Theories of Organizational Communication (Part 1)

Introduction

• Presenter: Dr. Steve Klein, Department of Communication, University of Missouri
• Focus: Introduction to organizational communication theories
• First part of a two-part series
• Previous video discussed the nature and functions of organizational communication

Two Perspectives of Organizational Communication

1. Traditional Information-Based Approach

   • Focus: Effective information transfer within organizations
   • Analogy: Point A to Point B efficiency

2. Constitutive Perspective

   • Focus: Organizations constructed through communication
   • Analogy: Organizations as social constructs formed by member interactions

Evolution of Organizational Communication

• Development through 20th-century scholarship
• Current Video Coverage:
  • Classical Management Theories
  • Human Relations and Human Resources Theories
• Next Video:
  • Systems Perspective
  • Cultural Perspective

Classical Management Theories

• Metaphor: Organizations as Machines

  • Components function like machine parts
  • Emphasis: Specialization, Standardization, Predictability

• Frederick Taylor's Scientific Management (1909)

  • Key Value: Efficiency
  • Concept: Parts are replaceable if not optimal
  • Management: Micromanaging for ultimate efficiency

• Max Weber's Bureaucracy

  • Characteristics: Precise rules, division of labor, centralized authority
  • Hierarchical organization for optimal efficiency
  • Emphasis: Rational decision making

Organizational Structure

• Horizontal Organization

  • Authority levels across departments are equal

• Vertical Organization

  • Hierarchical pecking order
  • Information flow: Upward
  • Authority flow: Downward

Critiques of Classical Management

• Dehumanizing perspective
• Overlooks social construct nature of organizations

Human Relations and Human Resources Theories

Human Relations Theory

• Developed by Mayo and associates (1924)

• Hawthorne Effect: Productivity increases when workers receive attention

• Focus: Addressing social needs of workers

• Influence: Performance of organizational members

• Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

  • Basic Needs: Survival, Security
  • Growth Needs: Belonging, Esteem, Self-actualization
  • Organizational Implications: Meeting needs to enhance productivity

Human Resources Theory

• Employees seen as valuable resources
• Emphasis on involvement, flattening hierarchies
• Collaborative decision-making
• Influenced by global competition successes (e.g., Japanese organizations)
• Outcomes: Increased investment and satisfaction among employees

Conclusion

• Human Resources Theory promotes stakeholder mentality
• Prepares for next phase: Understanding external relationships and interactions
• Part 2 will cover systems and cultural perspectives

• Next Steps: Engage with part two for further exploration
• Contact Dr. Klein for questions or concerns

Note: This summary covers the core concepts and theories discussed in the first part of the lecture on organizational communication.