Week 11, Monday Lecture Outline

Organizational Communication

Lecture 20

Psychology 360
Office hours this week

• not on Tuesday
  
• Wednesday, 2-3 pm Cava Java
  
• Thursday, 2-3 pm Cava Java

Outline

• I. Information sources
  
• II. Communication channels
  
• III. Problems with channels
  
• IV. Enhancing communication

Information sources

• in aggregate, organizations have the information required to solve most problems
  
• for example:

• records, memos, files
  
• stories, myths, gossip

how to find information when it is needed...

Why worry about finding information?

• to avoid re-inventing solutions
  
  
• to learn from past experience
  
  
• to recognize threats and opportunities

Communication channels

• Communication channels link people to information sources
  
• formal communication -- "chain-of-command"
  
• informal communication -- personal networks

Chain of command
Personal network
Problems with channels

• noise and selective filtering
  
  
• gender and culture-based differences in communication style
  
  
• shape and size of network

Noise and selective filtering
Gender-based differences

• women: listen and give support
  
  
• men: take charge and offer advice
  
  
• superiors reward subordinates with similar communication style

Shape and size of network
Shape and size of network
Shape and size of network
Enhancing communication

• keep language simple
  
• sensitize employees to differences in communication style
  
• avoid information overload
  
• improve feedback

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Copyright © 1997, The Regents of the University of Michigan, All rights reserved.
Revised - March 31, 1997