COMM 462: Advanced Organizational Communication
Spring 2016
DR. HOLLY PAYNE
Office:
Contact Information:
Office Hours:
100 Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center
holly.payne@wku.edu; 270 745-5876
Tuesday: 10:00-11:00 a.m.; 12:30-1:30
Thursday: 10:00-11:00 a.m.; 12:30-2:30
And by appointment
Course Description
Organizations are an integral part of our daily life (e.g., schools, businesses, governments, healthcare
systems, nonprofits, churches, etc.). All of these organizations are created, sustained, changed, and
sometimes destroyed by communication processes. Therefore, whatever your career goal, communication
will be central to the organizational experience.
The purpose of an Advanced Organizational Communication course is to allow students to engage, apply,
and reflect on organizational communication theories and processes, particularly utilizing the theoretical
foundations taught in COMM 362 Organizational Communication. It allows students to strengthen their
understanding of theoretical frameworks and use those to analyze communication in a variety of
organizational contexts.
This course is taught in a seminar format designed to enable students 1) to engage the material through
reading and discussing current research in the field, 2) to apply theories and concepts to case studies and
real-world organizations, and 3) to reflect on the ways in which they might use their knowledge of
organizational communication in their own communication practices. Students will participate in class
discussions, classroom activities, application exercises, and oral presentations.
Course Objectives
The goals of this course are the following:
1. To build upon the perspectives, concepts, and theories developed in COMM 362 by further
investigating how they might be applied to various organizational contexts.
2. To further develop critical thinking skills in the process of understanding, analyzing, and
evaluating communication processes
3. To read and become familiar with current research in the field of organizational communication
4. To apply organizational communication theories and concepts to analyze communication
processes, to identify problems, and to generate suggestions for improvement
5. To reflect upon ways in which organizational communication theories and concepts may be used
in future organizational practices
6. To develop specific skills with regard to common organizational communication practices which
target internal and external audiences.
COMM 462 — Advanced Organizational Communication (Spring 2016)
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Required Course Materials
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An active email account (WKU account or any other web-based account) updated on TopNet
Required Readings: Posted in Blackboard.
Recommended Textbook: Miller, K. (2015). Organizational communication: Approaches and
processes (4th, 5th, 6th, or 7th Ed.) Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth.
Regular computer access including high-speed Internet, sound capability, Adobe PDF reader,
Microsoft Word, and Microsoft PowerPoint
Attendance Policy
Class attendance and participation are important in accomplishing the goals of this course. Readings, class
discussions, presentations, and in-class activities increase both your understanding of organizational
communication theory and the development of your communication skills. In order to receive credit for
attendance you must attend for the entire class period. Failure to do so will result in an absence for the
given class session.
Tardy Policy
Please arrive to class on time. Tardiness is unprofessional and is not fair to me or to your
classmates. Consequently, if you are consistently late or leave early you can expect to have
points deducted from your final grade for EACH tardy or early departure. Moreover, it is
YOUR responsibility to make up any missed work and to make sure I have not marked you
absent for that day. This must be done on the day you are late; otherwise, it holds as an
unexcused absence.
Excused Absence Policy
An excused absence includes 1. A documented Illness of the student or serious illness of a
member of the student’s immediate family. 2. The death of a member of the student’s
immediate family. 3. Trips for members of student organizations sponsored by an academic
unit, trips for University classes, and trips for participation in intercollegiate athletic events.
4. Major Religious holidays.
For any officially excused absence, you are responsible for completing an EXCUSED ABSENCE
REQUEST FORM downloadable in Blackboard, which I will review and approve or deny.
You are responsible for attaching official documentation of your absence to the form. For
university-sponsored absences, this notification is to be given to me prior to the absence; for
other excused absences, this documentation must be presented at the next class meeting. If
you do miss class, please see a classmate regarding class discussions and assignments. You
are responsible for arranging to make up missed individual work. Missed group work and
missed in-class exercises cannot be made up.
