Organizational Communication and Operations Management

These flashcards cover key concepts from organizational communication and operations management, focusing on communication channels, group dynamics, conflict, control systems, and productivity.

Vertical communication flows __ the organization.

up and down

Upward communication consists of messages from __ to superiors.

subordinates

Downward communication occurs when information flows __ the hierarchy.

down

Horizontal communication flows __ within the organization.

laterally

Horizontal communication involves __ at the same level.

colleagues and peers

Horizontal communication facilitates coordination, helps __, and plays a major role in cross-departmental teams.

problem solving

Common forms of informal communication include: the __, management by wandering around, and nonverbal communication.

grapevine

Barriers to effective communication may disrupt the __ process.

communication

Cohesiveness refers to the extent to which members are __ and committed to the group.

loyal

In a highly cohesive team, members work well __.

together

A formal leader is typically __ appointed by the organization.

an individual

An informal leader engages in leadership activities but their right is not __ by the organization.

formally recognized

Interpersonal conflict can be caused by differences in __, beliefs, or perceptions.

personality

Intergroup conflict may occur due to interdependence, differences in __, and resource competition.

goals

The control function has __ basic purposes.

four

A __ standard is compared against subsequent performance.

control

Budgets help managers coordinate __ and projects.

resources

A budget is a plan expressed in __ terms.

numerical

Overcontrol occurs when an organization tries to control __ things.

too many

Operations management is essential as organizations add __ and create products and services.

value

Operations management is the total set of managerial activities used to transform __ into products or services.

resource inputs

The goals of operations managers include both _ and effectiveness.

efficiency

Facilities decisions pertain to the physical locations where products or services are __.

created

Facility location is the organization's positioning or __ site.

geographic

Supply chain management is the process of managing operations control, resource acquisition, and __.

inventory

The just-in-time (JIT) method requires high levels of __ and cooperation.

coordination

Inventory control manages raw materials, work-in-progress, and __ goods.

finished

Eight dimensions of quality are outlined in __.

Table 20.2

Aggregate productivity refers to the total level of productivity achieved by a __.

country

Industry productivity is the total productivity achieved by all firms in a __.

industry

Company productivity refers to the level achieved by an __ company.

individual

Unit productivity is achieved through a department or __.

individual

Cohesiveness is the degree of mutual __ within the group.

attractiveness

Downward communication is usually __ and more reliable than upward communication.

more accurate

The grapevine is a common form of __ communication.

informal

Management by wandering around is a technique of informal __.

communication

Communication barriers may create misunderstandings and lead to __ in teams.

conflict

Factors influencing cohesiveness include group size, similarity, and __.

success

Formal leaders are responsible for __ management activities.

functional

Interpersonal conflict can arise from excessive __ among individuals.

competitiveness

Conflict may arise from differences in __ between groups.

goals

The control system is essential in __ performance management.

evaluating

Strategic control ensures organizational alignment with its __.

environment

When managing control, organizations may choose between centralized or __ perspectives.

decentralized

Resistance to control can stem from employees feeling __ by strict measures.

overcontrolled

Operations management focuses on the efficient use of __ in creating products.

resources

The decision regarding facilities layout affects operational __ and efficiency.

performance

Budgetary control is used to help define established __ for control.

standards