Communication and Structures Chapter 3 Recap/Discussion
Organizations Communication AND Structure Related? If so, how? Relationship (of both) to organizations?
Formal Communication Downward Upward Horizontal Limited in organizations – why? agree?/disagree? ‘Just a gesture’ – huh? agree/disagree? Horizontal Benefits? Issues? Communication structure’s impact on culture?
Lunenburg, F. C. (2010). Formal Communication Channels: Upward, Lunenburg, F. C. (2010). Formal Communication Channels: Upward, Downward, Horizontal, and External. Focus on Colleges, Universities and Schools, 4(1), p. 1-7.
Technical & Vocational Training Corporation
Formal Communication, continued Diagonal E.g. quality circles, lattice design, heterarchies Impact on organization’s culture? WL Gore and Associates (lattice design) http://www.gore.com/en_xx/aboutus/culture/index.html http://www.gore.com/en_xx/careers/whoweare/about-gore.html
Formal vs. Informal Difference? Informal communication as substitute vs. necessity Popular example = the grapevine Benefits and/or issues with informal?
Communication Structures Organizational Charts Communicate: Structure Power and authority Rules for communication Communication structure as network (T) Communication structure as social construction (I) Communication structure as source of power and oppression (C)
Information Distortion Information lost in transmission or misunderstood (T) Information as power (e.g. “need to know” basis) Distortion can prevent creation of shared meaning (I) Information distortion used to sustain power relationships and hegemony (C)
I heard it through the grapevine! In-Class Application Exercise Pick a partner; respond to a situation dealing with the grapevine How would you address the issue?