Chapter 11: Organizational Communication

organizations

the set of interactions that members of groups use to accomplish their individual and common goals

functions of org comm > production

activity is coordinated towards accomplishing tasks

functions of org comm > maintenance

the stability of existing systems are preserved

functions of org comm > innovation

means by which systems are changed

hierarchy

power structures in which some members exercise authority over others, chain of command

upward communication

communication with superiors

downward communication

communication with subordinates (job duties, explanations, info, feedback)

horizontal communication

communication with peers, needed for socialization

organizational culture

a patterns of shared beliefs, values, and behavior

formal structure

officially designated channels of communication, reflecting explicit or desired patterns of interaction