COSC5112 Learning Unit 1: Communication and the

Transcript:COSC5112 Learning Unit 1: Communication and the:
COSC5112 Learning Unit 1: Communication and the organisation 10 Learning Unit Objectives (LUO); 6 sessions; Barker & Angelopulo 2013: 3-37; 75-76; Test, assignment & exam #1 The Mechanistic and Interactional view of communication - Barker & Angelopulo 2013: 7-12* - The mechanistic view of communication (a theory explaining the phenomenon) is that communication is made up of different elements which can be studied individually. Communication is rigid. It sees communication as parts; the transfer of signals; communication has independent components which is measurable and efficient. WHILE The interactional view of communication describe communication as a process of interaction between individuals that leads to change; e.g. if people come together there will be conflict and conflict resolution (which is a process involving communication). Communication is not quantifiable (i.e. it is not measurable). Communication is seen as interactive, where meaning is created. So, what’s the difference? Part of the interactional approach to communication; communication is used to create and share meaning within an organisation (1). Meaning is created through personal and environmental stimuli (1)…people make sense of their chaotic world, through a process referred to as ‘mapping’ (1); people also make sense of their world by relying on social (people), physical (things) and abstract (ideas) objects (3). Sharing meaning in an organisation An organisation “Mutually dependent people who are linked on various levels in terms of its hierarchy, to pursue common goals (e.g. to make a profit) by using their technical and/ or individual skills for this purpose.” (2) - Tubbs & Moss 2006: 469 – Organisational communication Any and all communication which facilitates the proper functioning of an organisation (1). E.g. memo’s, e-mails, meetings, etc. (1) Internal (intra-organisational) communication refers to the messages shared among employees (1), while external communication is used to gather- and provide information from/ to the external environment (1). Two (2) factors influencing organisational communication is: i. decentralisation (1); and ii. Technology (1) #2 Definition(s) of Organisational communication - Barker & Angelopulo 2013: 13-14; 76 - The following headings describe an organisation: Product or service Location and area of activity – local, regional, national, international? Ownership; strategic lead in the organisation Customers/ clients Financial information Aims, vision, values Private, public or not-for profit sector; legal status. Structure (centralised or decentralised) Main external influences on the organisation Employees, members, supporters – skills and management Source: Collings, J. & Watton, P. 2011 #3 The characteristics of organisational communication Business