CHAPTER 1.1

Communication & Organizational Communication

Learning Objectives:
1. Define communication.
2. Discuss the history of communication from ancient to modern times.
3. List the forms of communication.
4. Distinguish among the forms of communication.
5. Review the various career options for students who study communication.
Definition of Communication:
- Satisfactory definition provided: Communication is the process of generating meaning by sending and receiving verbal and nonverbal symbols and signs that are influenced by multiple contexts.
- This definition builds on over 126 published definitions of communication, refining the concept over time (Dance & Larson).

Focus on Human Communication:
- Communication as a uniquely human capacity to use symbols for abstract thought and communication beyond immediate reality.
- Example of using abstract symbols: The word "education" encapsulates numerous elements of teaching and learning.
Animal Communication:
- While animals communicate, humans possess a sophisticated array of symbolic communication ability.

Primitive Communication:
- Scholars speculate early humans used onomatopoetic words (e.g.,
  swoosh, gurgle
  ).
- Early humans used sounds and gestures for communication, enabling cooperation, information sharing, tool-making, etc. (Poe 27).
- This evolution provided evolutionary advantages leading to a "Talking Culture" during a 150,000-year period.
Transition to the Manuscript Era (Around 3500 BCE):
- Marked the evolution from oral to written communication, corresponding with agricultural lifestyle.
- Development of systems for tracking resources (e.g., pebbles representing grain).
- Emergence of social classes, organized religion, and armies created a need for written records.
- Literacy remained limited to privileged classes until the 1800s.

Print Era (1450-1850):
- Introduction of the printing press leading to mass production of texts.
Audiovisual Era (1850-1990):
- Marked by innovations like radio, telephone, and television.
Internet Era (1990-present):
- Characterized by the rapid spread of internet and digital technologies, reshaping communication practices.

Influence of Manuscript Era:
- Earliest writings on communication predate Aristotle, who formalized communication studies through rhetoric.
Rhetoric’s Evolution:
- Rhetoric involves persuasive communication, often misunderstood in contemporary contexts.
- Ancient and contemporary scholars stress ethical considerations in rhetoric.
Aristocratic Focus:
- Emphasis on public communication within legal and policy discussions, establishing links between communication and citizenship.

Cicero’s Five Canons of Rhetoric:
- Invention: Developing innovative ideas and arguments.
- Arrangement: Structuring the content of speeches.
- Style: Language usage in communication.
- Delivery: Vocal and physical presentation by the speaker.
- Memory: Techniques for retaining and recalling information.

Growth in the 1900s:
- Formalization into distinct communication departments in universities.
- Tensions arose between rhetoric-focused English departments and oral communication studies.
Founding of Professional Organizations:
- Shift of speech teachers from their original discipline to create the National Communication Association, evolving from the National Council of Teachers of English.

Categorization of Communication:
- Communication forms are differentiated by participants, contexts, and channels.
- Six major forms: Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, Group, Organizational, Public, Mass.
- Each type will be explored in-depth throughout the material.

Definition:
- Communication within the self, often consisting of internal vocalization and reflective thought.
Function:
- Serves to facilitate social adjustment, build self-concept, process emotions, and handle stress.
- Competence in intrapersonal communication can influence social interaction positively.

Definition:
- Interaction between individuals who mutually affect one another.
Role:
- Fundamental for building and managing relationships, often with structured expectations and goals.
- Miscommunication and conflict are common in this form due to the closeness of interactions.
- Skills needed include conflict management and listening.

Definition:
- Communication among three or more individuals working toward a shared goal.
Characteristics:
- More formal and intentional in purpose compared to interpersonal communication.
- Contains elements of both task-focused interactions and interpersonal relationships.
- Training in group dynamics can enhance effective communication.

Definition:
- Involves communication among organizational stakeholders, aiming to create meaning through intended message exchanges.
Stakeholders:
- Encompasses many parties, including internal members (employees) and external parties (customers, competitors).
Nature:
- Systematic, hierarchical, and goal-driven.

Definition:
- Sender-focused interaction where one person communicates with an audience.
Characteristics:
- Generally more intentional and formal.
- Speakers engage with audiences but must manage performance anxiety.

Definition:
- Information disseminated to large audiences through media (print and electronic).
Characteristics:
- Greater dependency on technology for transmitting messages.
- Less personal connection compared to other forms, but social media developments have begun to alter this.

Diverse Career Paths:
- Career areas include:
- Business: Sales, HR, management.
- Public Relations / Advertising: Event coordination, development.
- Media: Producing, editing, broadcasting.
- Nonprofit: Administration, PR roles.
- Government/Law: Lobbying, community affairs.
- Education: Teaching speech, coaching, roles in administration.
Research Considerations:
- Understanding department specializations helps navigate educational paths toward relevant careers.

Integrative Nature:
- Communication encompasses numerous disciplines offering varied career opportunities.
Historical Significance:
- Foundations laid by figures like Aristotle enrich modern communication study.
Defined Communication Forms:
- Intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, public, and mass communication are crucial areas of focus for study.
Practical Applications:
- Communication skills are vital across various sectors, informing personal and professional interactions.