Organizational Communication Overview

Organizational Communication

• Organizational communication is a process where interdependent people create, share, and interpret messages to achieve common goals
• It involves the flow and impact of messages within a network of relationships to deal with environmental uncertainty
• Effective communication is essential for organizations to function effectively
• Communication encompasses both formal and informal pathways
• Includes vertical (up and down hierarchy) and horizontal (same level) communication
• The grapevine is an informal network for unofficial information

Defining Organizational Communication

• Tortoriello, Blatt, and DeWine (1978) described organizational communication as the flow and impact of messages within a network of interactional relationships
• Wilson, Goodall, and Waagen (1986) defined it as an evolutionary process of sharing information to build relationships in a goal-oriented environment
• Goldhaber (1993) views it as a process of creating and exchanging messages within a network of interdependent relationships to manage environmental uncertainty.

Brief History of Organizational Communication

• The field developed over 50 years drawing from various disciplines like psychology, sociology, anthropology, administration, linguistics, politics, and public speaking
• The 1960s and 1970s saw the formal emergence of the field
• Scholars from diverse disciplines began studying this field

Early Publications

• Herbert Simon (1947) highlighted communication's essential role in organizations
• Bavelas and Barrett (1951) used an experimental approach to show that communication is critical to organizational activities
• Economists in the 1950s emphasized the critical role of communication in organizations

Components of Organizational Communication

• Communication Networks: formal and informal structures for information flow
• Leadership Communication: how leaders use communication to guide and influence
• Cultural Approaches: how organizational culture shapes communication patterns
• Critical and Postmodern Approaches: examining power, ideology, and resistance

Another Scholar's Perspective (Pamela S. Shockley-Zalabak, 2014)

• Effective organizational communication depends on "knowledge" of communication processes, the environment and interpersonal dynamics/cultural nuances
• "Skills" in verbal and non-verbal communication, conflict resolution and technology use are vital
• Ethical communication, trust building, and inclusivity represent "values" of organizational communication's success

Characteristics of Organizations

• Objectives (goals): all organizations have aims
• People: Managers and workers (supervisors, subordinates included)
• Systematic Structure: regulations, rules and discipline

Basic Functions of Communication in Organizations

• Effective communication allows individuals to understand and pursue organizational objectives
• Communication covers every management function
• Organizational culture is influenced by communication
• Communication improves organizational and individual performance

The Communication Function

• Enables members to discuss critical experiences and develop relevant information
• Supports both individual and organizational change by enabling understanding and coordination
• Facilitates interpreting organizational changes
• Enables coordinating personal needs with organizational activities

General Levels of Organizations

• Upper Level Managers (conceptual skills)
• Middle Managers (interpersonal skills)
• First Line Managers (technical skills)
• Operative Workers (basic skills)

Communication Function For Managerial Level

• Leaders motivate, build networks, disseminate information, and serve as moderators
• Decision-makers build visions, monitor resources, and negotiate

Communication Process in an Organization

• It encompasses both formal and informal communication processes (grapevine)
• Formal communication flows through planned vertical and horizontal structures
• Informal communication operates through the grapevine

Qualities and Skills for Organizational Success

• Oral communication skills
• Motivation
• Initiative
• Assertiveness
• Loyalty
• Leadership
• Maturity
• Enthusiasm
• Punctuality
• Appearance
• Written communication skills

Discussion

• Describe the role of communication in organizations