Organisational Communication

Question 1

Communication

Answer 1

The process of encoding, receiving and decoding a message.

This presence of decoding can result in distortion due to different situational factors, unique to the individual.

Question 2

Distortion

Answer 2

Perceptual Limitations:
Bounded rationality
- Bias, heuristics

Question 3

Functional Theory

Answer 3

Assumes organisations are rational information processing systems. Distortion can be eliminated if the components of the message are correct.
Assumes the purpose of communication is to ‘pass on’ meanings and messages.

FNCDD

1. Function of the message
2. Network
3. Channel
4. Direction
5. Depth

Question 4

Advantages of the functional theory

Answer 4

1. Logical and rational approach to communication
2. Identifies key aspects of communication process where things can go wrong
3. Helps managers craft their messages

Question 5

Disadvantages of the functional theory

Answer 5

1. Assumes communication is always intentional
2. Assumes meanings and messages are ‘passed on’, but in reality they are ‘shared’
3. Communication has implication beyond the sender and receiver – assumes the ‘same’ message is received.

Question 6

Meaning Centred Perspective

Answer 6

Individuals take their own meaning out of communication.

Key assumptions:

• Communication is not one off
• All interactions are communicative whether intended or not
• Constant communication  foster shared understandings/meanings
• Shared understandings = beliefs/values  action

Question 7

Metaphors

Answer 7

1. Machine:
   - Fix and maintain
   - Change agent = mechanic
   - Find expert to fix the problem; maintain operation.
   - E.g. ‘nothing needs fixing’
2. Developmental:
   - Build and develop
   - Change agent = coach, trainers or developer
   - Build on foundation; develop people
   - E.g. words like ‘building’, ‘stimulate’ ‘nurture’
3. Transitional:
   - Move and relocate
   - Change agent = explorer, guide
   - Need to move on; take a journey, leave old ways behind; find someone to take us there.
   - E.g. ‘moving forward’ ‘leaving the old behind’ ‘new place’
4. Transformational:
   - Liberate and recreate
   - Change agent = liberate visionary, creator
   - Rethink the business; reinvent ourselves; find someone to create a new vision.
   - E.g. ‘reinventing’ ‘remove the blinds’