CSK 2110 ORGANISATIONAL COMMUNICATION (Core)
This course explores the complexities and strategies of internal and external communication in
public, private, and non-profit organizations. As a leadership tool, communication serves a
political, informational, symbolic, and influential function. Organizational theory and research
are core components of this course. Specifically, this course equips students to critique and
develop the fundamentals of: vision and mission statements, strategic plans, white papers, annual
reports, crisis communication, and marketing and promotional communication.
Objectives:
This course will help students to:
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Gain insight into relationship building
Acquire verbal and written communications tactics
Develop timely and affordable communication tactics
To get acquainted with ethical communication principles
Leverage communication vehicles to convey strategic messages and increase the
efficiency of operations.
Course Content:
INTRODUCTION
ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION BASICS
Organization types and characteristics
Identifying organization characteristics
Discussing organization characteristics
COMMUNICATION FLOW
Identifying types of communication flow
Identifying communication networks
Identifying network roles
Analyzing network roles
ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION ETHICS
Major theories of organizational communication
LEADERSHIP AND MOTIVATION
Communication and leadership
Distinguishing between managers and leaders
Discussing management and leadership theories
Discussing organizational structure and design
Communication and motivation
Discussing theories of motivation
Identifying motivational tools
Understanding the impact of nonverbal behavior
Understanding barriers to effective organizational communication
RELATIONAL CONTEXT AND ORGANIZATIONS
Relational context
Identifying a relational context
Identifying relationship categories
Relationships and organizations
Identifying personality types
Developing individual organizational relationships
TECHNOLOGY IN THE WORKPLACE
Workplace technology
Identifying categories of technology
Preventing communication overload
Technology guidelines
Discussing technology guidelines
Communicating electronically
Context, stress and managerial tools
Environmental context
Selecting an environmental context
STRESS AND COMMUNICATION
Managing stress and anger
Resolving interpersonal conflicts
INNOVATION AND CHANGE
Aspects of innovation
Identifying degrees of innovation
Identifying innovation characteristics
Adopting and encouraging innovation
Aspects of change
Identifying aspects of change
Discussing communication challenges
Identifying stages of change
Discussing the effects of technology and communication
POWER, POLITICS AND DIVERSITY
Power and communication
Discussing power basics
Diversity and communication
Identifying strategies to manage diversity
Communicating among different corporate cultures
Empowerment and communication
Identifying steps for empowerment
Identifying guidelines for empowerment
Learning outcomes:
By the end of this course students will be in position to do the following:
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Understand major theories of organizational communication
Identifying and defining primary concepts and applying them to discussions of realworld situations.
To examine the role of technology, corporate culture, leadership, teamwork, ethics, and
diversity in communication.
To appreciate effective communication in global organizations
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To critique organization communication systems and structures.
Course assessment:
Extended coursework essay}
Group presentation}
= 30%
Test}
Final Comprehensive Examination = 70%
(End of Semester)
Instruction methods:
Lectures
Case Studies
Group Discussion and Class Presentations
Activity Research Work
References:
Alex Bavelas, "Communication Patterns in Task-Oriented Groups,"
Carl R Rogers; Fritz Jules Roethlisberger (1990).Barriers and gateways to
communication.Boston, Mass: Harvard Business Review.
Herbert Simon, Administrative Behaviour, 4th edition,
MILLER, Katherine (2002), Organizational Communication: Approaches and Processes, 4th ed.
NEHER, William W. (1997), Organizational Communication: Challenges of Change, Diversity,
and Continuity