Internal Relations

Question 1

Internal publics

Answer 1

Refer to both managers and the people being supervised.

Question 2

Two factors changing internal comms

Answer 2

1. The value of understanding teamwork and commitment to bottom-line results
2. Building a strong manager comms network that makes all supervisors accountable for effective communications

Question 3

Seven conditions of working relationships

Answer 3

1. Confidence and trust
2. Honest, candid information
3. Satisfying status and participation
4. Continuity of work without strife
5. Healthy surroundings
6. Success
7. Optimism

Question 4

Downward communication

Answer 4

Management to employee

Question 5

Upward communication

Answer 5

Employee to management

Question 6

Goal of internal comms

Answer 6

Establish and maintain mutually beneficial relationships between and org and employees

Question 7

Definition of organizational culture

Answer 7

The sum total of shared values, symbols, meanings, beliefs, assumptions and expectations that organize and integrate a group of people who work together

Defines values and norms
Define the range of of responses preferred
A powerful influence on individual behaviors

Question 8

Hofsted dimensions of culture
Power distance

Answer 8

The extent to which people see inequities as natural and unchangeable
High power distance - managers and employees seem themselves as inherently different (Comms emphasizes power and authority)
Low power distance - managers and employees see each other as equals (emphasizes similarities)

Question 9

Individualism

Answer 9

The extent to which people put their own individual needs ahead of the needs of the group.
Strong individual culture - rewards based on personal achievement
Weak individual culture - strong in collectivism

Question 10

Uncertainty avoidance

Answer 10

The extent to which people prefer org communication and structures that reduce their social anxiety
High uncertainty avoidance - clearly requirements and instructions
Low uncertainty avoidance - more tolerant of ambiguous situations

Question 11

Masculinity

Answer 11

Behaviors that are traditionally masculine
Rewards competitiveness and initiative
Low in masculinity - rewards nurturing and cooperation

Question 12

Asymmetrical worldview

Answer 12

Organizational goal to get what it wants without having to change the way it does business internally

Question 13

Symmetrical worldview

Answer 13

Incorporates ideas of negotiation, conflict resolution and compromise -
Tend to function at open system

Question 14

Authoritarian org culture

Answer 14

Asymmetrical worldview; decision-making is centralized; input not sought; comms are one-sided structured and formalized; military orgs are typically authoritarian; tend to resist change; input viewed as a threat to authority

Question 15

Participative org culture

Answer 15

Symmetrical worldview that values dialogue and exchange of input; teamwork and value of the collective; values innovation;

Question 16

Goal of communicating org change

Answer 16

To guide the merger or acquisition comms with internal publics in a forthright and expedient manner, dealing with all questions and uncertainties honestly

Question 17

Three phases to communicating change

Answer 17

1. Acknowledge passing of the old and celebrate the new
2. Looks at change or cognitive restructuring
3. Commitment to training, reward and validation

Question 18

Vision statement

Answer 18

Represents a future goal; where the organization is headed

Question 19

Mission statement

Answer 19

Answers the question - How are we different from competitors; helps employees set priortities and goals

Question 20

Goals of employee publications

Answer 20

1. Keep employees informed
2. Provide info they need to perform assignments
3. Maintain and enhance org standards
4. Recognize employee achievements
5. Create opportunities for two-way communication