Unit 4: Organizational Communication
In this unit, you will explore the application of interpersonal communication in the organizational (work) setting. This unit will apply principles studied in the previous units to workplace communication transactions. While scholars refer to this as organizational communication, it is also commonly known as corporate communication.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 10 hours.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- identify the characteristics of organizations;
- identify competencies in interpersonal communication that occurs in organizations;
- describe the interpersonal relationships between coworkers and their supervisors;
- explain the differences between informal and formal messages;
- define the concept of information overload; and
- list ethical concerns regarding organizational communication.
4.1: Organizational Communication
Chapter 11 gives an insightful overview of organizations and the use of communication in organizations. After you read, complete the discussion questions and write definitions for the key terms listed at the end of the chapter.
This short video covers strategies a company can use to improve communication and employee engagement. It highlights the idea that communication is the foundation for organizations.
4.2: Communicating in Organizations
Read this chapter, which discusses organizational communication in its practical applications. As you read, pay attention to the barriers to successful communication, the types of communication and channels, and the role of ethics in the workplace. Complete the exercises at the end of each section and the chapter exercises in section 8.6.
4.3: Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Communication in the Workplace
This chapter provides an in-depth discussion of organizational relationships and communication in its practical applications. Complete the exercises at the end of each section, and explore some of the additional resources in section 16.7.
These dramatizations give examples of coworkers in a hospital setting exhibiting interpersonal communication tactics. They discuss how we might use communication in the workplace to be more empathetic, manage conflicts, and improve relationships. For each scenario, there is an empathetic interaction and a realistic interaction.
4.4: Theories of Organizational Communication
Listen to "Lecture 15: Communication in the Organization", which reviews organizational communication theory, interpersonal relationships, and group relationships in the workplace.
4.5: Current Applications in Organizational Communication
This talk discusses the importance of organizational communication that ensures that both introverts and extroverts are included. After you watch, write a brief 300–500 word reflection that addresses how you would incorporate introverts and extroverts in your communications.
This video discusses social media in the workplace, which has become a topic of concern in organizational communication as more employees use technology on the job and for personal gratification.
Watch this video to learn more about the four generations in the workplace: Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials (Generation Y). Members of Generation Z (Zoomers) are also joining our organizations now. Management teams must understand and appreciate the strengths each cohort brings to the company, including their communication preferences and technology acumen.
Unit 4 Assessment
- Receive a grade Receive a pass grade
Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.
- This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
- You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
- You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.