Organizational Communication
SPCH 3309--FA 295B
Tuesday & Thursday 11:00 am - 12:20 pm
Spring 2007
Instructor:
Mr. Mike Putnam
Office/Phone: FA295D; Extension #20728
Email:
mputnam@uta.edu
Office Hrs:
10-11 am Mon-Wed-Fri, 9:30-10:30 Tuesday and Thursday ; and by appointment
Text:
Byers, Peggy (1997) Organizational Communication: Theory and Behavior
Allyn and Bacon Publishers.
Course Requirements: 6 hours of speech credit
Course Description: Communication is key within today's organizations for their growth and
existence. By observing how people communicate with words, symbols and behaviors we can
improve our daily activities within our organizations. This course aims to provide the student with
both theoretical and practical information on how people communicate with each other in
organizations.
Course Learning Goals:
 To develop an awareness of the process and importance of communication within
organizations.
 To develop an understanding of key theories and their application in organizational
settings.
 To develop an awareness of the significance verbal and nonverbal communication carry
within organizations.
 To recognize how cultures emerge in organizations and identify key components that
shape their emergence
 To develop an awareness of new and vital issues and topics in contemporary
organizations.
 To identify key cultural diversity elements that contribute to the success and/or failure of
modern-day organizations.
Tentative Schedule
Date
1-16
1-18
1-23
1-25
1-30
2-1, 2-6
2-6
2-8
2-13
2-15 & 20
2-22 & 27
3-1 & 6
3-8
3-13 & 15
3-20
3-22
3-27
3-29
Event
Course Introduction
Process and Perspectives of Organizational Communication
Process and Perspectives of Organizational Communication
Formal and Informal Communication Networks
In-Class “Consulting” Exercise/Discuss first case study paper1
Nonverbal Communications in Organizations
Ethics in the Workplace: The Role of Org. Communication
Ethics in the Workplace/Case Study #1 due/Discuss case study 2
Test #1 (Chapters 1 & 3 plus lecture notes)
The Role of Communication/Leadership Process
Case Study #2 due on 2/20.
Conflict Management in Organizations
Discuss case study paper #3
Persuasion in and by Organizations
Organizational Culture
Case study paper #3 due
Spring Break
Organizational Culture/Discuss case study #4
Test #2 (Chapters 4-6 plus lecture)
The Seven Orpheus Principles in Creative Culture
Gender Issues: Management Style, Mobility and Harassment
Readin
Buy Text
Chapter 1
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chap. 1 & 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Handout
Chap. 10
4-3 & 5
4-10
4-12
4-17
4-19
4-24 & 26
5-1 & 3
5.8
Case study #4 due
Gender Issues: Management Style, Mobility and Harassment
Chap. 10
Best Buy paper discussed
Test #3 (Chapters 7, 8, & 10 plus lecture)
“First Break All the Rules”
Handout
“Why Smart Executives Fail”
Handout
Cultural Diversity and Organizations
Chap. 11
Communication Technologies in Organizations
Chap. 13
Best Buy paper due on May 1
Test #4 (Chapters 11, 13, “First Break All the Rules,” and “Why Smart
Executives Fail”
Grading:
Test #1
Test #2
Test #3
Test #4 (final)
Case Study #1—Communication Issues
Case Study #2--Ethical Issues
Case Study #3--Conflict Matters
Case Study #4--Organization Culture
Case Study #5 --“Best Buy” paper
Class Participation/Activities
15%
15%
15%
10%
5%
5%
5%
5%
15%
10%
100%
A= 100-89.5% B= 89.4-79.5% C= 79.4-69.5% D= 69.4-59.5%
At the end of the semester I will add up the scores you have earned to determine your
final grade. If problems occur during the semester that force you to miss a significant portion of
class, it is your responsibility to get word to me. I don't need to know your personal business,
but I need to know if you ever plan on returning to class. Don't miss 10-15 classes and then
come to me and say you want to make up a test and several in-class exercises. If you don't keep
me informed, don't expect me to be sympathetic. If you have concerns with your grade or
performance, please talk with me during the semester; when we can do something about your
effort to help you earn the grade you want.
Missed exams can be made up only with a legitimate excuse. Being too busy, oversleeping, having to work, or similar type excuses are tragic, indeed, but not legitimate enough to
make up an excuse without penalty. Penalties for late exams are 15% from whatever score you
earn. Bottom line: please show up for the exams and we'll all be happy.
Missed class participation/attendance/class activities cannot be made up. It is very hard
to participate if you are not here. We will have occasional activities in class that will contribute to
this 10% of your course grade. Attending class and being an active participant is the way to earn
this portion of your grade. Missing class and/or failing to get involved in the class (like sleeping
during lectures) may lower this portion of your course grade.
Late papers will receive a 10% penalty for each calendar day late. Detailed assignment
sheets describing each paper assignment will be provided.
Academic Dishonesty: It is the philosophy of UTA that academic dishonesty is a completely
unacceptable mode of conduct and will not be tolerated in any form. Al persons involved in academic
dishonesty will be disciplined in accordance with University regulations and procedures. Discipline may
include suspension or expulsion from the University. Regents' Rules and Regulations, Series 50101,
Section 2.2 reads "scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the
submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributed in whole or in part to another person,
taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the
attempt to commit such acts."
Drop Policy: It is the responsibility of the student to process the official class drop and add
forms. Faculty/staff cannot drop students from class. This is official UTA policy. That means if
you need to drop the course, you must complete the paperwork--no one else can do that.
Americans With Disabilities Act: UTA is on record as being committed to both the spirit and the
letter of federal equal opportunity legislation; reference Public Law 92-112--The Rehabilitation Act
of 1973 as amended . With the passage of federal legislation entitled Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) pursuant to section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act , there is renewed focus on providing
this population with the same opportunities enjoyed by all citizens. As a faculty member I am
required by law to provide “reasonable accommodations” to students with disabilities, so as not
to discriminate on the basis of disability. Student responsibility primarily rests with informing
faculty of their need for accommodation and in providing authorized documentation through
designated administration channels. Information regarding specific diagnostic criteria and policies
for obtaining academic accommodations can be found at www.uta. edu/disability. Also, you
may visit the Office for Students with Disabilities in room 102 of University Hall or call them at
(817) 272-3364.
Student Support Services Available: UTA supports a variety of student success programs to
help you connect with the University and achieve academic success. These programs include
learning assistance, developmental education, advising and mentoring, admission and transition,
and federally funded programs. Students requiring assistance academically, personally, or
socially should contact the Office of Student Success Programs at 817-272-6107 for more
information and appropriate referrals.