Unexcused Absence
You cannot make up work missed for unexcused absences—you simply receive a zero. If you
have absences in excess of one-fifth of the class contact hours, you need to withdraw from
the class or you will be assigned a failing grade for the course.
Note: In the event that the University cancels classes, such as for severe weather, you are expected
to continue with readings as originally scheduled. Any assignments scheduled during those missed
COMM 462 — Advanced Organizational Communication (Spring 2016)
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classes, such as an exam or paper, are due at the next class meeting unless you receive other
instructions.
Cell Phone and Laptop Policies
In our effort to establish a strong classroom communication climate that will enhance our ability to learn
about and develop our communication knowledge and skills cell phones shall not be used for any purpose
during class time. Any student with a cell phone in hand or on his or her desk during class time will have 5
points deducted from exam grades. Each offense will be recorded during class time and you will be notified
via email with the total number of points. If the problem becomes recurring, you will be asked to leave class
and will be counted absent for that day. This policy applies during student presentations as well as during
lecture and discussion. Any student using a cell phone during an exam will receive a zero on that exam and
may be subject to other university discipline. Use of laptop computers will not be allowed in class without
specific permission of the instructor.
Student Academic Assistance
If you have serious problems with writing (and many people do), I advise you go to the Writing Center.
Trained writing instructors are there most weekdays and on weekends to assist you in the writing process.
The Center takes appointments (745-5719) and drop-ins. The university provides this service for students, so
take advantage of it!
Academic Integrity
I expect that all of the individual assignments you complete for COMM 362 (and in all of your other courses)
are always your own work. However, many students are not sure exactly what “your own work” means, so,
please read again the information on plagiarism and cheating from your student handbook. Aside from
copying work, plagiarism includes incorrectly citing sources or presenting someone’s information as your
own, without crediting the source. To avoid this, you should carefully make notes to keep track of where
your information came from. In written form, you must use quotation marks when referring to another’s
work. In a speech where you are paraphrasing, you can say “According to……(give name)…..”. It does not
take much effort to make sure you follow the rules for using another’s thoughts.
Penalty for Academic Dishonesty
Western Kentucky University and the Department of Communication are committed to the highest standards
of ethical conduct and academic excellence. Any student found guilty of plagiarism, fabrication, cheating on
an exam, or purchasing papers, speeches, or other assignments will immediately receive a failing grade on
the assignment and in the course, and will be reported for disciplinary action. Falsified medical excuses and
presenting another student’s work as your own fall within the guidelines of this academic integrity policy.
Plagiarism Detection
In this course we will be using an electronic plagiarism detection tool, Safeassign (through Blackboard), to
confirm that you have used sources accurately in your papers. Students agree that by taking this course all
assignments are subject to submission for textual similarity review to SafeAssign. Assignments submitted to
SafeAssign will be included as source documents in SafeAssign’s restricted access database solely for the
purpose of detecting plagiarism in such documents. I will provide specific instructions in class on how to
submit your speech outlines for electronic plagiarism review.
COMM 462 — Advanced Organizational Communication (Spring 2016)
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Reasonable Accommodation
In compliance with university policy, students with disabilities who require academic and/or auxiliary
accommodations for this course must contact the Office for Student Disability Services in Downing University
Center, A-200. The phone number is 270 745 5004. If you have a special need that may require an
accommodation or assistance, please inform the instructor as soon as possible and no later than the end of
the second class meeting.
Course Activities and Requirements
Course requirements include a combination of discussions, activities, and assignments in which you will have
the opportunity to ENGAGE, APPLY, and REFLECT on organizational communication concepts and theories.
This course is a senior-level elective and will be facilitated in a seminar fashion. This means that you will be
highly engaged in presenting and discussing the readings and participating in class activities. The only way
this approach can work successfully is if you prepare thoroughly for class by reading the assigned readings
and completing all coursework in advance. This semester you will in engage in the following activities:
Participation in Discussion
Purpose: To actively engage students in the learning process
A collaborative learning environment will be both more interesting and beneficial for everyone. Therefore,
you are expected to participate fully in the course. This includes reading assigned materials before class,
productively contributing to discussions, interacting with the professor and classmates, participating in
class/group activities, and leading discussion over selected readings.
