Listening for Understanding Essay -- Communication

Listening for Understanding Listening is an important form of communication. Unfortunately, many people who do not know how to listen believe they can listen well. They often say "I have been doing this all of my life of course I can listen". Listening is not inherited, or a personality trait, it is a skill that must be worked on and practiced. Anybody can become a good listener if they are committed to learn how and are willing to work hard. The first mistake that people tend to make when listening is to not make any type of comments while listening. They tend to just stand there and listen while the speaker talks. This can become very frustrating for the speaker and the listener. While the speaker may feel like he isn't being listened to, the listener may find some parts of the speakers talk confusing and hard to follow. Without comments, his concerns and confusion are never addressed. The simplest way to help a speaker along and show that you are listening is with subtle cues such as "hum", and "uh", "huh". While this is not a complicated form of listening it shows the speaker that you are paying attention to them. This is also good to way to show the focus of your attention is on the speaker. These subtle terms can be increased in effectiveness by adding good posture, proper facial expressions and eye contact to show the speaker that you are paying attention. Not only will this make the speaker more at ease, but it gives you a chance, as a listener, to help clarify the conversation such as "You don't say," "what?" etc. These comments can show the listener not only that you are listening but that you might have questions concerning what is being said. To be a good listener, one must always keep from becoming ... ...listened poorly or misunderstood the speaker than he is given the chance to correct any misunderstandings at that time. One of the most useful times to use paraphrasing is when someone is complaining to you. You always feel better when you feel like you have been truly listened too. It has the effect of calming you down and makes you feel much more important. Even if you are unable to fix the problem completely you feel like someone has tried to help you. Bibliography: Works Cited Adler Ronald B. and Elmhorst, Jeanne Marquardt Communicating at work McGraw- Hill, Companies, Inc, 1999 Anastasi, Thomas E. Listen! Techniques for improving communication skills CBI Publishing Company, Inc, 1982 Bone Diane The business of Listening Crisp Publications, Inc, Los Altos California, 1988

Functionalist and Symbolic Interactionist

Functionalist and Symbolic Interactionist Functionalist and Symbolic Interactionist SO1050 Sociology Functionalist, also known as structural functionalism because of its views on the ways social structures accompanies social needs. In perspective, functionalism structures social influences by what is visible and in demand now. (Boundless. com/Sociology)Functionalism has been criticized for downplaying the role of individual action, and for being unable to account for social change. In the functionalist perspective, society and its institutions are the primary units of analysis.Individuals are significant only in terms of their places within social systems (i. e. , social status and position in patterns of social relations). Functionalists have been disputed because of its terms of how socialism is accounted, because of how it lacks the support and accredited ability of one’s actions and how socialization transforms during its process. Functionalist is the oldest theory but the most popular one used to determine groups because of its basic terms toward how social groups react and functions of how the mind and body works.The structure of how people interact with others and the ability to fit in certain groups are determined by the mind state of acceptability. When evaluating functionalism it is more of a hypothesis that could be proven right or wrong in its factor of determining how society works when it comes to grouping and organizations of people by characteristics. (Boundless. com/Sociology)Structural functionalism, or simply functionalism, is a framework for building theory that sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability.Symbolic Interactionist, known also as symbolic interaction perspective, is a form of social grouping based on how people are forcefully placed into groups, events and social organizations. Unlike functionalism, Symbolic Interactionist believes that peer pressure and environmental ex posure has much effect over socialization and its developments. People adapt and form social lifestyles by what they are exposed to, such as cigarette smoking, drinking, dating, etc. When ressured into doing something for the first time just to have some forms of acceptance, people tend to try things and develop habitual behaviors that are introduced by peers. (Anderson, M. L. and Taylor, H. F. , 2009). Critics of this theory claim that symbolic interactionism neglects the macro level of social interpretation—the â€Å"big picture. † In other words, symbolic Interactionist may miss the larger issues of society by focusing too closely on the â€Å"trees† rather than the â€Å"forest†.The perspective also receives criticism for slighting the influence of social forces and institutions on individual interactions. The theory of Symbolic Interactionalist has been criticized because critics believe that it focused too much on individuals and how they react to p ersonal ways of how people react to wanting to be a part of a group and/or organization, that it lacked the focus of how groups and organizations are developed based on its biological influences.I believe that the symbolic theory has a better and clearer perspective of all theories because it focuses on how peer pressures and environmental behaviors has its influences on people as individuals, which eventually becomes a group or organization of socialization when manipulated by the growth of numbers. Functionalists do make a great point about how everything works together as one unit when it comes to social groups and the coordination of how socialism is formed.I do not agree with the full aspect of functionalists but the co-ordinance of its concept does make some sense. Symbolic Interactionalist forms its theory by reviewing probable causes using surroundings and its peers as a way of understanding social formations. I choose the Symbolic Theory because of its somewhat accuracy of how groups and organizations are formed and past down from generation to generation.I do believe peers and a person’s environmental surroundings have much to do with social connections and how its functions are developed. Reference Boundless. com- https://www. boundless. com/sociology/understanding-sociology/theoretical-perspectives-in-sociology/functionalist-perspective/ Copyright  © 2011-2012, Boundless Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Anderson, M. L. and Taylor,

