Historical Perspectives on Organizational and Communication Models

Based on Chapter 2, Goodall and Goodall

Lynne Dahmen

COM 2301: Advanced Speech

Classical Management Practices

Two major movementsScientific Management (Taylor 1913)Bureaucracy (Weber 1946)

Top downDivides laborSeeks rules for performancePower in ManagementInflexible structure/hierarchy

Scientific Management (Taylor 1913)

Sought rules and scientific « laws » for work output

Undertook time/motion studiesManager’s role includes:

Plan the workOrganize tasksSet goalsCoordinate workControl workers

Bureaucratic Approach (Weber 1946)

Sought « standards of fairness »Divided labor for efficiencyRules governed performanceSeparation of personal and professional

livesLack of preferential treatment

Progress: The Human Relations Movement (1930’s-1950’s)

Hawthorne Studies (1930’s) Communication can improve productivity Employee’s feelings/attitudes affected output Flexibility and growth inspired productivity

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (1940’s-1950’s) Lower order vs. Higher order needs Emphasis on motivation Higher needs met=more motivation=production Organizational learning

Change in Communication Models

Information Transfer

Model

Transactional Model

Today’s Approach: Systems Thinking

Awareness of interdependence of levels of organization

Need for communicated and shared/negotiated goals

Role of feedback in productivity Role of environment (within and outside of

company) Need for openness/flexibility in accomplishing

tasks

Modern Communication Models (Senge 1994)

Communication flows through networksDecisions making-contingent on situationOpen communication=healthy

communication environmentCompanies as Learning Organizations

Aspects of Organizational Culture

Communication habits and normsDressWorkspace organizationDécorBehaviorProcess oriented

Classical Approaches to Power in Organizations (French & Raven 1968)

RewardCoerciveReferentExpertLegitimate

Systems Approach to Power

Power based on knowledge or relationship abilities (savvy)

Power located in relationshipsExertion of influenct

Human Relations Approach to Power

Relation between manager and employee transactional

CooperativeSeeks feedback

Cultural Approach to Power

Power is located in strugglesOver vs. covert powerShared powerDemocratic

Power & Democracy (Deetz, 1995)

Concept of ‘ownership’ in companyResponsibility for self-managementInformation is powerSocial structure/power structure seen

from bottom up

Using Organizational Narratives

Organizational stories—circulate ‘how things are done’

Work-hate narratives—attempts to find equity or feel better (revenge??)

Narrative recovery—personal perspectives on organization

Organizational change—personal accounts of change

Types of Organizational Communication

Phatic (mindless) communicationOrdinary conversationSkilled/professional communicationPersonal narrativesDialogue

What is mindful communication?

With purpose and strategyAnalyzes situationActively thinks of communication optionsAdapts message to audience/situationEvaluates feedback (criteria for success)

When does it occur? (Motley 1992)

Conflicting message goalsPossible negative consequencesTime delays (often related to attempts to

discern meaning)Unique or problematic communication

situations

Describing a Learning Organization

Systems thinkingPersonal MasteryMental ModelsShared VisionTeam learning

Dialogue as Aspect of a Learning Organization

Recognizes power in feedback and com. systems

Fosters conscious communication Can respect difference Appreciates cultural experience Balances individual and group concerns Can relieve and reduce tension among

individuals and groups Rewards skilled communication on a regular

basis

Group Work

Read the scenario described on pages 59-60 in your book, about trying to integrate a new team member.

Review the theories of communication discussed in the chapter and in class and think about which theory might provide a positive model to try to ‘bring John on board’ so that he shares the team’s vision and can add to the group’s productivity.

Think about some suggestions and be prepared to discuss them with your group during the next class.

Each group will be asked to submit their findings for a group grade.