Thomas Moss ENGL 1101 12/01/2013

Research Reflective Paper

This research project into Professional Workplace Literacy was one of the most difficult and frustrating assignments of this semester. While it did involve research into the workplace and the type of discourse that takes place there it was difficult to pinpoint a good approach to the topic. Our original proposal when we met as a group was to examine and research into the different types of correspondence that are used by businesses. With a focus on communication techniques and written and electronic communication our group discussed how this work could be presented in a classroom setting. This type of material honestly came across as quick dry and did not seem as though it would be a good snapshot of the workplace and literacy. With one method of pursuing the project out of the way another method was sought out. Providing a glimpse of several different workplace environments and the type of communication in those was our choice. By taking two different categories of workplaces with each member of our team the research could more precisely found. My initial thoughts on the subject were that this was a horrific category to be assigned. Not only did it seem quite dry, but the material seemed to be something similar to previous educational experience. While I was highly interested in the workplace and the professional development that coincides with it, I had a very funneled idea of what the topic was to be. Once we were able to collaborate and decide on a more suitable course for the subject matter the ideas began to flow for our group. From this point forward I mentally had a blueprint of the ideas and concept that I wanted to explore within my two fields of work: Military and Retail Industry. I began seeking out documents and books within the library to locate and check out for further

research into the topics. I knew that if I could base my material firmly within the grasps of documented material, then I could easily ascertain additional material from the internet. I spent several hours in the library scouring just for the appropriate material. Once I conducted a quick skim of the content I could determine whether or not it would be useable to my end-state. Through my research I came across some very interesting and intriguing material. One book in particular..."The Wal-Mart Effect", actually became my nightstand reading. I found that there were, as I presumed, there are some exceptionally high rate of functionally illiteracy among associates in the lower spectrum of the retail industry. This became a primary focus of my look into that industry. To assist in filling out the rest of the spectrum I looked into the data collection and advertising that the retail industry performs. One large facet that has been tapped is that of the American mother. I found that a very large percentage of America's money spent on consumer goods and commodities is a direct effect of this group of consumers. The other issue that I began researching was literacy issues pertaining to the military. I was able to find quite a bit of knowledge regarding the subject. Once aspect that I did not have a keen awareness of was the draft and this was an area into which I read quite a bit into the area. Of interest, finding out that in a two month span leading up to the U.S. entrance into WWII there were over 91,000 Americans disqualified from service for not meeting the fourth grade educational requirement. By the conclusion of the research I felt I had a sharper grasp on the subjects that I investigated. From a reasoned approach, I can now support some of the theories I have connecting substandard work performance and lower educational levels. I have been able to take a closer look into one of the nation's largest employers which according to several figures is currently around 2.1 million. With a company larger than the number of Americans currently on Active Duty it can be easy to begin making assumptions as to the impact that Wal-Mart can

have. Through research, reflection and analysis I was able to synthesize this information together in order to have a presentable final product with my group. The group interactions with candidness were beyond subpar. A mixture of conflicting schedules and "family emergencies" prevented us from homogenizing our information together for a proper presentation. Upon getting our group assignment myself and Austin were apt to begin the research and establish the base from which to start our work. When we met as a group feet dragging caused us to have pause in deciding which method to approach our topic. At the conclusion of our first meeting we agreed to meet in one week in order to bring our information together and find similarities. This meeting never occurred. It was almost an 11th hour effort in pooling our knowledge to assemble appropriate material for a presentation. Overall, better communication and less procrastination as a group whole would have produced a higher quality product for the group presentation. One point that I feel is unresolved out of the research is that pertaining to different types of journals and magazines. There is a wealth of knowledge that remained unused and was failed to be utilized in the course of our project. It would have been beneficial if we had examined the professional conversation within the six different workplaces that were researched. I am content with the work that was put forth on my part and would enjoy the opportunity to do similar research projects in the future in other discourses.