The Effects Of Lack Of Sleep On Physical Health - 1361 Words

The Effects of Lack of Sleep on Physical Health People think that when they have to finish something they can just stay up late to complete it and lose precious sleep time. In reality, that should not be the case. Millions of people around the world suffer from sleep deprivation. (â€Å"Why Sleep†). Many people look at sleep as a luxury. Some people think that they can skip sleep and depend on coffee. The truth is the human body needs sleep. â€Å"Sleep is essential for a person’s health and wellbeing† (â€Å"Why Sleep†). Sleep provides a time for the body’s cells to recover from the wear and tear of daily life (â€Å"Does†). Sleep deprivation can lead to many physical health problems, including a higher risk of diabetes, a higher risk of obesity, and†¦show more content†¦Sleep deprivation leads to poor glucose control, which is essential for type two diabetics. Blood sugar levels are constantly high in diabetics and when they donâ⠂¬â„¢t attain enough sleep it just adds to the high blood sugar. Studies show that not a shortage of sleep may also increase the risk of obesity, which is a major cause of type two diabetes. In this disease the body is making enough insulin, but the cells have become insulin resistant. Being overweight stresses the insides of the individual cells, causing them to have more nutrients to process than they can handle. When this happens, the cells send out alarm signals telling the cell to dampen down the insulin receptors, causing insulin resistance and significantly high glucose levels in the blood. Sleeping enough is very important for diabetics because it can help prevent and fight diabetes. As already mentioned, obesity is another risk of sleep deprivation. New observational studies are showing that there is a link between the amount of sleep a person acquires and obesity (â€Å"Sleep†). Research shows that adequate sleep at night is just as important to the body as nutrition and exercise. This makes sleep extremely important for someone who needs to lose weight. Studies show that with each hour of sleep a person loses, his/her risk of obesity goes up. In general, people who are sleep deprived tend to weigh more than those who acquire enough sleep (â€Å"The Hidden†). ObesityShow MoreRelatedThe Emotional, Physical and Mental Effects of Sleep Depravation1054 Words   |  5 PagesIs sleep important? The answer is yes, more important than imaginable. However, not everyone needs the same amount. The amount of sleep needed depends on the age of the person. Infants typically need approximately 16 hours a day while teenagers need approximately nine hours on aver age. Most adults need about seven to eight hours (â€Å"Brain Basics: Understanding Sleep†). How much sleep someone gets is very important. Not getting enough sleep can result in many dysfunctions throughout the day. Loss ofRead MoreInformative Speech On Sleep1328 Words   |  6 PagesTitle of Speech: The Importance of Sleep and the Effects It Can Have on Our Bodies Specific Purpose: My audience will understand the importance of sleep, the effects a lack of sleep can have on a person’s body, and ways to improve the quality of sleep. Thesis: Sleep plays an essential part in a person’s health and well-being; the way we feel while awake is dependent upon what happens to your body while asleep. Attention Getter: Are you in debt? I know what probably came to your mind: loans, creditRead MoreThe Dangers Of Lack Of Sleep Deprivation913 Words   |  4 PagesDangers of Lack of Sleep in Highschoolers Sleep deprivation in high school students is creating a long list of problems in their health and academic areas. Sleep deprivation has been linked to many different health effects, and a major cause of sleep deprivation in high schooler s is the start time of their first morning class. Many different studies have been conducted concerning start times in schools and the current time that schools begin classes, is wreaking havoc on student health. Sleep has beenRead MoreResearch Study : Relationships