More specifically, meaningful contributions to in-class discussions will demonstrate focused attention,
listening and taking notes, thoughtful and appropriate comments, respect and support for other class
members, understanding and critical thinking of readings, as well as an ability to synthesize and apply
material.
**NOTE: Unannounced quizzes may be given if discussions fail to illustrate that students are reading
assigned articles/case studies. If so, quiz points will be included in Class Discussion/Participation totals.
If you do not engage in classroom discussions, lectures, activities, and field trip speakers, you will not earn
any participation points. Participation will be evaluated using letter grades using the following rubric.
A (95%): Meaningful participation nearly every class meeting; good interaction with speakers; active
participation in activities; demonstrates clear evidence of knowledge and understanding of course materials
B (85 %): Moderate, quality participation and interaction most class meetings and with most speakers;
demonstrates class preparedness
C (75%): Average or less quality participation half or more class meetings; less interaction with speakers and
with classmates during activities; less clear evidence of preparation and understanding of course materials
F (0%): Little to no participation throughout the semester
COMM 462 — Advanced Organizational Communication (Spring 2016)
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Class Discussion Leader
Purpose: To actively engage students in the learning process
Each week a discussion leader will be assigned to review one of the readings for the week and to provide the
class with questions for discussion. Discussion leaders will provide a one page overview of the reading (with
the full citation at the top in APA format) and lead the class in the discussion. Students should strive for an
interactive “teaching” presentation, not a book report.
More specifically, discussion leaders should do the following:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Prepare 3 or 4 critical questions
Provide a one page review sheet of the most important points of the reading
Give a brief overview of the topic/construct explored in the reading and lead class in discussion
Provide an activity related to the reading (this might include a video, training activity, game, analysis, etc.)
Discussion leaders will be evaluated on their overall delivery, content covered, discussion questions, and
participation of others, as well as the application of communication theory/concepts.
Newsletter Article
Purpose: To allow students to engage in the Communication Department and to apply their organizational
communication knowledge in practical ways through writing
Students will generate story ideas that reflect the lives, experiences, and successes of students, faculty, and
alumni in the Communication Department. Story ideas will be evaluated by the class, and individual story
assignments will be made. Students will apply their knowledge of audience analysis, messaging, rhetoric,
identification, and other concepts to write interesting articles (including a picture) that will be compiled into
the Department newsletter. In addition, students will read and offer feedback in the form of peer editing to
help another classmate improve his/her article.
Application Exercises/Analyses/Case Studies
Purpose: To allow students to apply course concepts
A series of application exercises will be assigned throughout the semester to help students better
understand and apply course concepts. Exercises will analyze communication practices, processes, and
problems found in textbook case studies and/or real-world organizations.
Training Workshop
Purpose: To allow students to apply course concepts
In order to give you and your classmates practical experience in communication tools that are critical for
developing organizational competencies, your group will develop, set-up, facilitate, and debrief a training
session on an assigned topic. This will be a large scale project where you develop training objectives, deliver
an interactive session, and assess the outcomes of your session. Additionally, the other students in the class
will create or engage in communication documents or activities that you will assess throughout the training.
More details will be presented in class.
COMM 462 — Advanced Organizational Communication (Spring 2016)
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Organizational Communication Portfolio
Purpose: To demonstrate knowledge of foundational organizational communication tools.
Throughout the semester you will be required to complete specific activities designed to enhance your skills
in a number of internal and external organizational communication processes including. We’ll work
through these activities as part of training workshops, in-class writing workshops, and homework
assignments. As we go, you’ll accumulate key pieces of communication materials that you will assemble into
an Organizational Communication Portfolio including a summary of the materials and your reflections on the
course. Your portfolio will include (but is not limited to the following): Summary paper, Application
Exercises, Newsletter Article, Training Module, LinkedIn Profile Information, Elevator Speech, Mock
Interview Peer Review Form and Assessment.
