Group Presentation: Communication Assessment of an Organization SC 1321 (Fall 2013) Assignment Overview The purpose of this assignment and presentation is to enable students to apply various communication concepts discussed in class to real-life business settings. Instructions for Conducting the Communication Assessment/Audit (CAA) • Identify and select an organization with at least 5 employees to assess. You will need buy-in and approval from one of the leaders of the organization who can grant you access and interviews with employees. Let the organization know that you are a student at Houston Community College and would like to conduct an organizational communications assessment as part of a class project. Let the company know that you will be willing to share the findings of your assessment with the organization free of charge which may help the company identify communication strengths and weaknesses. Many nonprofit organizations and small businesses will open to a cost-free assessment. • Conduct a communication assessment/audit that involves visiting the organization, interviewing an owner or supervisor (interview may be face to face or via Skype, telephone, or online), interviewing employees (survey questionnaires may be conducted if feasible), spending time in the organization (observing interactions, observing staff meetings, parties, etc.) and analyzing communication systems (e.g. websites, brochures, media purchases, commercials, documents targeting internal and external stakeholders, community campaigns, etc.) • The main 5 components of the Communication Assessment are as follows: 1. Public Message: Analyze the message or the story being told behind the organization to the public (what is the organization’s public image?, analyze the company’s website, brochures, which media campaigns do they participate in, special programs, holiday programs, etc.) 2. Official Message: Analyze the official messages being communicated by/originating from formal leaders (what is the organization’s mission and vision statement? What do executive leaders think about how communication in the company is flowing? Which company strengths and weaknesses are identified by the leader? Which opportunities and threats to company’s success are identified? What is the tone of emails and letters sent from leaders to employees? How does the leader view his/her leadership styles? 3. Internal Message: Analyze the unofficial messages/perspectives of internal stakeholders (employees). What do employees think about communication flow and communication effectiveness in the company? Which company strengths and weaknesses are identified by employees? Which opportunities and threats to company’s success are identified? Do employees feels their input is valued and heard? 4. Findings and SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) Analysis: (each needs to be on a separate slide) Analyze data you collect from your visits, interviews, and surveys. 5. Recommendations: Identify specific recommendations company can make to improve communication effectiveness in areas of internal communication, social media, mass media, and community. • Present your final presentation in the form of PowerPoint slides on your assigned date. Use the above boldface headings to organize the content of your Communication Assessment. • In addition to your PowerPoint, a 2 page Communication Assessment Report and Recommendation document should be prepared for the company that was assessed. The report should be submitted following the class session of your presentation. Final Thought: While you may not be able to get information on each question raised in this guide, get as much information as needed to address the main components of the assignment.