Basic Concepts and Communication Models An introduction to thinking about communication in organizations

Some Initial Observations A communication axiom-- “You cannot not communicate” Always judge communication in terms of context Language is an inherently arbitrary symbol system Communication is polysemic

Some Course Assumptions Information in this course is only valuable to the extent that you can use it We’re trying to provide you with a repertoire of skills to meet a variety of situations We want to go beyond skills and techniques to understand the underlying situation…theory has its uses!

Communication and Organizations Communication is not a secondary or derived aspect of organizations--it is not a “helper” Communication is an intrinsic, inherent, defining feature of organizations “No human relationship could be maintained, no organizational objective achieved, no activities coordinated and no decisions reached without communication.”

Unique Perspectives on Communication in Organizations Downward communication (superior to subordinate) Upward communication (subordinate to superior) Horizontal communication (among colleagues) Informal communication (the grapevine)

Comparative Communication Models Early models depicted linear movement S->M->C->R More accepted view now is transactional/transformational model of communication--simultaneous encoding and decoding of messages Dodd—”Communication is defined as participants interpreting information by interacting through sending and receiving messages across a channel in an organizational context.”

Critical Elements in Communication Models Participants—uniquely situated actors in a particular context. Those participants are affected by their own particular frame of reference—their culture, gender, level of education, organizational rank, etc. Interpretation—involves the encoding and decoding of symbols transmitted during the interaction. Those processes are not uncomplicated. Context of the workplace—context is always important in communication, the workplace brings special challenges to context. Dodd introduces organizational culture as well.

Critical Elements cont. Channel--importance, needs of receiver, amount of feedback needed, permanent record?, cost, formality level, is it live or is it mediated? Feedback--advantages and disadvantages Noise--external and internal, technical or semantic