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

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

3. Communication and organizations n Communication is not a secondary or derived aspect of organizations--it is not a “helper” n Communication is an intrinsic, inherent, defining feature of organizations n “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 n Downward communication (superior to subordinate) n Upward communication (subordinate to superior n Horizontal communication (among colleagues) n Informal communication (the grapevine)

5. Comparative Communication Models n Early models depicted linear movement S->M->C->R n More accepted view now is transactional/transformational model of communication--simultaneous encoding and decoding of messages

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

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