chapter one organizational communication: an introduction

Chapter One

Organizational Communication: An Introduction

Chapter Preview

• Define Organizational Communication • Discuss why communication is

considered to be central, pervasive, and multifaceted in organizational settings.

• Debunk some myths about organizational communication.

• List and explain basic communication principles.

• Describe the range of topics and scope of this textbook.

Organizational Communication: Foundations for Business and Management, 2e Thomson, 2006 ©

Communication is Central to Organizational

Activity• Communication shapes, limits, and

defines perceptions of individuals and organizations.– It is necessary for all forms of organizational

activity and success.– Many organizational failures are linked to

poor communication practices.– “Communication does not just service the

organization, it is the organization” (Pace and Faules).


Communication is a Pervasive Activity

• All organizational members are almost continuously involved in communication activities.

• Organizations function by operating interdependently.– Internal interaction and coordination

between organizational units is required to produce successful products and services.

– Poor interaction between organizational units affects products and services and hurts the “bottom line.”



• Organizations must relay information and solicit feedback from organizational members.

• Managers spend 70% to 80% of their time in communication activities– Job expectations, procedures, and policies

are learned through various organizational communication channels.

– Managers must monitor feedback from employees to gauge employee performance and satisfaction and to modify management practices.


(continued)


• Poor communication can result in bruised interpersonal relationships.– Past experiences guide future

interactions.• Bruised interpersonal relationships can

directly or indirectly undermine organizational efficiency.


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Communication is Multidimensional

• Organizational Communication can (and does) mean many things.– Some people refer to organizational

communication as the skills of speaking, listening, and writing.

– Others refer to the use of technologies to facilitate communication.

– Still others refer to communication as the printed matter created and disseminated by an organization.


Communication is Multidimensional

• Communication problems can occur in any organizational context.

• Problems are not limited to the use of skills, technologies, or outputs.– For example, unproductive group

meetings, lack of cultural awareness, and poor updating of websites may all fall under the blanket of organizational communication issues or problems.


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Myths Regarding Organizational Communication

1. Organizational communication pertains only to businesses and those who study business.

2. It is easy to train someone to be an effective communicator.

3. Organizational communication is the role of human resources or corporate communication people.


Myths Regarding Organizational Communication

4. People already know how to communicate. Certainly intelligent people can communicate well.

5. Sharing sophisticated vocabulary makes a group, and members of that group, effective organizational communicators.


(continued)

Defining Organizational Communication

• Organizational communication is a field of study.

– It involves creating, sending, receiving, and interpreting information.

– It is complex and involves the coordination of people towards common organizational goals.


Definition of Organizational Communication

Organizational communication is the study of why and how organizations send and receive information in a complex systemic environment.


Principles of Communication

1. Communication is a non-linear process.

– People co-construct communication as they simultaneously affect and are affected by each other.

– Communication involves the past and immediate histories of those communicating and should be referred to as a process and not an “act” that is discrete.

2. Communication can be intentional or unintentional.



3. Communication can be verbal or nonverbal.

– Nonverbal message categories include chronemics, artifacts, oculesics, haptics, olfactics, paralanguage, physical characteristics (and others).

4. Sending a message is not synonymous with communicating.

5. Communication is irreversible.



6. Communication is different from understanding.

7. Communication is contextual.• Contexts of Communication Include

― Intrapersonal Communication― Dyadic Communication― Group Communication― Public Communication― Mass Communication


Four Defining Factors of Organizational Communication

1. Communication Skills– Having communication skills is more

than having the competency to read, listen, write, and use technology.

– Skilled communicators know how to communicate both appropriately and effectively.• This involves applying knowledge about

the context, situation, and people involved in any communication activity.



2. Networks• Networks connect related units within an

organization.• Establishing and cultivating these networks may

be a challenge, but is necessary for effective communication, especially during times of organizational crisis.

• The term “network” can also refer to the channels of communication available to communicate.• Having multiple channels allows organizational

members communication flexibility, which may be needed for clarification or understanding.



3. Culture• Culture refers to the unique nature

and environment of the organization and its employees.

• Culture also refers to how an organization fits and manages its outside environment.• The world is smaller than ever.• The workplace is more ethnically

diverse than ever before.



4. Power• Knowing how to communicate

effectively and being able to apply that knowledge can be empowering for organizational members.

• Power also relates to authority which is important for organizational study.• Power can be abused.• Ethical communication involves

appropriate uses of power. Organizational Communication: Foundations for Business and Management, 2e Thomson, 2006 ©

Features in the Text

• Principle Applications are exercises that are designed to apply principles from the chapter.

• Practitioner Perspectives are segments of interviews with executives who offer their insight on the importance of communication to organizational success.

• Ethical Probes ask readers to consider moral questions pertaining to communication ethics and the appropriate use of power.


chapter one organizational communication: an introduction

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