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

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

3. 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.”

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

5. 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

6. Critical Elements in Communication Models
Encoding/decoding affected by differing frames of reference (race, sex, ed. background, geography, culture, etc.)
Code--verbal, vocal, visual
Channel--importance, needs of receiver, amount of feedback needed, permanent record?, cost, formality level

7. Critical Elements cont.
Feedback--advantages and disadvantages
Noise--external and internal, technical or semantic
Environment--time, place, physical and social surroundings

8. Communication Model 1 Environment A B Message Message (Feedback) Code
--Stimulated
--Motivated
Stimulated--
Motivated--
Noise B
Message
Code
Channel /
Message
Encode
Decode A
(Feedback)
Decode
Encode
Channel /Code
--Frame of
Reference
--Frame of
Reference