57035 Organisational Communication Management

UTS: Communication: Communication and Learning
Credit points: 8 cp
Result Type: Grade, no marks

Handbook description

In this subject students analyse differing perspectives on communication in organisations and the ways in which group processes affect organisational life. The subject focusses on the communicational features of leadership and aims to provide students with the ability to evaluate and critically discuss their own and others' leadership and communication styles. It enables students to make connections between theories and practice so they can develop successful team-building and team-management strategies. Conflict management, change management, culture creation, problem solving and decision making are some of the workplace challenges explored in this subject. Approaches to leadership, communication climate and motivation of staff are analysed in the context of ever-changing organisational environments, including technology and globalisation.

Subject objectives/outcomes

At the conclusion of this subject students are expected to be able to:

develop and assess successful work-group functioning and group management strategies from a leadership perspective;
understand why appropriate communication is central to the effective management of contemporary organisations;
understand strategies to build relationships with internal publics through communication;
assess the impact of a variety of factors [eg technology, innovation, globalisation] on processes of communication within contemporary organisations;
define organisational communication within the context of communication studies and demonstrate an understanding of organisational communication as a component of communication management;
explain and critically assess the influence of factors such as structure, culture and environment, new communications technologies on communication and organisational functioning; and
identify emerging issues in the study and understanding of organisational communication.

Contribution to graduate profile

A good understanding of the nature of communication and communication management through a broad range of theories and paradigms
A sensitivity to ethical and legal issues related to communication
A capacity to critically reflect on the role and responsibilities of communicators
An understanding of contexts of communication
An understanding of organisational culture and climate factors and the ability to diagnose communication problems and engage in change management
The ability to choose and use appropriate research methods for communication professionals
An understanding of the implications and management of communication technologies for professional communication practice
A capacity to critically reflect on their learning and professional communication practice
The capacity to manage technical, political, moral and aesthetic communication issues
The ability to implement communication strategies and evaluate their effectiveness
The ability to apply communication theories to the analysis of case studies and professional practice
The ability to provide strategic advice to senior management and to manage issues and crises
The capacity for lifelong learning
The ability to understand and practice leadership in communication management

Teaching and learning strategies

The learning experience can include lectures, videos, discussion and group workshop experiences based on structured exercises, simulations and case studies. Students may participate in and analyse group tasks in class, and undertake readings to relate their activities to practices in contemporary organisations

Content

Organisational Communication as a Field of Study and Professional Practice

The nature of organising and governance. The relationship of organisational communication to other fields of communication study interpersonal, small group and mass communication. Historical overview of the development of the field. Theoretical perspectives contributing to the knowledge base of the field, including review of organisational and management theories and implications for organisational communication theory, eg, Scientific Management (Classical) Human Relations, Human Resource, Systems and Contingency. Models of communication and the organisational context. The further development of organisational communication theory. Diversity of approaches to and conceptualisation of communication management.

Organisational Culture and Communication Climate

Concepts of culture and climate in organisational communication. Climate and Workgroup Morale and Commitment. Communicative use of metaphors and narratives in organisations. Staff diversity, ethics and power in organisational communication; control mechanisms; intra-organisational communication, organisational reframing and organisational learning. Evolution of organisational cultures. Impact of structural variables on communication, e.g. communication flows, roles and networks, relationship of climate to organisational morale, job satisfaction and workplace commitment, formal and informal workplace groupings. Critical theory approaches to organisational communication. Organisational performances: Narrative, dramatistic and fantasy theme analysis.

Leadership communication and Intra-Organisational Communication

Leadership as communication management. Appraisal of Leadership communication. Leadership Relationship communication strategies. Taking responsibility for internal communication, measuring communication effectiveness and developing effective internal communication strategies. Practices of induction, organisational socialisation and assimilation. The role of the supervisor and devising relevant communication tools for employees.

Communication processes in Work Groups

Analysis of group dynamics; relationship to open communication and teamwork; historical-analytic; dramatistic; phase and rules approaches to group development; relationship to decision-making and problem-solving. Conflict in organisational settings; grievance procedures; negotiation/dispute-resolution practices. Commitment processes; 'Groupthink'.