Of Eating Competence, Sleep Behaviors And Quality, And Overweight Status Among College Students Essay1091 Words   |  5 PagesRelationships of eating competence, sleep behaviors and quality, and overweight status among college students Intro: Lack of sleep has been identified as a major public health issue found to contribute to chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes (type 2) and hypertension. As sleeping habits worsened over the years, obesity and unhealthy eating trends continued to climb. In contrast cross-sectional studies support the notion that sufficient sleep promotes â€Å"health related behaviors,† such as balancedRead MoreThe Effects Of Lack Of Sleep Deprivation On Children1315 Words   |  6 Pagesmorning. Do teens know how many problems can come with the lack of sleep? with sleep deprivation comes many long term effects on people s mental and physical health.lacking sleep is a cause of depression, obesity ,and makes it hard to function in school. School shouldn’t start as early as it does.because, it s unhealthy and lowers academic scores. Lack of sleep puts teens at risk for mental and physical issues.Less amounts of sleep put teens at a higher risk for depression,obesity,and motor-Read MoreThe Effects of a Lack of Sleep Essay1334 Words   |  6 PagesEffects of a lack of sleep, known as insomnia, is the most common classification of sleep disorders. It was estimated that thirty to forty million Americans have difficulty staying asleep, falling asleep or waking earlier than they would like to, and cannot get back to sleep. Most people settle that this is just a part of life, and the poor quality of sleep proceeds to eat away at the quality of life that could be attained. This seems to be a silent menace that people do not seem to take seriouslyRead MoreSchool Should Start Later With The Lack Of Sleep1324 Words   |  6 Pagesmorning. Do teens know how many problems can come with the lack of sleep? with sleep deprivation comes many long term effects on people s mental and physical health.lacking sleep is a cause of depression, obesity ,and makes it hard to function in school. School shouldn’t start as early as it does.because, it s unhealthy and lowers academic scores. Lack of sleep puts teens at risk for mental and physical issues.Less amounts of sleep put teens at a higher risk for depression,obesity,and motor-Read MoreSleep Deprivation1096 Words   |  5 PagesHow Sleep Deprivation Leads to Cardiovascular Disease Sleep Deprivation is a condition where an individual do not meet the required hours of sleep most of the time. It is a common problem among teenagers and adults. Although lack of sleep does not lead to a serious health problem right away, but doing it repetitively can lead to physical and health problems gradually. Sleeping is one of the basic needs that our body makes in order to regenerate good health for both mental and physical aspect. SleepRead MoreThe Effects Of Sleep Deprivation On College Students Essay1319 Words   |  6 Pages Sleep deprivation is a frequent obstacle that many college students in America face. Insomnia in college students can have an immense impact on psychological and physical health, which greatly influence academic success. Research shows that 70% of college students qualify as sleep deprived. Sleep deprivation has also been linked with several diseases/disorders, including: depression, anxiety, and obesity. Our research question investigated how sleep deprivation in college students affectsRead MoreThe Effects of a Lack of Sleep734 Words   |  3 PagesInsomnia; is also known as a deficiency of sleep or sleep deprivation. People with this condition are apt to suffer from inadequate sleep and more likely to battle depression, have poor concentration, and be involved in an auto accident; from a lack of focus. These issues followed by prolonged periods of time; can cause a person some sort of health issues, whether mental or physical.(Harvard Medical School) Sleep deprivation alters the production and action of some hormones, dampening the secretion

