Organizational Communication

This chapter discusses communication in complex organizations and combines traditional and contemporary views of what organizational communication is. Organizations have several characteristics that make them unique. Among these are interdependence, hierarchical structure, linkage to the environment, and a dependence on communication. The chapter considers how information flows through organizations, and examines informal pathways such as the organizational grapevine and more formal communication routes. Formal channels of communication occur when information flows through a structured chain of command officially recognized by the organization. In the workplace, relationships must be professional, and part of fitting into an organization is figuring out just exactly what professional relationships are all about. The chapter also considers the importance of building healthy workplace relationships and discusses ways in which organizational cultures are created and maintained through communication. It focuses on two specific skill areas: interviewing and use of organizational technology.