Proposes a definition of uncertainty useful in organizational communication and demonstrates the applicability of the concept in managing communication problems in a selected manufacturing firm. (MS)

The literature reporting research on message distortion in organizations is reviewed in this paper. Topics covered include: definitions of distortion/fidelity; measures of message display; measures of message interpretation; categories of distortion/fidelity derived from laboratory research; definitions of distortion/fidelity in naturalistic…

Examines the interdependent relationships between organizational climate and communication climate. Six critical dimensions of organizational climate are discussed in terms of their perceived impact on dual typologies of the communication climate. Concludes with an analysis of the suggested relationship between organizational climate and…

Communication is an ongoing, dynamic process involving both transmitting and receiving verbal and nonverbal messages. To be fully functional, communication must include a feedback component that allows assessment of the effectiveness of the communication. Models of communication stress various relationships between senders and receivers, focusing…

Discusses the special problems of the purchasing department and how better business communication skills contribute to solutions. (RL)

Observing that the explosion of the space shuttle "Challenger" had a profound impact upon the American public, this paper argues that its most direct impact was upon the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Specifically, the paper argues that the explosion was a crisis that resulted in loss of legitimacy for the space…

Suggests a perspective for understanding stress within an organizational environment by exploring the relationship between both (1) work-related stress and life events, communication, and stress in general; and (2) role, personality, and performance stress and communication in the work-related environment. Outlines methods for productively…

Noting that there has been tremendous growth in the number of businesses and not-for-profit organizations which have become equipped with computers and have empowered workers to communicate with them, this paper sheds light on policy issues related to managing the use of computer mediated communication (CMC). The paper first summarizes CMC's…

The communicative skills of listening and nondefensive negotiation for understanding rather than persuasive tactics for coercion are emphasized in this discussion as crucial in helping people deal with the tremendous amount of information received daily. The paper describes some conceptual interconnections between information, communication, and…

Accepting a definition of culture as "the total accumulation of an identifiable group's beliefs, norms, activities, institutions, and communication patterns," this paper, in an extensive literature review, conjectures that the environment has a far-reaching impact on the performance of the foreign student in the United States. The paper…

Several key concepts shed light on the traits and processes of leadership in educational settings. First, the term leadership can be understood as the act of persuading others to set aside individual concerns and pursue a common goal, with communication representing a key ability of leaders. The Communication Model provides a useful, open systems…

The problem of change in the character of the United States Supreme Court between 1969 and 1975 is examined, in this paper, in the context of group decision making and organizational communication. Based on information from "The Brethren," a behind-the-scenes account of the Supreme Court justices by Bob Woodward and Scott Armstrong, the…

This essay is a propositional analysis of the literature on the interrelationship of communicator style and gender as evidenced in the organizational setting. Pavitt's (1989) notion of the prototype is extended to the realm of organizational communication in developing five propositions: (1) the prototype of the effective manager is more likely to…

Presents double-bind theory as a framework for looking at organizational-change attempts; a double bind can result in withdrawal and denial of personal responsibility. Examines the role of the change agent to show how double binds can be avoided. (Author/JAC)

On the premise that union election campaigns on college campuses can provide useful lessons for public relations practitioners, this paper examines literature pertaining to organizing efforts in order to discover public relations problems that can be posed by the reciprocal nature of the influences between the internal and external audiences…