Introduces a tool for rethinking the sources of the distinctions between "us" and "them." Considers two approaches to extending the reach of organizational communication research based on this framework. Hopes to move organizational communication concepts into more influential positions in the existing network of practice, and that doing so will…

Presents key concepts of chaos theory (CT) as a general framework for describing organizational crisis and crisis communication. Discusses principles of predictability, sensitive dependence on initial conditions, bifurcation as system breakdown, emergent self-organization, and fractals and strange attractors as principles of organization. Explores…

To become effective communicators, school leaders must acquire numerous skills, including understanding and practicing communication as a two-way process, aligning the three communication codes (language, paralanguage, and nonverbal messages) to ensure clarity of meaning, and selecting appropriate communication channels to enhance message impact.…

Asserts that earlier investigations of the organizational communication failures that led to the space shuttle Challenger explosion asked the wrong question. Notes an erroneous focus on why the shuttle was launched despite widespread knowledge of technical problems. Concludes that sociology of technology and new rhetoricians can help form better…

Uses the 1979 Three Mile Island nuclear plant accident to illustrate the communication problems embedded in a crisis. Describes the reactions created by the stress related to crisis. Suggests business communication strategies for improving communication to the public. (SR)

Outlines 8 essential components of the communication process and defines 10 categories of questions covered by a communications evaluation instrument, including communications ethics, climate, channels, methods, timing, message content, feedback, information sources, types of information needed, and supervisor-subordinate communication. Provides…

Examines the processes an engineer goes through as he/she writes a routine and a non-routine document--processes that are strongly affected by the degree to which his/her company has previously accepted the claims he/she makes as given or as knowledge. Discusses the collaborative nature of work in an organization. (MS)

Examines attempts to solve interdepartmental problems innovatively in a postsecondary educational institution. Finds that cooperative (rather than competitive or independent) goals, and open and skillful communication are important elements in the successful communication of diverse perspectives, fostering innovation in an organization. (SR)

Uses examples from military strategic communications to demonstrate that organizational structures and the distribution of power within organizational structures adapt to changes in information handling capability. It is concluded that delegation and decentralization can be viewed as indicative of inadequate information handling and that improved…

Maintains that communication consultants can help increase organizational effectiveness by therapeutically applying communication research, especially interpretive research, to organizational development. Describes a six-step model of therapeutic organizational communication consultation. Presents an organizational development study to illustrate…

Discusses possible problems encountered in teaching a course in organizational assessment. Describes several strategies for coping with these problems. (MM)

Illustrates how Johnson & Johnson's crisis communication management adhered to many of the recommended guidelines for managing contingency planning, for mobilizing a crisis communication effort, and for post-crisis communication. Reveals the advantageous use of flexible, proactive, and corollary communication strategies. (MS)

Explores preferences for word-processed versus handwritten messages in an organizational setting. Identifies variables that affect preferences for written media: hierarchical level, message length, message complexity, anticipated reaction, communication task, need for documentation, and communication across work shifts. Shows that the cost control…

Identifies several typical, but not predictable, organizational problems that involve technical communicators. Presents them in a how-to, anecdotal fashion that focuses on actual experience in the workplace. (SR)

Uses discourse analysis to display the interplay between resistance and domination using one man's description (in interviews and in a newspaper article) of sexual harassment and his attempts at redress. Reveals how the articulation of resistance becomes oppressive and the articulation of repression offers resistance. (SR)