Singapore Telecommunications Limited - 1359 Words

Company Description Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel), which was incorporated on 28 March 1992 and launched its Initial Public Offering (IPO) as being in Singapore Stock Market a year after, is a largest communication service provider in Asia (Campbell 2008). With more than 20 years operating in telecommunication market, the company has expanded and invested its business into different countries like Australia, Thailand, India, and Indonesia. Creating the mission of â€Å"Changing the world of Communication†, SingTel offered a diverse portfolio of products and services including Mio TV, mobile and fixed, and broadband operator to both individual citizens and corporate organizations in their main national operation Singapore and Australia. However, this report concentrates on the mobile communication in Singapore. The telecommunication market structure in Singapore is most appropriate described in a high barrier market to entry – Oligopoly model, which SingTel and their competitors – Starhub and Mobile One (M1) – are three major operators dominating the mobile market. In 2013, approximately 47% market share of mobile operation market is hold by SingTel, while Starhub and M1 accounts for around 28% and 24.9%, respectively. The other 0.01% coming from close substitutes products - over-the-top calling and messaging services like Viber, Whatsapp and Skype (Euromonitor International 2013). Microeconomic Analysis Microeconomics is the study of economics at theShow MoreRelatedSingapore Telecommunications Limited ( Singtel ) Essay1598 Words   |  7 PagesSingapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel) is one of the main leading communications groups in Asia which provides a scope for telecommunication products and services in term of fixed line, internet, mobile and pay TV. Headquartered in Singapore with over 130 years working operating experiences, SingTel has built up itself as the largest telecommunication provider in Singapore and the second largest in Australia by market share while at the same time the group is also long term strategic investorRead MoreSingapore Telecommunications Limited ( Singtel ) Essay1395 Words   |  6 PagesEXECUTIVE SUMMARY Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel) is one of the main leading communications groups in Asia which provides a scope for telecommunication products and services in term of fixed line, internet, mobile and pay TV. Headquartered in Singapore with over 130 years working operating experiences, SingTel has built up itself as the largest telecommunication provider in Singapore and the second largest in Australia by market share while at the same time the group is also longRead MoreSwot Analysis Of Singtel Political Economical Social Culture1064 Words   |  5 Pagessafety law 2. Deregulation 3. Tax policy Political As early as 1981 with great effort from the Singapore government the NCB (National Computer Board) was set up to enhance the nation’s competitiveness by exploiting IT in an information age. Economic Singapore’s higher per capita GDP led the growth in the various business sectors. The disposable income and demand for telecommunications services also increasing. The Group is exposed to foreign exchange fluctuations from operations. Social/CulturalRead MorePotential Merger Of Starhub And Mobile Essay1556 Words   |  7 Pages2.2.4. Threats SingTel potential merger of StarHub and mobile one will be biggest threats to SingTel’s number one position in Singapore for mobile markets. With the competitive market, SingTel will have to fight against star hub and mobile one through price, promotions and advertisings since all three companies’ main business are in provision of mobile plans and sales of mobiles. SingTel may need to improve customer service further to create superior customer service that tag to their brand. WithRead MoreSingtel Essay2305 Words   |  10 PagesIntroduction SingTel is a recognized and successful telecommunication corporation in Asia. This essay will illustrate the past, present and possible future of SingTel and the transformation SingTel had made throughout the years. In addition, it will include the identification of changes SingTel has made and also the demonstration on how SingTel deal with these changes through change management lenses. Company Overview Singapore Telecommunications also known as SingTel Group is a well-known andRead MorePlan Sg25 Will Be More Effective When Supported By The Public And Private Sector926 Words   |  4 Pagesincineration plants, desalination plants, green building and parks will highlight practical methods to enhance sustainability. On the grassroots level, there are five Community Development Councils (CDCs) that organize the annual â€Å"Clean Green Singapore† campaign to encourage citizens to adopt environmentally-friendly lifestyles. Beyond organizing this campaign, CDCs will now include outreach programs specific to promoting PLAN-SG25, particularly on topics related to cleantech, efficiency, recyclingRead MoreSunil Bharti Mittal - Entrepreneur Profile Essay1564 Words   |  7 Pagesalong with two siblings, into Indias largest mobile phone operator in just ten years.15 years back, his company, Bharti Telecom, was a manufacturer of telephones of the push-button variety, and made its money by supplying to the Department of Telecommunications (DOT). Detractors allege that it was the familys political connections that helped it land the DOT contract. Achievements: IT Man of the Year Award 2002 from Dataquest CEO Of the Year, 2002 Award from World HRD Congress. Today, SunilRead MoreSunil Bharti Mittal - Entrepreneur Profile1627 Words   |  7 Pagesalong with two siblings, into Indias largest mobile phone operator in just ten years.15 years back, his company, Bharti Telecom, was a manufacturer of telephones of the push-button variety, and made its money by supplying to the Department of Telecommunications (DOT). Detractors allege that it was the familys political connections that helped it land the DOT contract. Achievements: IT Man of the Year Award 2002 from Dataquest CEO Of the Year, 2002 Award from World HRD Congress. Today, Sunil MittalRead MoreTelecommunication Services And The Telecommunication Sector1165 Words   |  5 Pages1. INTRODUCTION: Just two decades ago, Bangladesh had a barely functional telecommunication infrastructure with the state-owned fixed-line service provider Bangladesh Telegraph and Telephone Board (BTTB) as the only operating telecommunication company in the country. The telecommunication system has experienced unprecedented and phenomenal growth only since 1996, when the first private telecommunication company GrameenPhone was authorized by the government to provide mobile GSM services. Due to expeditiousRead MoreMarketing Actions And Budget Gantt Essay903 Words   |  4 Pagesby the market. So the budgeting is reduced in the third years in consideration of the cost control. 5. Sale forecast The sale forecast is also very approximate and discrepancies could even be very large to the actual digits due to the limited access to the company’s data. 2010 2011 2012 2013 Sale revenue (after tax) 300,000 400,000 600,000 750,000 Cost 210,000 266,000 360,000 440,000 Profit 90,000 134,000 240,000 310,000 In thousands (SGD) Table 7 Projected profit and loss statement

