Organizational Communication Concepts
ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION Chapter 10 Defining an organization Organization = a social context where symbols are exchanged to create and maintain social reality and collective meaning . Functions of Communication in Organizations 1. Manage ambiguity 2. Issue, receive, interpret, and act on commands 3. Create and maintain productive relationships with other organization Communication Networks Formal Communication Informal Communication Communication Networks Formal Communication = a system designed by management to dictate who should talk to whom. Vertical Communication Horizontal Communication Communication Networks Informal Communication = communication within organizations based on career interests, friendships, proximity, and shared aspirations . Communication Networks Informal Communication = communication within organizations based on career interests, friendships, proximity, and shared aspirations . Informal Communication often • Confirms • Contradicts • Expands • Circumvents Formal Communication Organizational Communication & Media Richness Media richness = the potential information -carrying capacity of the medium Question: What do you think is the “richest” communication medium? The leanest? ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE “The way we do things around here.” -Deal & Kennedy, 1982 Organizational Culture Organizational culture = a pattern of basic assumptions (re)created by organizational members; a common frame of reference for understanding how to think, feel, and behave Org. culture: Is shared Is intangible Affects and is affected by human behavior Cultural Component #1: Symbols #1 Symbols/Cultural Network: communication system through which cultural values are instituted and reinforced. Physical Behavioral Verbal/nonverbal New Mexico State University Symbols Pistol Pete “The Traders” Statue Logo Cultural Component #2: Values #2 Values: standards, principles, visions Question: What values are expressed in NMSU’s mission statement? “NMSU is a caring community committed to transforming lives through discovery.” Cultural Component #2: Values #2 Values: standards, principles, visions Other examples? “Creating an environment where absolute guest satisfaction is our highest priority.” Cultural Component #3: Heroes #3 Heroes: individuals who come to exemplify an organization’s values Cultural Component #4: Rituals #3 Rites & Rituals: routine presentations; ceremonies through which the organization celebrates its values. Examples at NMSU? Schein ’ s Onion Model Schein ’ s Onion Model LEVEL 3:
Assumptions LEVEL 2:
Espoused Values LEVEL 1:
Artifacts & Behaviors LEVEL 1:
Artifacts & Behaviors Most visible level of an organization’s culture Style of dress? Open or rigid floor plan? Types of technology? How people address each other (like the use of titles)?
Communication during meetings?
Comfortable furniture? Written documents? LEVEL 2:
Espoused Values The org.’s preference for what “ought” to happen. At the heart of The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated is a set of guiding principles based on excellence and quality in everything we do. To achieve excellence , we know we must strive to continuously improve upon our past accomplishments. LEVEL 3:
Assumptions Core, taken -for -granted assumptions that org.
members hold about the world & how it works CCF’s core assumption:
It is important to be the BEST