Chapter 11 - Communicating in Organizations Flashcards
Organizations
The sett of interactions that members of purposeful groups use to accomplish their individual and common goals.
Function
The goals and effects of communication.
Production
A function of organizational communication in which activity is coordinated toward accomplishing tasks.
Maintenance
A function of organizational communication in which the stability of existing systems in preserved.
Innovation
A function of organizational communication by means of which systems are changed.
Structure
Recurring patterns of interaction among organizational members.
Downward Communication
In a traditional conduit model of communication, communication with subordinates.
Upward Communication
In a traditional conduit model of communication, communication with superiors.
Horizontal communication
In a traditional conduit model of communication, communication with peers.
Hierarchy
A power structure in which some members exercise authority over others.
Formal Structure
Officially designated channels of communication, reflecting explicit or desired patterns of communication.
Informal Structure
Unspoken but understood channels of communication, reflecting patterns that develop spontaneously.
Organizational Culture
A pattern of shared beliefs, values and behaviors.
Assimilation
The communicative, behavioral, and cognitive processes that influence individuals to join, identify with, become integrated into, and (occasionally) exit an organization.
Organizational Identification
The stage or assimilation that occurs when an employee’s values overlap with the organization’s values.
Semantic-Information Distance
Describes the gap in information and understanding between supervisors and subordinates on specific views.
Upward Distortion
Occurs when subordinates are hesitant to communicate negative news and present information to superiors in a more positive light than is warranted.
Openness
A state in which communicators are willing to share their ideas as well as listen to others in a way that avoids conveying negative or disconfirming feedback.
Supportiveness
Refers to supervisors who provide their subordinates with access to information and resources.
Motivation
Feeling personally invested in accomplishing a specific activity or goal.
Empowerment
Employee’s feelings of self-efficacy.
Ingratiation
Behavior and communication designed to increase liking.
Assertiveness
Expressing one’s opinions forcefully without offending others.
Rationality
The ability to communicate through reasoning, bargaining, coalition building, and assertiveness.
Burnout
A chronic condition that results from the accumulation of daily stress, which manifests itself in a very specific set of characteristics, including exhaustion, cynicism, and ineffectiveness.
General Systems Theory
Theory that organizations are a system composed of many subsystems and embedded in larger systems, and that organizations should develop communication strategies that serve both.
Globalization
The increasing connectedness of the world in economic, political, and cultural realms.
New Social Contract
Assumes that loyalty is not expected by workers or organizations and that hob security is unlikely.
Contingent Employees
Individuals who work in temporary positions, part-time or as subcontractors.
Urgent Organizations
Companies that try to shorten the time it takes to develop new products and respond to customer demands.
Bullying
Repeated hostile behaviors that are or are perceived to be intended to harm parties who are unable to defend themselves.
Quid Pro Quo
Requests for sexual favors as a condition of getting or keeping a job or benefit; one of who types of sexual harassment recognized by federal law.
Hostile Work Environment
An intimidating hostile, or offensive workplace atmosphere created by unwelcome and inappropriate sexually based behavior: one of two types of sexual harassment recognized by federal law.
Strategy Control
Assessing the available information and options in order to increase one’s understanding of the conflict and the other party before engaging in conflict communication.
