steven Johnson argues that â€Å"Increasingly the nonliterary popular culture is honing different mental skills that are just as important as the ones exercised by reading books† (485). He provides examples of why he believes this. Steven Johnson does not agree with critics of video games who believe they are not only a waste of time for children, but can cause harm. Instead, he argues that video games provide many benefits and skills for children including motor skills, interaction with a narrative, a rich landscape of sounds and images and so forth. Other researchers are starting to agree that video games are providing some benefits. Steven Johnson believes that video games should be valued more, but he also suggests that reading is still important. The main point, though, is that parents and others should stop thinking that video games are all bad and appreciate the value they bring to the child.

Language And Communication Development

Language And Communication Development Initially, this essay illustrates the importance of play by describing its categories. Play theories are briefly demonstrated and divided into classical and contemporary ones. Thereafter, it mentions the characteristics of language through the theories of two highly respected scientists, Lev Vygotsky and Jean Piaget, in order to understand the correlation between language and play development. It also illustrates the existence of nine basic communication skills and why non-verbal and verbal communication is so important. Moreover, this essay analyzes research which explains the direct relation between play, language and communication. Through detailed references, the idea that the role of play is salient in a childs development is supported. Next it illustrates the importance of finger, mime and rhyme play to explain that even the most common games possess a significant role in language and communication development. Last but not least, it analyzes how play reinforces the literacy de velopment and finally demonstrates the opinion of the writer. The Importance of Play Arguably, play is a vital part of childrens development which has many implications in their lives. Despite the difficulty of referring to a commonly accepted definition, play is a vital part of the developing child (Sheridan Howard Aldelson, 2011). It is a fundamental action which occurs throughout childrens lives and is divided into two categories, free play and structured play. To be exact, free play is an action where the child can choose the rules and the form of play, without the participation and the engagement of an adult. Hence, the child becomes the leader of play (Tassoni Hucker, 2000). Moreover, many researchers have claimed that free play offers more educational opportunities to children. Whereas structured play is defined as an action which is directed by adults and limits childrens learning potentials. Adults are protagonists and possess a primary role in this type of play. For this reason, Thomas, Howard and Miles proved by a study they conducted, that free play, in other words playful mode play, is capable of fostering childrens ability to learn. They state that through this mode childrens communication is benefited, because playfulness creates the ability to enhance various types of behaviors. As a result, educational settings use the playful method to foster childrens language and communication development (McInnes Howard Miles Crowley, 2009). It is of importance to mention that there are play theories which are separated into two categories, classical and modern theories of play. In particular, classical theories consist of the Surplus Energy Theory, Recreational or Relaxation Theory, Pre-exercise Theory and the Recapitulation Theory of play (Sheridan Howard Aldelson, 2011 Stagnitti, 2004 Tassoni Hucker, 2000). Modern theories concluded by the Arousal Modulation Theories of Play, the Psychodynamic Theories of Play, the Cognitive Developmental Theories of Play and the Sociocultural theories of Play. The last category is divided into two sub-categories which are the Play as Socialization and the Metacommunicative Theory (Stagnitti, 2004). Moreover, there are five types of play, which are cited as physical play, play with objects, symbolic play, socio-dramatic/pretence play and games with rules (Whitebread, 2012). The above five types of play help children to expand their abilities not only in the language and communication domain, but also in the physical, cognitive, social and emotional domain (Sheridan Howard Aldelson, 2011). According to the constant evolution of language and communication, play and its benefits in this domain must be analyzed in depth, in order to evaluate childrens developmental potentials through play. Language and Communication Language is a strong communication tool (Moyles, 1989) which fosters childrens abilities. Through language we can live the past again, evaluate the future and use this vital tool when we face complex situations (Crain, 2000). Also, many developmental theorists have tried to explain, how children adopt primal abilities as they grow up and some of them, have given special emphasis to the language and communication development and how it is related to play. They have evaluated childrens development from birth to adulthood. Vygotsky, who was characterized as the Mozart of Psychology (Gray MacBlain, 2012, p.85), claimed in his social constructivism theory, that language is the cultural tool which facilitates the processes of thinking and learning. It