ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION & CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Organizational Communication & Conflict Resolution

Organizational Communication & Conflict Resolution

1- What Are The Theoretical Perspectives For The Study Of Organizational Communication?

There are lots of theoretical perspective for the study of organizational communication. First of all let me say in thereotical terms that organizational communication is the processing of information in message form into, through, and out of the organization; it is a collective representation of ideas. The organization is defined as a permanent and complex interactive system of individuals who work together to achieve common goals. Communication is defined as a cooperative enterprise among a network of people requiring the interchange of ideas, messages, and attitudes to produce understanding and shared meanings of actions to be taken by the organization (Papa, Daniels and Spiker, 2007).

The purpose of organizational communication is to provide the means for transmitting information essential to the achievement of organizational goals and objectives. It serves a relationship-building function as well as a strategic function. Organizational communication supports people working together toward common goals and objectives.

The study of organizational communication entails exploring the rules and procedures governing communications within organizations and the communication between an organization and its environment. Researchers study the use of formal and informal communication networks within an organization to set goals and standards, transmit facts and information, make decisions, lead and influence others, assess outcomes, generate ideas, and support interpersonal relationships.

Papa, Daniels and Spiker (2007) mention three main theories were identified in the research of organizational behavior: scientific management, human relations, and systems theory. The scientific management theory initiated by Frederick Taylor (1911) viewed workers as extensions of their machines, motivated by economic incentives, with emphasis on vertical communication flow, communication from the top down. Chester I. Barnard and Elton Mayo founded the human relations theory, which emphasized horizontal communication flow, ...