Informal Communication in Management

• Organizational Behavior (HUR 212) is a course that covers Computer-Aided Communication and Knowledge Management.
• Computer-Aided Communication includes:
  • Intranet: a private computer network used by organizations to communicate internal information to employees.
  • Extranet: a secure and controlled extension of an intranet, linking employees with external partners like suppliers and customers.
  • Videoconferencing: a technology that allows employees to conduct interactive meetings without being physically present in the same room.
  • New technology is making videoconferencing more accessible to desktops.
• Knowledge Management (KM) is a process of managing and distributing an organization's collective wisdom.
• Importance of Knowledge Management:
  • Intellectual assets are as important as physical assets.
  • Individuals' knowledge and experience leave when they depart.
  • A KM system reduces redundancy and makes the organization more efficient.
• Barriers to Effective Communication:
  • Filtering: a sender's manipulation of information to influence how it is perceived by the receiver.
  • Selective Perception: people interpret information based on their interests, background, experience, and attitudes.
  • Information Overload: when the inflow of information exceeds an individual's processing capacity.
  • Other barriers like emotions, language, and communication apprehension can also impact effective communication.
• Intranet, extranet, and videoconferencing are examples of computer-aided communication tools that can help overcome some of these barriers.
• Silence as Communication: absence of speech or noise can convey meaning and emotions.
• Emotions like anger and fear can influence how communication is perceived.
• Language: words have different meanings to different people, so clear and precise communication is important.
• Communication Apprehension: anxiety about oral or written communication can hinder effective communication.

Explore the concept of informal communication in management, including its perceived reliability, self-serving nature, and the factors contributing to its emergence. Understand its influence in conveying important information and navigating ambiguous or anxiety-inducing situations.