IMD 235 Organizational Communication

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Questions and Answers

What are the two types of rules and regulations within organizations?

Only informal rules

Only formal rules

Rules and norms

Formal and informal rules (correct)

Which characteristic of organizations is primarily focused on motivation enhancement?

Organizational culture

Division of labor

Systems of rewards and consequences (correct)

Rules and regulations

What type of communication within an organization is characterized by messages going from lower to upper hierarchy levels?

Upward communication (correct)

Lateral communication

Downward communication

Informal communication

Which aspect of organizational culture helps define appropriate behaviors within an organization?

Cultural rules, rituals, and norms Signup and view all the answers

How does organizational communication change as an organization grows?

It becomes more complex Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of formal communication within organizations?

It is sanctioned by the organization Signup and view all the answers

The process of sending and receiving verbal and nonverbal messages in organizations is known as what?

Organizational communication Signup and view all the answers

Which type of communication typically offers management insights into employee dissatisfaction?

Upward communication Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason that studying organizations and organizational communication is considered important?

Most jobs are located in organizations. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the term 'organized' in relation to organizations?

Organizations may have varying degrees of structure. Signup and view all the answers

How does 'working together' apply to the definition of an organization?

Each person's job contributes to the organization's overall goals. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of organizations?

They must have a rigid structure to be effective. Signup and view all the answers

What does information overload refer to in an organizational context?

Receiving excessive information that is difficult to process. Signup and view all the answers

Which best explains the concept of compatible goals within an organization?

Individuals may have different personal objectives that support the organization's aims. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the complexity of modern organizations is true?

Collaboration and mergers are contributing to increased complexity. Signup and view all the answers

How does message competence contribute to organizational communication?

It enhances the ability to convey and interpret messages effectively. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of downward communication?

Messages sent from higher levels to lower levels Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes lateral communication?

Messages exchanged between employees at the same level Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of informal organization communication known as the grapevine?

Does not adhere to established communication channels Signup and view all the answers

Which situation is most likely to lead to the use of the grapevine?

When there is ambiguity or perceived threats Signup and view all the answers

What should be understood when dealing with the office grapevine?

Grapevine information should be treated as tentative Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a suggestion for handling the grapevine?

Assume all grapevine messages are confidential Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly defines communication networks within organizations?

Networks consist of multiple formal communication channels Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of communication channels is determined by the size of an organization?

The methods and efficiency of communication may vary Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of information overload?

It leads to health problems in managers. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of network is characterized by interpersonal communication?

Face to face Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of information isolation for workers?

Difficulty in performing assigned jobs. Signup and view all the answers

Which method can help avoid information overload?

Organize and periodically inventory messages. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a situation where a worker receives little or no information?

Message isolation Signup and view all the answers

Which type of network structure includes all possible connections between members?

All-Channel or Star Pattern Signup and view all the answers

What should a worker do to effectively deal with excessive messages?

Think before passing on messages. Signup and view all the answers

What type of message exchange does 'via ICT' refer to?

Instant messaging and blogs Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Organizational Communication

The course is IMD 235 - Communication Skills for Information Professionals
Organizational communication is the skills and theories of communication in the workplace
After completing the unit, students will be able to:
- Understand the nature and types of organizations
- Describe the characteristics of organizations
- Identify types of organizational messages
- Communicate more effectively in the organizational context

Definition of Organizations

An organization is a structured group of people working together to achieve compatible goals, with varying sizes from a few to thousands. Individual jobs are interconnected, and personal goals align with the organization’s objectives.

Importance of Studying Organizations

Most jobs are in organizations, which offer benefits like health insurance and pensions. Their complexity is rising due to mergers and collaboration, impacting public policy and healthcare.

Characteristics of Organizations

Rules and regulations: formal and informal rules guide workers
Division of labor: workers have specialized roles
Systems of rewards and consequences: used to motivate performance
Organizational culture: influences appropriate verbal and nonverbal behavior; includes collectivist and individualist cultures

Organizational Messages

Organizational communication involves sending and receiving verbal and nonverbal messages within an organizational context.
Organizational communication includes messages occurring within formal and informal groups
As an organization grows and becomes more complex, communication becomes more intricate

Formal Communication

Formal communication is approved and follows organizational hierarchy.
It follows the organizational hierarchy (upward, downward, lateral)
Upward communication flows from lower to higher levels conveying job-related activities and problems.
Downward communication flows from higher to lower levels, conveying orders, explanations of procedures, goals, and worker appraisals
Lateral communication occurs between equals, facilitating sharing of insights and solving problems.

Informal Communication (Grapevine)

Grapevine communication doesn't follow the formal hierarchy
It is commonly used to share job-related information
It frequently emerges when concerns are unclear or when workers feel threatened or insecure.
Suggestion for dealing with the grapevine: interpret information with caution, repeat information carefully, and be aware that messages will likely be shared and repeated

Communication Channels & Networks

Organizations use various communication channels (face-to-face, ICT, meetings, public presentations)
Communication networks are configurations of channels
Types of communication networks include circle, wheel, Y chain, all-channel/star.

Information Overload and Isolation

Information overload is an excessive amount of information that can negatively impact workers' health.
Message isolation occurs when workers receive little or no information. This affects their ability to complete their assigned job duties efficiently. This scenario often leads to the individual feeling unhappy and unmotivated.

Organizational Message Competence

Organizational message competence involves behaviors that improve communication effectiveness.
- Active listening: empathetic and critical listening skills.
- Apologizing for errors
- Avoiding information overload
- Using the grapevine effectively
- Exhibiting leadership communication skills
- Avoiding biased language (-isms).
- Managing conflict effectively.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of organizational communication as outlined in the course IMD 235 - Communication Skills for Information Professionals. Students will explore the nature of organizations, types of organizational messages, and improve their communication skills in a workplace setting. Understanding these concepts is essential for effective collaboration in professional environments.