vcc.ca
CSTP 1101: Communication and Workplace Behaviour
Effective date
September 2026
Department
Computer Systems Tech Diploma
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
Students learn human behaviour in organizations and skills needed to deal with people at work. Topics include: individual behaviour, values, interpersonal relationships and communications, groups and team dynamics, organizational culture, leadership, and professional and ethical responsibilities.
Students study the communication skills required in the workplace, including effective interpersonal communication techniques and conflict resolution. Students learn practical techniques in business communication, such as writing memos, letters, emails, reports and conducting formal presentations.
Students learn how to communicate with their supervisors, colleagues and clients in various forms. Students become familiar with common documentation and communication mediums such as Microsoft Teams, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Google Docs and Google Charts, and develop group presentation skills.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain the fundamentals of effective workplace communications
- Demonstrate understanding of key professional and ethical standards
- Explain how perceptions, personalities, values and emotions shape behaviour
- Demonstrate effective team-building and conflict resolution skills
- Recognize and respond effectively to challenges in group-based decision-making
- Apply critical thinking skills to evaluate the accuracy and relevance of information
- Produce well-structured professional documents, including reports, proposals and instructional materials
- Use Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Google Docs and Google Charts
- Collaborate effectively using Microsoft Teams
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
Assessment methods include writing an exam and conducting an interview.
Students will receive an ‘S’ grade (satisfactorily completed) which is not included in grade GPA calculations.
International Students should contact the VCC International Education Advising to learn how PLAR can impact immigration status, prior to proceeding with the PLAR request.
Students will receive an ‘S’ grade (satisfactorily completed) which is not included in grade GPA calculations.
International Students should contact the VCC International Education Advising to learn how PLAR can impact immigration status, prior to proceeding with the PLAR request.
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 35
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 25
Practicum, Self-Paced, Individual Learning: 0
Total Hours: 60
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 25
Practicum, Self-Paced, Individual Learning: 0
Total Hours: 60
Instructional Strategies
Instructional strategies include classroom lectures, demonstrations, group discussions, computer labs and hands-on practical work.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Assignments |
40 |
4 assignments |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
10 |
|
|
Midterm Exam |
15 |
|
|
Final Exam |
20 |
|
|
Project |
15 |
Group presentation |
Course topics
- Perceptions, personalities and emotions
- Personal values and behaviour
- Effective team building
- Organizational politics and conflict management
- Interpersonal communication strategies
- Workplace communications and culture
- Report writing using Microsoft Word and Google docs
- Data management and charting using Excel worksheets and Google Charts
- Professional email communications using Outlook
- Collaboration using Microsoft Teams
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.