Organizational Communication and Computer-Mediated Communication

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering classical and human relations management approaches as well as key theories in computer-mediated communication (CMC).

Classical Approach

A foundational management perspective consisting of Scientific Management (Frederick Taylor), Administrative Principle (Henri Fayol), and Bureaucratic Organization (Max Weber).

Scientific Management

A classical management theory proposed by Frederick Taylor (1910) emphasizing hierarchy, task-process specialization, work delegation across sections, higher pay for higher efficiency, and placing the "right person for the right task."

Administrative Principle

A classical management theory proposed by Henri Fayol (1911) focusing on top-level management's thinking and planning functions, five managerial roles, and fourteen principles of administration.

Five Roles of Management (Henri Fayol)

The five essential functions of management identified by Henri Fayol: Planning, Organizing, Commanding, Coordinating, and Controlling.

Unity of Command

Henri Fayol's administrative principle stating that each worker should receive direct commands from only one supervisor ("one boss").

Unity of Direction

Henri Fayol's administrative principle stating that organizational activities should follow one shared plan directed toward the same objective.

Scalar Chain

Henri Fayol's administrative principle prescribing a clear, hierarchical, and strictly vertical structure of formal organizational communication.

Esprit de Corps

Henri Fayol's fourteenth principle of administration, which focuses on encouraging group harmony, teamwork, and mutual unity among employees.

Bureaucratic Organization

A classical management model formulated by Max Weber (1947) characterized by multiple hierarchical layers, formally defined duties and responsibilities, and standard operating procedures designed to prevent favoritism.

Human Relations Approach

A management perspective that emphasizes employee psychology and social relationships, including Elton Mayo's Hawthorne Experiment, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, and Douglas McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y.

The Hawthorne Effect

A behavioral phenomenon identified by Elton Mayo (1920s) wherein individuals modify and improve their behaviors simply in response to their awareness of being observed.

Hierarchy of Needs

Abraham Maslow's five-tier psychological model of human motivation, progressing from Physiological needs to Safety needs, Love and belonging, Esteem, and Self-actualization.

Theory X

Douglas McGregor's management assumption that employees inherently dislike work, lack motivation, avoid responsibility, work purely for money, and require constant supervision and coercion.

Theory Y

Douglas McGregor's management assumption that employees are self-motivated, view work as fulfilling and challenging, exercise self-control, and actively seek responsibility to solve problems creatively.

Deindividuation Theory

A computer-mediated communication theory stating that online anonymity diminishes an individual's sense of self and awareness, leading to antinormative behaviors.

SIDE Theory (Social Identity model of Deindividuation Effects)

A theory proposing that online anonymity decreases individual differences and amplifies salient group identity, leading individuals to conform to group norms and behaviors rather than acting as distinct individuals.

Cyberbullying

The act of sending, posting, and/or sharing negative, harmful, or false content about a person over the Internet.

Signaling Theory

A theory stating that online users remain skeptical of received information because anonymity facilitates deception; the likelihood of engaging in deceptive behaviors depends on how easily one's real identity can be detected.

Hyperpersonal Computer Mediated Communication

A communication framework explaining how CMC enables users to selectively edit texts and manage appearances to construct better impressions and deeper relationships than face-to-face communication typically allows.

Strong Ties

Close personal relationships (e.g., family and close friends) involving frequent communication and a shared community, with a theoretical capacity limit of 150 ties.

Filter Bubble

An algorithmic bias created by online recommendation systems that restricts the variety of content users encounter by showing only what aligns with their pre-existing interests.

Confirmation Bias

The cognitive tendency to seek out, interpret, and recall information that supports existing beliefs while ignoring objective facts or challenging evidence.

Weak Ties

Acquaintances and casual relationships (such as connections on social media platforms) with whom an individual does not communicate deeply or know very well.

Strength of Weak Ties Theory

A sociological theory associated with Nick Granovette proposing that people are often more likely to be persuaded by weak ties, which foster new inspiration, creative problem solving, and access to novel job opportunities.