Hunt-Com 410

Study Guide (#1)

In preparation, please step back from the material and look at the big picture issues.

First, be able to explain the functionalist and interpretivist paradigms and relate these two very different views of human behavior to our study of organizational communication. Within which paradigm do each of the theoretical approaches (Classical, HR, Systems, Contingency) fit? Why do you say this?

Second, I strongly recommend reviewing and comparing the four sections in Chapters 4, 5, & 6 that describe the communication implications of each group of theories (Classical and Scientific, Human Relations, Systems, and Contingency) we have discussed so far. You should be able to explain the basic assumptions of each and how they are similar and different. Note: the original "framework" is presented in Table 2.1.

Third, the questions below should help you review major elements of the material.

1. Discuss implications for communication in organizations resulting from the trend toward "virtual" organizations that are prone to "adhocracy."

2. The first proposition of organizational communication says that "communication is the fundamental process of organizing." Explain and illustrate.

3. "Communication is often a matter of being on the same frequency as other people, whereas miscommunication results when people are unaware that they are tuned to different signals." Someone approaching organizational communication from a "transmissional perspective" would think about it differently than someone viewing the process from a "psyschological perspective." Select one of the theoretical perspectives presented in Chapter 3 and explain organizational communication from that perspective.

4. In class, we discussed three individuals who were significant contributors to the "classical school" of organizational theory. Identify each of these theorists and differentiate their theoretical contributions. What are the implications for communication in organizations of each approach? Why do we say that classical organizational theory presents a "rational economic view?"

5. One of the major events leading to a shift from the scientific management approaches of the "classical school" to the social/ psychological views evident in the human behavior theories was the series of studies conducted by Elton Mayo and others at the Western Electric Plant in Cicero, Illinois. Discuss the key implications from the findings of these studies as they relate to the nature of communication in organizations. Hint: you will need to go beyond the "Hawthorne Effect."

6. Although hierarchies make organizational behavior more predictable, the degree to which hierarchical communication effectively predicts and controls organizational behavior also limits the degree to which organizations can be innovative, flexible, and responsive. Explain and illustrate both functions of hierarchy.

7. Explain why Maslow’s approach (hierarchy of needs) became a standard for use in management seminars in the 1950’s. What did it have to do with the human relations/human resource development theories?

8. Compare and contrast Douglas McGregor’s distinction between Theory X and Theory Y managers in terms of their assumptions about human motivation. Why did McGregor believe that Theory Y organizations were more productive? Which of Likert’s management systems best fit a Theory Y organization? What are the three major characteristics of this type of organization?

9. "Whereas McGregor suggests two management approaches and Likert allows for four management systems, Blake and Mouton’s ‘managerial grid’ outlines many style or system options for an organizational supervisor. Each of Blake and Mouton’s styles depends on some variance on two dimensions. Explain and illustrate the B & M grid.

10. Discuss the concept of organizational climate. Why is this a difficult concept to study from a functionalist perspective. What is the relationship between leadership style and climate? Between organizational climate and communication climate? Between climate and organizational commitment?

11. Discuss (and give examples) the major differences between the classical and human relations theories and the systems and contingency theories in their assumptions about organizations and people.

12. Using system theory concepts, explain why it is important for an organization to be a more or less open system. Explain the relationship between an organization and its environment.

13. Utilizing the basic elements of system analysis (Chapter 6), describe MWSC or some organization with which you are familiar. Now, describe/illustrate that same organization using Katz and Kahn’s "five types of subsystems."

14. How does the previous example (#13) illustrate Lawrence and Lorsch’s features of "differentiation and integration?" How can you describe the relationships between subsystems or units of the organization (loosely or tightly coupled)? Explain.

15. Explain Karl Weick’s "phases of organizing" as discussed in class. Relate this explanation to some of Krep’s "recommendations for organizational practitioners." If you can, illustrate with an example from your own experience (or think of a hypothetical).