The American Revolution America - 2934 Words

Kelly Belzeski History 110 15 December 2014 History Final The American Revolution helped America become the free nation it is today. All the events after and before the revolution helped America become free. America became a freer nation after the American Revolution because they weren’t in fear of an outside nation controlling them. Before the American Revolution no one knew what was even here, and the citizens that formed and shaped the nation they loved didn’t want to give away their freedom. â€Å"For many Americans, the period generated optimism†. Eventually America was boasting with new religions, people had the freedom to choose religion and were not be afraid to speak up. America helped entrepreneurs start business, it was†¦show more content†¦Republicanism was â€Å"based around the government needs to be the balance so things don’t become unfair†. America wanted to become independent from Great Britain because they started taxing people and acting in Great Britain†™s normal style. People of America were afraid of charters and didn’t want kings and queens telling them what to do. People were afraid of conspiracy’s forming of England completely taking over. Americans began taking sides, â€Å"2/5 of American Colonies supported the American Revolution while another 2/5 tried to stay out of it†. Anglican Americans were most likely to be loyalists, â€Å"throughout the conflict with Great Britain, many colonists sided with the king and Parliament†, and they were wealthy and could support the group. Americans’ would spread their political ideas by newspapers printed weekly, and pamphlets were also very common. The most common pamphlet was called Common Sense and it was a â€Å"revolutionary tract written by Thomas Paine in January 1776. It called for independence and the establishment of a republican government in America†. â€Å"Reading was a very social technique used during this time†. Riots began to get the peoples and governments attention. Religion’s started picking sides to, by using political ideas in sermons. The tea act, tax on sugar and the stamp act were major issues American’s had with Great Britain

