Basic Concepts and
Communication Models
An introduction to thinking about
communication in organizations
Some Initial Observations
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A communication axiom-- “You cannot
not communicate”
Always judge communication in terms of
context
Language in an inherently arbitrary
symbol system
Language is polysemic
Communication and
organizations
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Communication is not a secondary or
derived aspect of organizations--it is not
a “helper”
Communication is an intrinsic, inherent,
defining feature of organizations
“No human relationship could be maintained,
no organizational objective achieved, no
activities coordinated and no decisions
reached without communication.”
Unique Perspectives on
Communication in Organizations
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Downward communication (superior to
subordinate)
Upward communication (subordinate to
superior
Horizontal communication (among
colleagues)
Informal communication (the grapevine)
Comparative Communication
Models
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Early models depicted linear movement
S->M->C->R
More accepted view now is
transactional/transformational model of
communication--simultaneous encoding
and decoding of messages
Critical Elements in
Communication Models
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Encoding/decoding affected by differing
frames of reference (race, sex, ed.
background, geography, culture, etc.)
Code--verbal, vocal, visual
Channel--importance, needs of receiver,
amount of feedback needed, permanent
record?, cost, formality level
Critical Elements cont.
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Feedback--advantages and
disadvantages
Noise--external and internal, technical
or semantic
Environment--time, place, physical and
social surroundings