Organizational Communication Organizational Communication In the beginning A

Organizational Communication

Organizational Communication: In the beginning. . . A considerable part of what we today deem organizational communication research is an attempt to explain how a large number of humans can function together as a machine. n It is not surprising then that the organization as machine metaphor has given rise to several organizational communication theories. n

Machine Metaphor n An organization is like a machine b/c its: – Specialization • Everyone has a special role – Standardization • Very replaceable – Predictability

The Classical Organization n Modern Times-Charlie Chaplin n (Part One) n http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=q. Dn. D a. DYZ 2 AQ&feature=related n Modern Times-Charlie Chaplin n (Part Two) n http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=7 fyyt 3 JGGvk&feature=related

Fayol’s Theory of Classical Management n Elements of management (What? ) – Planning – Organizing – Commanding – Coordination – Control

Fayol’s Theory of Classical Management n Principles of management (How? ) – Organizational structure • Scalar chain • Unity of command • Unity of direction • Division of labor • Span of control – Organizational power – Organizational reward – Organizational attitude

Examples of Organizational Charts n n n http: //www. usdoj. gov/dojorg. htm http: //www. mitsue. co. jp/english/company/char t. html http: //www. fema. gov/pdf/about/org_chart. pdf http: //www. wacom. co. jp/english/corporate/outl ine_diagram. html http: //www. louisville. edu/athletics/Organizatio nal_Chart-U_of_L_Athletics. htm http: //www. martinfowler. com/apsupp/account ability. pdf#search=%22 Organizational%20 Hie rarchies%22

Examples of Organizational Charts

Weber’s Theory of Bureaucracy n Closed system n Driven by rational and legal authority n Centralized power and control n Clearly established hierarchy n Void of emotions n 6 facets of bureaucracy

Taylor’s Theory of Scientific Management n Focus on micro-level of organizational function n Prescriptive n Relational focus – Worker to worker/worker to boss n Motivation – Uneven work – Systematic soldiering

Taylor’s Theory of Scientific Management n Four tennets – One best way to do a job – Proper selection of workers for a job – Proper training – Division of labor between manager & workers

Communication in a Classical Organization This theoretical approach impacts organizational communication several ways: n 1. The communication content within a classic management organization is taskbased (maintenance) n 2. The direction of communication within a classic management organization is mainly downward. n 3. Written communication is the pervasive channel for communicating. n 4. The style of communication is formal and distant.

Remember n Machine Metaphor n Fayol’s Theory of Classical Management n Weber’s Theory of Bureaucracy n Taylor’s Theory of Scientific Management