I

Course Description

Problems, issues, and techniques of organizational communication are analyzed through case histories, exercises, and projects. The examination of theory and examples is intended to enhance the learner’s level of communication competence.

The course takes a case-study approach, focusing on typical communication problems that organizations experience.  Case studies are used to learn how to effectively apply communication theory to actual organizational situations.   It is expected that the framework of the course will allow students to discuss, understand, and apply multiple perspectives on organizational communication. In the end, students will gain experience in solving practical problems and learn tools that will facilitate success in organizational contexts.  Additionally, the emphasis is on looking at organizations from a message-centered perspective.  While the course draws on knowledge and research gathered from a variety of academic disciplines, the focus is on how meaning is created and transmitted through the use of verbal and nonverbal messages.

Rationale

Communication is a critical feature of organizational life; some would say it is the most critical feature. While organizations need skilled professionals competent in their areas of technical expertise, equally vital is competency in communication. Communication spans all areas of organizational life. As technical systems become more sophisticated, allowing for greater integration of institutional functions, the level and importance of interaction among personnel also increases. New technical developments both enable and demand higher levels of communication

 

Responding to communication dilemmas and challenges in the complex contexts of today’s organizational world requires both theoretical and practical knowledge. This course is designed to apply theoretical insights to real life communication situations to enhance the ability to solve communication problems peculiar to organizations. Following the style of cases written for the Harvard Business Review, this course furnishes learners with open-ended cases without resolution so that students can test their knowledge and analytical skills.  Cases reflect real communication problems drawn from the private sector and reflect a balance between effective and ineffective communication practices, as well as a balance of simple to complex.  Cases reflect a variety of organizational types and sizes—for profit organizations (service, manufacturing, technology, and dot.com), nonprofits, health care institutions, and governmental entities and agencies.  Cases illuminate theoretical principles or allow for the comparison of theoretical perspectives.

 

 Objectives

 

1.  The learner will be able to list/define/discuss major axioms, concepts, and theories related to the study of organizational communication and apply these axioms, concepts, and theories to communication situations and problems encountered in the private sector.

 

2.  The learner will be able to apply knowledge of organizational communication to the analysis of typical organizational problems.

 

3.  The learner will enhance ability to integrate theory and practice to facilitate effective problem-solving.