Organizational Communication and Family Dynamics

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from organizational communication and family dynamics.

Organization

A relatively large group of people coordinating their activities for some purpose.

Organizational Features Perspective

How features of organizations affect communication processes.

Network Perspective

A visual depiction of relationships based on communication that affect organizing.

The Discursive Perspective

How communication makes organizations and organizing possible.

Vertical Spread

Levels in the organization's hierarchy that dictate who talks to whom, including upward (subordinate to superior) and downward (superior to subordinate) communication.

Horizontal Spread

Parts of the organization differentiated by specialized responsibilities.

Geographic Spread

Physical distance between parts of the organization.

Links

Connections in a network.

Cliques

A tight cluster of nodes within a larger network.

Liaison

A person who connects two or more cliques but does not belong to any.

Isolate

A person with few or no links in a network.

Bridge/Broker

A member of one clique who links to another clique.

Calibration

The function of maintaining stability in a family.

Negative Feedback

Minimizes change in a family and helps create homeostasis.

Positive Feedback

Allows a family to change, grow, create, and innovate.

Interdependence

Family members are so interrelated that they depend on each other functioning.

Boundaries

What separates people from others, including external and internal boundaries.

Family Systems Theory

A lens for understanding family interactions and outcomes.

Whole Family Secrets

Secrets held by the entire family from outsiders.

Calibration/Feedback

The process of maintaining stability within family interactions.

Emotional Support

Messages that validate the other person and acknowledge their feelings.

Health Communication

The way we process, seek, and share health information.

Paternalistic Communication Style

Provider makes decisions for the patient as a parent-like figure.

Informed Communication Style

Provider offers potential solutions and pros & cons; patient makes the final decision.

Shared Communication Style

Partnership where doctor and patient work together to make the best decision.

Social Support

The idea of people helping people to improve health outcomes.

Buffering Hypothesis

The theory that social support can lead to positive outcomes in the presence of stressors.

Triadic Closure

Connection styles within social networks, differentiating between strong ties and weak ties.

Stereotypes

Cognitive structures associating a group with particular characteristics.

Prejudice

An endorsement of a stereotype, often stronger than the stereotype itself.

Discrimination

The behavioral outcome related to prejudice.