was his firm belief that children must comprehend language, in order to interact in the society. Hence, according to Vygotsky, play and language are interrelated (Moyles, 2005). Due to the fact that through play children master communication skills, they interpret the use of objects and imitate the attitudes and the habits of adults (Gray MacBlain, 2012). In addition, he stated that children gain knowledge when they participate in social communication and consequently, they adopt new meanings. Therefore, according to Vygotsky, children act in the zone of proximal development (Whitebread, 1996), which means that every child has limited potential when accomplishing an activity but he can expand his skills with suitable help (Lindon, 2001). However, another respected scientist Piaget did not lay emphasis, as Vygotsky did, on the importance of language during childrens development. Piaget stated that language mechanism is used by the young child only to express some basic satisfactions and not to foster more complex functions such as thought and logic (Gray MacBlain, 2012). Furthermore, Piagets opinions did not promote childrens abilities; instead he undervalued them, by applying activities that were too complex for children competence (Whitebread, 1996). On the contrary, some scientists argue that childrens thought, starts to function logically as they learn how to use language. This happens because language skills are difficult for children to assimilate, but when this gradually occurs, logic develops (Crain, 2000). Nevertheless, Piaget did not support the above notion by mentioning that logic derives from actions (Gray MacBlain, 2012). On the grounds that language is an integral part of communication, it is important to pinpoint some of the skills that children develop in this domain. In other words there are nine basic communication skills. Initially, children learn to request reinforcement, to request assistance, to accept and reject offers. Furthermore, they respond to the order wait or no, they respond to directions, follow a schedule and finally they are able to make a transition from one place to another (Frost Bondy, 2002). For instance, when children pretend to be a patient in a hospital, they learn when they have to wait their turn in order to be examined by the doctor and they give orders such as wait, stay, come. Communication is a complex function. Before the emergence of words, children can communicate adequately before adopting language production and language comprehension (Sheridan Sharma Cockerill, 2008). The above aspect describes the non-verbal communication type which is very important. Newborn babies communicate non-verbally to express their needs. Facial expressions, body language, proto-sounds and perception of feelings are the attributes of non-verbal communication (Whitehead, 1999). Hence, adults start to communicate with children initially non-verbally and eventually verbally. Research proves that conversation between children and adults which contains a large number of open questions is essential because children have the opportunity to respond to spoken language. In other words, when children feel that they are active participants in an adult-child conversation, they feel playful which is salient for the development of language (Howard McInnes, forthcoming). Fostering Language and Communication Skills through Play To begin with, studies have proved that there is a strong connection between language and play. A research which was conducted in Japan in 1989, showed remarkable signs that play and language are strongly correlated. Specifically, the four children who participated in this research were observed twenty times each in a free play mode, where the adults had a passive role. The intention of the study was to analyze early language development and play development (Ogura, 1991). Thus, six features of language were illustrated in order to analyze the findings better. These were the emergence of first words, naming words, vocabulary spurts, word-chains, nonproductive two word utterances and the emergence of productive two-word utterances (Ogura, 1991 p.278). Furthermore, this research divided play into thirteen subcategories. The findings showed that children managed to obtain the ability of naming words because they had been involved in preverbal communication. Also, children began to name objects when the conventional naming act category of play appeared. Furthermore, words and sounds have a strong relationship with each other. It was proved that children through the functional relational manipulation play and the container relational manipulation play, managed to adopt the above important function and the production of first words as well. Moreover, it was stated that early language development is related to subsitutional play. Also, this study illustrated that the environment plays a major role in the development of symbolic play. As a result, language is influenced by social interaction. Moreover, childrens vocabulary spurts appeared in subsitutional play. Word-chains appeared when pretend doll play, subsitutional play and pretend other play took place during the observations. In addition, the fifth language category appeared with planned play and combinatorial symbolic play. The last language category was related to planned play (Ogura, 1991). Undoubtedly, this p aper shows the unique interrelation between language development and play. Researchers evaluated the connection between symbolic play with play materials