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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http://www-personal.umich.edu/~finholt/Psych360/handouts/Lecture20.html
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Copyright © 1997, The Regents of the University of Michigan,
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Revised - March 31, 1997