1. Communication and Structures
Chapter 3 Recap/Discussion

2. Organizations Communication AND Structure Related? If so, how?
Relationship (of both) to organizations?

3. 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?

4. 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.

5. Technical & Vocational Training Corporation

6. Formal Communication, continued
Diagonal
E.g. quality circles, lattice design, heterarchies
Impact on organization’s culture?
WL Gore and Associates (lattice design)

7. Formal vs. Informal Difference?
Informal communication as substitute vs. necessity
Popular example = the grapevine
Benefits and/or issues with informal?

8. 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)

9. 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)

10. 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?