Managing Communication and Change in Organisations

Organisations and their relationship to the new information and communication environments. Relationship to classic theories of organisational communication. Organisational evolution. Emergence of new organisational forms and communication technologies; new communication requirements and replacement of traditional communication interfaces. Multicultural issues and globalisation. Managing communication in times of transition and change; emergent theory.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Self and Peer Evaluation of Communication-Leadership Style

Objective(s):	a, b, c, d, e, f, g
Weighting:	50%
Length:	2000 words
Task:	To undertake self-learning regarding communication and leadership through self-reflective engaged research, investigating models and empirical assessments to determine personal leadership styles. Students will develop and self-administer an assessment strategy to determine their own leadership and communication styles. This assessment strategy could be enhanced by administering it to workplace colleagues. All results are to be recorded and analysed using research and relevant theory. The student is then to reflect on the findings, set personal goals and develop a personal and practical communication improvement plan referenced to literature.
Assessment criteria:	demonstrated understanding of a variety of different management and leadership styles; quality of analysis of key issue/s in organisational communication; quality of reflection and recommended practical applications of findings, in terms of their implications for communication management from a personal and interpersonal perspective; application of theoretical and research literature to analyse styles; and content delivered in a professional business report format with appropriate academic rigour.

Assessment item 2: Strategic Organisational Communication Change Report

Objective(s):	a, b, c, d, e, f, g
Weighting:	30% group assessment 20% individual assessment
Task:	Part 1A: Group Report (20%) – 3000 words For this assignment students will work in small groups [of three] to examine and evaluate an aspect of the communicational functioning within an organisation with a view to developing a strategy for enacting changes, which will improve the communication [in terms for example of its quality, competency, and efficiency] within the workgroup/organization. The report should be in the approved business report format. Part 1B: Group Presentation (10%) – 30 minutes Students will deliver a professional presentation to other class members of relevant recommendations to manage, improve or change the situation. The presentation should be a duration of 30 minutes, including question time. A summary of the central points of the presentation should be emailed to the tutor within one week of the presentation and will be made available to the class by posting it on the UTSOnline site. The presentations will commence in week 10 with two groups presenting each week. Groups should be formed no later than week 4. Part 2: Individual Report (20%) – 1000 words Students will then individually examine and analyse the interaction of the group they have just participated in by recording group processes, key events in discussion, decision making, leadership, conflict and others, including an evaluation of the merit of each others contributions. These reflections are to be critically discussed using literature to define processes and make recommendations.
Assessment criteria:	Assessment criteria – Part 1A ability to convey the organisation's communication environment quality of critical analysis of organisational communication issues and problems demonstrated awareness of relevance of theoretical perspectives to the issues chosen provision of evidence to support analysis quality of evaluation and relevance/reasonableness of recommendations for change quality of business report presentation written expression, including grammar and spelling Assessment criteria - Part 1B evidence of planning and preparation clear and well organised information structure nonverbal communication coordinated team approach use of audio/visual or other aids Assessment criteria - Part 2 depth of reflection of group dynamics evaluation linked to relevant literature uality of evaluation of group characteristics, performance and outcomes written expression, including grammar and spelling

Minimum requirements

Attendance is particularly important in this subject because learning is based on a collaborative approach in class discussion and workshop activities, developing an interchange of ideas and experiences: thus class attendance is compulsory and you are expected to attend, arrive punctually and actively participate in classes. Students who attend fewer than 11 classes are advised that their last assignments will not be assessed and that they are likely to fail the subject. Should you experience difficulties meeting this requirement, please contact your lecturer. Students who have a reason for extended absence from class (e.g., illness) may be required to complete additional work to ensure they achieve the subject objectives.

Required text(s)

Conrad, C. and Poole, M.S. (2005) Strategic Organisational Communication. [6th ed.] Harcourt College Publishers

Recommended text(s)

Albrecht, T.L. & Bach, B.W. (1997). Communication in Complex Organisations: A relational approach. Fort Worth, TX: Harcourt Brace College.