Analyse the Ethical Dilemma

Question: Required to analyse the ethical dilemma you have identified above using use the Doing Ethics Technique? Answer: 1. Introduction: McLean (2011) opined that the digitization of organizational works is closely related with arising of ethical issues. Katz Ali (2015) stated that implementation of ICT provides employees with more opportunity for utilizing organizational resources. On other hand Doridot, (2013) stated that the tasks of monitoring employees activities became more difficult due to extensive use of ICT applications in organization. However, use of ICT is resulting ethical dilemmas in business while increasing efficiency of employees. The current assignment deals with analysis of ethical issues related with ICT in my organization. In my organization, employees use e-mails for communicating among themselves. Recently it is found that some employees are using these e-mail accounts for their personal purposes also. In our organization e-mails are usrd sometimes for sharing data. It is also found that the confidentiality of data is lost due to use of e-mails. As the misuse of ICT is increasing, management of our organization has started monitoring the e-mail activities of each employee. Although monitoring all employees is reducing the chances of misusing e-mails, but it is also leading to loss of privacy for employees. Apart from this, increase in the number of ethical issues is not only destroying integrity of organization, it is also impacting negatively on the employee loyalty and productivity. 2. Eight Question Doing Ethics Technique: The effects of ethical issues regarding ICT on our organization can be understood using Eight Question Doing Ethics Technique. Use of Eight Question Doing Ethics Technique not only enables to identify the overall impact of ethical dilemmas on the performance of an organization, but it may give idea regarding the solutions of identified problems also (Medlin, 2013). 2.1 What is going on? Analysis on the current situation in our organization indicates that some employees are misusing e-mails and their activities are leading to loss of secrete data. As the management got proof for such activities, they started monitoring e-mail communications of all employees. As a result, the number of e-mail misuse is reducing. On other hand, monitoring all communications over e-mail is leading to privacy loss of every employee. It is causing rising of ethical dilemmas in organization. 2.2 What are the facts? As confidentiality of secrete data has been lost, profitability of the company is reducing. Monitoring every communication of all employees is also causing their privacy loss. It is resulting degradation of the relationship between management and employees. It is evident that the incidents of e-mail misuse are affecting long term performance of the organization. 2.3 What are the ethical and non ethical issues? Ethical issues: Analysis of current scenario indicates presence of two ethical issues-confidentiality loss of important data due to e-mail misuse some staffs and privacy loss of employees due to management activities. Non ethical issues: As some of the employees are involved with the incident of confidentiality loss of secret data, effectiveness of business strategies are reducing and thus the performance of business is degrading. Apart from this the relationship with employees is also degrading and it is reducing productivity of whole team. 2.4 Who is affected? The management is affected as profitability of business is reducing. Due to degradation in the relationship between management and employee both parties are affected. 2.5 What are the ethical issues and implication? Confidentiality loss of important data: Business strategies are becoming less effective. Some important data is also lost due to loss of important password. It cut down the revenue. Privacy loss of employees: Loyalty of employees is reducing. It is leading to loss of integrity and reduction in productivity. It is also impacting on the employee retention strategies. 2.6 What can be done? Management of our organization requires storing the misuse of e-mails while securing privacy of employees. 2.7 What are the options? Reducing use of e-mail: The management can reduce use of email to stop the malpractices. Partial access of data: Important data requires being partially available to employees. Management requires developing policies which will ensure that a staff is viewing only the required portion of database to increase security (Stuart Gillinder, 2013). Full data will be viewed by management team only. 2.8 Which option is best and why? Confidentiality of important data can be lost in different ways .Limiting the access to database not only reduces the chances of data loss through e-mails, it is also increasing security of data (Kelmendi, 2013). Thus it can be considered as best option. 3. Conclusion: The activities regarding use of ICT in last few months affected the relationship between, management and employees in our organization. Development of new policies can enable management to utilize ICT more efficiently without hampering level of integrity among staffs. References Doridot, F. (2013). Ethical governance of emerging technologies development. Hershey, PA: Information Science Reference. Katz, I., Ali, R. (2015). nformation and Communication Technology Literacy: What Do Businesses Expect and What Do Business Schools Teach?. Retrieved 13 March 2015, from https://www.ets.org/Media/Research/pdf/RR-10-17.pdf Kelmendi, K. (2013). Violence against Women: Methodological and Ethical Issues. Psychology, 04(07), 559-565. doi:10.4236/psych.2013.47080 McLean, A. (2011). Ethical frontiers of ICT and older users: cultural, pragmatic and ethical issues. Ethics And Information Technology, 13(4), 313-326. doi:10.1007/s10676-011-9276-4 Medlin, D. (2013). Integrations of technology utilization and social dynamics in organizations. Hershey, PA: Information Science Reference. Stuart, S., Gillinder, B. (2013). My Revision Notes OCR Cambridge Nationals in ICT Levels 1. London: Hodder Education.

