Organizational Communication
Presenter(s): Dr. Samah
Objectives
At the end of this lecture the students will be able to :
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Define terms related to organizational communication
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Discuss Modes and direction of organizational communication
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Compare between modes of organizational communication
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List importance of organizational communication
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Describe types of business communication
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Enumerate results of failure of communication in organization
Introduction
Organization – applied to the results of the process of organizing
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Organizing – an attempt to bring order out of chaos or establish organiz
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entities in which purposeful and ordered activity takes place.
Definition
Definition
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Organization is an open system communication among
people within a specific context for the purpose of
achieving common goals through cooperative effort.
Organizational communication
Studying organizational communication processes
contribute to the coordination of behavior in working
toward organization and individual goals.
Process can be understood as a combination of people,
messages, meaning and purpose.
Concepts of Organization
Five Critical Features of Organization
1. Two or more people
2. Goals
3. Coordinating activity
4. Structure
5. Environmental embeddedness
The Structure and Mode of Organizational
Communication
1-Horizontal / Lateral Communication The exchanges between and among
agencies and personnel on the same level of the organization chart.
Horizontal communication aims at:
– Task coordination
– Problem solving: (Discussion & Brainstorming)
– Information sharing
– Conflict resolution
The Structure and Mode of Organizational
communication
2- Vertical Communication
» Upward Communication
» Downward Communication
3- Diagonal Communication
2- Vertical Communication
2.a-Upward communication : the process whereby the ideas, feelings, and
perceptions of lower-level employee are communicated to those at higher levels in the
organization.
Functions:
• It provides management with needed information for decision making
• It helps employees relieve the pressures and frustrations of the work situation.
• It enhances employees’ sense of participation in the enterprise.
• It serves as a measure of the effectiveness of downward communication
2- Vertical Communication
2.b.Downward communication Such communication is
initiated by the organization’s upper management and
then filters downward through the “chain of command”.
3-Diagonal Communication
3-Diagonal Communication
This occurs when communication occurs between workers in a
different section of the organization where one worker is on a higher
level.
• For example diagonal communication will occur when a department
manager converses with an employee in another department.
• It allows cross communication between departments
Importance and advantages of
Communication in an organization
• Help individuals to understand and pursue( follow) organizational objectives.
• Cover every management function.
• Organizational culture depends on communications.
• Improve both organizational and individual performance
• Better the communication better the performance
Types of business communication
1. Internal communication: This is the communication
that takes place within an organization. in addition to the
usual face to face, telephone, fax or mail;
2. External communication: Communication between the
organization and those outside the organization.
Results of communication failure
Loss of Business/goodwill
Waste of money and time
Lowered productivity
Poor co-ordination and control
Frustration and hostility
Results of communication failure
Dissatisfaction with others
Lowered morale and loss of team spirit
Conflict and arguments
High employee turnover
Questions
• Define terms related to organizational communication?
• Discuss Modes and direction of organizational communication?
• Compare between modes of organizational communication?
• List importance of organizational communication?
• Describe types of business communication?
• Enumerate results of failure of communication in organization?
Reference
• 1.List Required Textbooks
• Riley, B. (2012). Communication in Nursing. 7th edition,
• Elsevier Health, US
• 2.List Essential References Materials (Journals, Reports, etc.)
• Bach, S & Grant A (2008). Communication and
• Interpersonal Skills for Nurses. Learning Matters, USA.
