Organizational Communication

Page 1: Organizational Communication

Definition of Organizational Communication

• Organizations: A special type of group characterized by:

  • Large size (multi-focal)

  • Formal structure

  • Made of discrete, interdependent units

  • Systemically related

  • United in a common purpose

  • Clear boundaries

Bureaucracy

• Bureaucracy: A framework for organizational communication that establishes formal rules and hierarchical structures.

Skills for Communicating in Organizations

• Necessary to master five types of communication content:

  • Production/Task: Involves communication related to completing tasks and production goals.

  • Maintenance/Authority: Focuses on communications that uphold the organizational structure and authority.

  • Social/Relational: Content that builds interpersonal relationships among members.

  • Innovation: Dedicated to discussions about new ideas, improvements, and innovations.

  • Political/Influence: Involves strategic communication aimed at gaining influence or navigating power dynamics.

Page 2: Communication Channels

Direction of Communication Channels

• It is essential to adjust communication based on the direction of the channel:

  • Upward: Communicating from subordinates to superiors.

  • Downward: Communication from superiors to subordinates.

  • Horizontal (Lateral): Communication among peers or departments.

Overcoming Known Issues with Communication Types

• Communication should overcome known challenges, including:

  • Mastering specialized encoding/decoding skills, such as:

    • Interviewing

    • Giving instructions

    • Writing reports

    • Policy drafting

    • Performance reviews

  • Addressing unique problems like:

    • Serial transmission and message distortion

    • Choosing the right medium for communication

Beyond Formal Channels

• Informal Communication: Plays a valuable role in organizations. Includes:

  • The grapevine (often carries rumors)

  • Building relationships through informal means

• Integrative Communication Structures: Establishment of committees, quality circles, project teams, and fostering organizational culture through rituals, ceremonies, stories, and norms.

Page 3: Perspectives on Organizational Communication

Constitutive Perspective

• Constitutive Perspective: Highlights that the organization IS its communication.

Power Dynamics in Communication

• Conventional View (Top-Down):

  • Power relies on a command-and-control model.

  • Authority is derived from formal position, individual characteristics (title, charisma, reputation), aimed at compliance.

• Expanded View (Bottom-Up and Horizontal):

  • Based on situational factors, objectives, environment, and relational dynamics.

  • Emphasizes cooperation, trust, and interdependence.

  • Dynamic changes over time, with an aim for identification with organizational goals and internalization of values and culture.

Key Points from Video

1. Organizational communication is the communication that happens within an organization.

2. Organizations are seen as natural social realities, communicative in nature, shaping our social interactions.

3. Formal downward communication originates with those higher in the hierarchy, directed at lower levels.