Assignments and Point Distribution
Points Possible
Newsletter Article with Picture
Application Exercises/Analyses (6 x 50 pts each)
Discussion Leader Activity
Training Workshop
Class Participation (Completing Readings, Engaging the Class, etc.)
Case Studies
Organizational Communication Portfolio
TOTAL
Your Score
Track your scores
here.
100
300
100
200
100
100
100
1000
Grade Distribution (in Total Points Earned)
A = 1000-900
B = 899-800
C = 799-700
D = 699-600
F = 599 and below
A FEW NOTES ABOUT GRADES:
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Final grades will be distributed according to the above scale. Do not expect final grades to be curved,
and do not ask to be awarded those couple of extra points needed to reach the next letter grade.
Remember throughout the semester that every point counts!
NOTE: The procedures and schedule in this course are subject to change as needed.
COMM 462 — Advanced Organizational Communication (Spring 2016)
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COMM 462 Course Schedule (subject to change as necessary)
I. Introduction to the Course and Review of Organizational Communication Theory
Dates
Readings
Assignments
Tuesday, January 26
Thursday, January 28
Zaremba (2006)
Introduction to the Course
In class Review Activity
Dates
Readings
Assignments
Tuesday, February 2
Thursday, February 4
Liberman (2013)
Discussion Leader 1 & Case Study
Application 1: Organizational Culture
Comparison
Dates
Readings
Assignments
Tuesday, February 9
Avtgis, Rancer, & Madlock (2010)
Discussion Leader 2 & Outline for Developing a
Training Module
Webinar-Blanchard-Leadership Training Design
Dates
Readings
Assignments
Tuesday, February 16
Thursday, February 18
Sias & Gallagher (2013)
Discussion Leader 3 & Case Study
II. Organizational Culture
III. Training and Development
Thursday, February 11
IV. Socialization and Assimilation
Tuesday, February 23
Thursday, February 25
Training 1: Networking for Professional Success
de Roulet & Pecoraro (2015)
Jacobson (2014)
Application 2: Information Seeking Tactics
LinkedIn Account (Peer Review) & SM Audit
V. Identification
Tuesday, March 1
Thursday, March 3
Cheney (1983)
Laura Wagoner (Dept. of Communication)
Application 3:
Newsletters & Identification
SPRING BREAK (Tuesday, March 8 & Thursday, March 10)
Dates
Readings
Assignments
Tuesday, March 15
Thursday, March 17
Mumby (2013)
Training 2: How to Write Newsletter Articles
Application 4: Analysis of Brand Identity
Dates
Readings
Assignments
Tuesday, March 22
Thursday, March 24
Sellnow, Wickline, & Veil (2013)
Discussion Leader 4 & Case Study
Newsletter Articles Due (Workshop)
VI. Crisis Communication
COMM 462 — Advanced Organizational Communication (Spring 2016)
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Tuesday, March 29
Thursday, March 31
PR News Webinar
Application 5: Issues & Crisis Consulting
VII. Supervisory Communication
Dates
Readings
Assignments
Tuesday, April 5
Thursday, April 7
Zaremba (2013)
Discussion Leader 5 & Case Study
Harvard Business Review Webinar--Meetings
Tuesday, April 12
Geertshuis, Morrison, &
Cooper-Thomas (2015)
Discussion Leader 6 & Case Study
Thursday, April 14
Tuesday, April 19
Thursday, April 21
Training 3: How to Conduct a Performance
Appraisal (Mock Interview)
Medved (2004)
Cowan & Hoffman (2007)
Discussion Leader 7 & Case Study
Application 6: Work-Life Balance Interview
Dates
Tuesday, April 26
Thursday, April 28
Readings
Sypher (2004)
Assignments
Discussion Leader 8 & Case Study
Training 4: Developing Professionalism:
Finding Your Voice (Impromptu Speaking and
Elevator Speeches)
Tuesday, May 3
Thursday, May 5
Treem & Leonardi (2013)
Shockley-Zalabek (2016)
Case Study
Final Portfolio Due
VIII. Professionalism
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