Basic Concepts and Communication Models An introduction to

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

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

Communication and organizations n n n 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 n n Downward communication (superior to subordinate) Upward communication (subordinate to superior Horizontal communication (among colleagues) Informal communication (the grapevine)

Comparative Communication Models n n 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

Critical Elements in Communication Models n n n 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

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