Web Apps vs Websites Whats the Difference Does It Matter

Web apps vs websites – theyre sometimes confused, and for website owners, knowing the difference can be helpful. Understanding whether you are running a web app or a website can help you to better understand your requirements, and communicate more efficiently with web developers.In a nutshell, web apps are interactive in nature, while websites exist to provide information. Websites are great for presenting blog content and contact information, but for further utility you may need a web app.Obviously, many web platforms incorporate  both static and interactive content, depending on which part of the site youre visiting. For that reason, the line between the two can get blurry, especially on the modern web.In this article, well compare web apps vs websites, outline some of the key differences, then talk about how to choose which one is right for you. Let’s get started! On the whole, users click on a URL and are directed to a page. However, from there, the experience can differ depending on if they have come to a web app or a website.Web apps are interactiveA web app is responsive in some form to visitors. A good example that practically everyone on the internet uses is Google:When you type something into Google and click Google Search, it returns a response in the form of search results. This is a feature Google provides. In this way, it provides an interactive utility thats more than just information. In fact, practically all of Googles services are web apps – Gmail,  Google Analytics, Google Docs, and more.Typically, web apps are written using additional languages to HTML. For example, they may also employ CSS, PHP, JavaScript, and others to provide more dynamic capabilities. Some of these functions include search bars, interactive forms, and e-commerce features.Basically, if visitors can make requests of some kind and receive a response, its probably a web app. Additionally, if you can place bids or pay for items its more than simply a website.Websites are informativeIn contrast, websites are informational in nature. This means they dont contain any changing elements based on the actions of the user. To illustrate, many restaurant sites fit this category:They will usually include lots of information, including the restaurants location and its menu. In addition, while it does have contact information, its only in the form of a phone number or email address.Blogs, news, and recipe sites are all examples of websites. A typical blog site presents readable content for users to browse – and may include links to other posts, as well as images and videos – but does not otherwise contain anything interactive. If there is no user-acting element that will result in a response, its a website and not a web app.Websites are great for showcasing contact information, event schedules, and descriptions of services. They present content but have no way of receiving input from users.How web apps and websites work toget herAt this point, you may have realized its not always easy to differentiate between a web app and a website. In reality, there is a lot of overlap and many websites include web app elements (and vice versa.) For that reason, you dont want to get  too caught up in focusing on the differences between websites and web apps.For example, WordPress  is perfectly capable of running static websites, but its back end provides a highly customizable and extensive content management system (CMS). Therefore, although the website might not contain any interactive elements, its managed using a web app.Another example would be a business page that provides information, but also links to an online e-commerce store. In fact, our own site is a great example. Right now youre engaging with our blog content, but youll also find plenty of links to purchase our plugins and themes (such as our popular Neve theme).Generally, web apps and websites combine when the site owner wishes to add further functio nality. To illustrate, if the owner of the Thai restaurant we discussed above was looking for ways to increase business, they might expand their site to include an online ordering system. This would then become a web app, although the core functionality and features would remain the same.Web app vs website: how to choose which is right for youMany small brick-and-mortar businesses start out by creating a simple website, but as they grow may find they require more functionality to meet the needs of their customers or to generate leads. It may be they would like customers to be able to order products directly from their website, gather feedback with a customer survey, or even simply  boost engagement with something fun and interactive.For instance, an auto detailing shop might increase their site traffic with a web app that lets you choose different paint colors, and view how theyd look on your car. This is a value-adding feature that transforms the website into a web app.Neverthele ss, some may find it beneficial to keep their website simple. Web app features can complicate your business, such as an online store that accepts credit cards. This store is responsible for safeguarding its customers personal information, as well as needing to be PCI compliant. There are always trade-offs to consider.Despite these potential issues, many choose web apps over websites – most e-commerce stores on the internet are web apps, for example. They often provide an important utility to meet users needs – without them, the internet might be far less interesting.Overall, if youre just starting out, you might only need a simple, informational website. However, if your long-term goals indicate you may need a web app, its something you can start planning for now.With a platform like WordPress, you can start out by building a simple static website or launching a blog, but still retain the flexibility to add interactive web app functionality later on, like a membership site or eCommerce store.ConclusionAt first glance, web apps vs websites may not seem like a big deal. However, understanding their differences can help you to plan for the future and better communicate with your team. Finally, no matter if youre building a static website or an interactive web app, you can follow our guide on how to make a website with WordPress to get started. Or, you can also find other website builder tools  to help you create both static websites and web apps.Do you have any questions about websites vs web apps? Ask away in the comments section below!Free guide5 Essential Tips to Speed Up Your WordPress SiteReduce your loading time by even 50-80% just by following simple tips.