and symbolic play with play situation. Firstly, during childrens play with unstructured play materials, they found that children who are at the age of three to four could imitate the activities of adults. However, in structured play children were able not only to imitate but also to engage slightly in role play. At the age of four to five childrens unstructured play evolved and they started to express questions and ideas with the mediate tool of spoken language. On the contrary, in structured play they used more conversation. This study showed that in the first type of play children at the age of five to six used their body language and voice to clarify a situation. Also, both in structured and unstructured play, children preferred to play in groups of their own gender. We can notice that structured materials are better for younger children because they do not put limitations on their ideas while playing. In other words, younger children need to enhance their expressive ideas by playing with structured play materials to be adequately prepared for school (Umek Musek, 2001). At the same time, symbolic play related to play situation showed that phonetic imitation (Umek Musek, 2001, p.61) is promoted and that at the age of four children use social speech. Moreover, they use social markers, in order to speak like adults (Ervin-Tripp, 1973). Later, at the age of five children use metacommunication in their play. Metacommunication is very important because children can discuss play. They stop in order to negotiate the next step of the game. Indeed, it promotes dialogue among peers. It is very important because it can be used as scaffolding to childrens language development (Andersen, 2005). According to this study, metacommunication levels are higher when children are older. Moreover, the same study proposes that it is better and more helpful for children to play in mixed groups rather than in groups with members of their own age. Hence, children can play in the zone of proximal development. Therefore, they foster their language and communication skills. Aga in, this study shows us that play which is dependent on materials or situation is correlated with language development. Apart from the above studies there are play activities which enhance language and communication skills. For instance, children are benefited by mime because they develop an alternative thought. This occurs by observing various children demonstrating their thoughts. Consequently, they can think of more complex situations and they are able to express their ideas with enriched vocabulary. Furthermore, finger play helps children with the counting process (Woodard Milch, 2012). Moreover, rhymes can provide many opportunities for children to enhance their language skills. According to a study, rhyme awareness helps children to recognize phonemes which are very important for reading skills. The sensitivity to rhyme enables children to group words together with the same spelling features (Bryant MacLean Bradley Crossland, 1990). Play Fosters Literacy Vygotsky evaluated the role of make-believe play in childrens development and he argued that literacy is enhanced by play. He describes that children initially act spontaneously when they play, and the process of learning happens with their will. On the contrary, when children go to school they must change their behaviors to a planned and a structured environment. Vygotsky stated that make-believe play is the important mediate tool for children to adopt written language and to succeed in school (Roskos Christie, 2007). Furthermore, drawing is considered to be a necessary play for children. Research has shown that children can expand their graphic vocabularies and they can represent their meanings, which means that through drawing communication is enhanced (Whitebread, 2012). Besides, Vygotskys research has shown that drawings in early childhood are connected with the ability of writing and spoken language, which means that the meaning of childrens drawings is not only the drawing as a picture but the drawing as an expressive tool of their thoughts (Roskos Christie, 2007). In conclusion, it is worth mentioning, that in childrens play the repetition and the renaming of play materials fosters the ability of the direct relation between words and the objects they portray. The above function is called metalinguistic awareness and it has been proved that it is necessary for written language (Roskos Christie, 2007 p.193). Conclusions It is clear, therefore, that the above essay illustrates the direct correlation between play, language and communication. Despite the fact that it has been proved that play fosters the learning process, there are still opponents of this view, who state that formal learning strategies are better than playful approaches. However, this essay contradicts the notion of formal learning methods by supporting the theory, that play does enhance language and communication by citing adequate bibliography to prove it. Children can reach high standards in the learning process of language because during play they are motivated and are not possessed by the feeling of fear (McInnes et al., 2009). To sum up, due to the fact that play has been decreased in school settings, it is salient to ensure that play must exist in preschool and in the first school years of a child, because a child is always above his average age, above his daily behavior; in play it is as though he were a head taller than himself (Roskos Christie, 2007, p.199).