COMMUNICATION NETWORK . . .

What can I concluded about this topic is all discuss the types of networks organizations need to have, the advantages of using these networks, and the characteristics of particular communication networks. Communication networks are the channels that provide “highway” for information travel. Organizations must create, cultivate, and nourish these networks. There are several networks necessary for effective organizational communication which is upward, downward, and horizontal networks. Messages in organizations, whether they are formal or informal, there are travel in one of three directions. Either the messages travel upward from subordinate to superior, downward from superior to subordinate, or horizontally between employees on the same level. Next are formal and informal networks. Formal networks are those that are prescribed by the organization. These are the official, appropriate channels for people to follow when relaying information. Informal networks are those channels that carry information on routes that are not prescribed by the organization. Informal networks usually generate on the basis of factors that are only peripherally related to corporate policy. Last but not least are internal and external networks. External networks in organizations refer to those channels that carry information from within the organization to outside the organization, or those networks that carry information from outside the organization to inside the organization. Typically, external networks carry advertising messages, messages related to public relations, and messages relaying information about consumer complaints, concerns, and recommendations. The phone numbers and website addresses in many products are examples of external networks. Any channels within the organization that carry information are called internal networks. Vigilance in terms of maintaining these networks is as essential as vigilance in terms of maintaining the quality of motor highways. Without navigable routes, messages cannot be communicated intra or interdepartmentally. The result of poor networking can be organizational chaos and disaster.

FORMAL VS INFORMAL COMMUNICATION

# Formal Organization - a system of consciously coordinated activities or forces of two or more persons. (definite, structured, common purpose)

• Persons are able to communicate with one another

• Willing to contribute action

• To accomplish a common purpose

# Informal Organization - based on myriad interactions that take place thourghout an organization’s history.

• Indefinite

• Structureless

• No definite subdivisions of personnel

• Results: customs, mores, folklore, institutions, social norms, ideals --

may lead to formal organization

MANAGEMENT THEORY AND ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION

To my entire friend, this topic discusses theories that provide the underpinnings for, and explain the evolution of, organizational communication. In my personal view, theories need not be abstract and valueless. Good theories must actually be practical. Classical theories suggest that downward communication of information about tasks and procedures is essential. The Hawthorne Studies claimed to demonstrate that communicating information about performance was important, upward networks were desired by employees and informal networks were inevitable. The successful implementation of human relations and human resource approaches requires the credible communication of information about job performance and recognition. Systems theories suggest that for organizations to thrive there must be communication that links departments to one another, communication that links the organizations to its external environment, effective communication of task and procedural messages, and effective communication of recognition and observation. Cultural theorists argue that culture is an important dimension of organizational success and that communication plays a vital role in the evolution of that culture. Critical theorists argue that communication can be used abusively to maintain power and disable organizational women and men. These theorists believe it is in the best interests of the organization and the individuals who work within them to become aware of oppressive practices and become liberated from them. Symbiotic applications of organizational theories can help persons understand the dimensions and applications of communication in organizations.

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION?

“Organizational communication, can be defined as people working together to achieve individual or collective goals. People can relate to each other only through some form of communication. The survival of an organization depends on individuals and groups who are able to maintain among themselves effective and continuing relationships. If we can understand organizational communication, we will understand the organization itself. Communication can be defined as "the transfer of meanings between persons and groups". The purpose of communication may range from completing a task or mission to creating and maintaining satisfying human relationships. The word transfer means more than the simple process of "packaging" an idea as conceived by a sender and transporting it to the mind of a receiver, where it is "unpackaged". It implies the creation of meaning in the mind of a sender followed by a re-creation of the same meaning in the mind of a receiver. If something occurs along the way to change the sender's original meaning, the communication has failed in its intent. Communication may be considered a functional part of an organizational system, and it may be considered in an interpersonal context. The structure of an organization is determined in part by the network of channels or paths along which information must flow between members or subunits. ”