Communication Makes an Organization

•Organizational communication is interaction that organizes purposeful groups

•Typically, comprised of several elements, two of which are function and structure

  1. Function: the goals and effects of   communication

  2. Structure: Lines of communication, a   system of pathways through which information   flows


Function

•1. Production: coordinates activity toward accomplishing tasks.
i.e. standardized process for closing a store.

2. Maintenance: preserves stability of existing systems
i.e. Employee of the month plaque

3. Innovation: facilities system change
i.e. Policy revisions, forums, focus groups

Structure
•Refers to lines of communication, or pathways
1.Direction: downward, upward, horizontal (presumes hierarchy)
2.Recurring patterns of communication: focuses not on content, but on patterns of spread of message (may be non-hierarchical)
3.Informal vs Formal: official designated vs unspoken or understood


Functional Structure


Types of Organization

•Line Organization
•Functional / Staff Organization
•Line and Staff Organization
•Committee Organization



Last modified: Tuesday, August 14, 2018, 8:21 AM