Beck, Charles E. (1999) Managerial Communication: Bridging Theory and Practice. Prentice Hall, Boston

Kaye, M. (1994) Communication Management, Pearson Australia

Indicative references

Beebe, S. and Masterson, J. (2002) Communicating in Small Groups: Principles and Practices [7th ed]. Allyn & Bacon

Belbin, R.M. (2004) Management Teams, Second Edition, [2nd ed]. Butterworth-Heinemann

Blundel, R. (2004) Effective Organisational Communication: Perspectives, Principles, and Practice. Prentice Hall

Bolmar, L.G., and Deal, T.E. (2005) Reframing Organizations: Artistry, Choice, and Leadership. Jossey-Bass

Carlopio, J., Andrewartha, G., and Armstrong, H. (2005) Developing Management Skills: A Comprehensive Guide for Leaders. Pearson Prentice Hall

Davidson, Paul, & Griffin, Ricky (2006) Management [3rd ed]. John Wiley and Sons Australia Ltd

Daft, R. L. (2005) The Leadership Experience. [3rd ed] Thomson

Denning, S. (2005) The Leader's Guide to Storytelling: Mastering the Art and Discipline of Business Narrative. Jossey-Bass

Eisenberg, E, M. and Goodall Jr, H.L. (1997) Organizational communication; Balancing creativity and constraint. (2nd ed) St Martin's Press

Galanes, G., Adams, K., & Brilhart, J. (2003). Effective Group Discussion: Theory and Practice, [11th ed]. McGraw-Hill

Gardner, H. (1997) Leading Minds: An anatomy of leadership. Harper Collins

Griffin, D. (2001) The Emergence of Leadership: Linking Self-organization and Ethics (Complexity and Emergence in Organisations) Routledge

Griffin, Em (2003) A First Look at Communication Theory [5th ed.] McGraw Hill, Boston

Harris, T.E. and Nelson, M.D. (2008) Applied Organizational Communication:- Theory and Practice in a Global Environment [3rd ed]. Lawrence Erlbaum

Hirokawa, R., Cathcart, R., Samovar, L., Henman, L. (eds) (2003) Small Group Communication: Theory and Practice, [8th ed]. Roxbury Publishing Company

Hodgkinson, G.P., and Sparrow, P.R. (2002) The Competent Organisation: A Psychological Analysis of the Strategic Management Process. Open University Press

Hutchinson, K.L. (ed) (1992) Readings in organizational communication. Wm C. Brown Publishers.

Johnson, D.W. (2006) Reaching Out: Interpersonal Effectiveness and Self-Actualization. [9th ed] Pearson International

Kaye, M (1996) Myth-makers and story-tellers. Business and Professional Publishing, Sydney

Littlejohn, Stephen W. & Foss, Karen A. (2005) Theories of Human Communication (8th ed.) Thompson Wadsworth, Australia

May, S. and Mumby, D.K., [eds] (2004) Engaging Organizational Communication Theory and Research: Multiple Perspectives. SAGE Publications

Miller, K. (2003) Organizational Communication: Approaches and Processes. 3rd Edition Wadsworth Publishing

Modaff, D.P., DeWine, S. and Butler, J. (2008) Organizational Communication: Foundations, Challenges, and Misunderstandings. Pearson

Pepper, G. L. (1995). Communicating in Organizations: A Cultural Approach. New York: McGraw Hill.

Poole, M.S. and Hollingshead, A.B. (2004) Theories of Small Groups: Interdisciplinary Perspectives. SAGE Publications

Robbins, S.P, Millett, B., and Waters-Marsh, T. (2004) Organisational Behaviour [4th ed] Pearson Prentice-Hall.

Shaw, P. (2002) Changing Conversations in Organizations: A Complexity Approach to Change (Complexity and Emergence in Organisations) Routledge

Sypher, B.D. (1997). Case Studies in Organisational Communication 2: Perspectives on Contemporary Work Life. New York: Guilford Press.

Taylor, J. R., Van & Every, E. J. (2000) The emergent organization: communication as its site and surface. Lawrence Erlbaum, New Jersey

Varner, I. and Beamer, L. (2005) Intercultural Communication in the Global Workplace. [3rd ed] McGraw-Hill

A guide to scholarly writing in the social sciences may be accessed via:-
Plonsky, M. (2000) Psychology with style: A hypertext writing guide.
http://www.uwsp.edu/psych/apa4b.htm

Some relevant journals are:
Administrative Sciences Quarterly
Communication Abstracts
Communication Monographs
Communication Quarterly
Communication Research
Communication Year Book
Journal of Applied Communication Research
Journal of Business Communication
Organisational Dynamics
Organisation Studies
Management Communication Quarterly
Human Communication Research.
Organisational Communication: Abstracts, Analysis and Overview

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