Describes the management by objectives approach to teaching organizational communication, where students set their own objectives and deadlines for the course and arrange a "contract" with the instructor, resulting in better student motivation. (SR)

Argues that it was the failure of the decision-making process, rather than the mode of risk assessment, which led to the decision to launch the Space Shuttle Challenger. Identifies the phrasing of the decision question and a shift in the burden of proof as specific problems of the process. (MS)

Uses results from a survey of 105 not-for-profit organizations in the Cleveland Metropolitan area to show their public relations deficiencies. Argues that while not-for-profit organizations act much like for-profit businesses, they are not up to par in their use of professional public relations practices. (MS)

Although administrators may view grapevines as threats to established leadership, informal communication is necessary to keep an organization functioning smoothly. No one can completely control the grapevine or its accuracy, but astute administrators can learn to cultivate and use informal communication systems wisely. (MLH)

Documents the lack of conceptual frameworks for integrating research on organizational computer-based communications technologies. Formalizes an integrated model for studying computer communication support phenomena in organizations using a knowledge management perspective and set-theoretic notation. Defines two types of communications support…

Discusses why corporate communications/public relations (cc/pr) should be benchmarked (an approach used by cc/pr managers to demonstrate the value of their activities to skeptical organizational executives). Discusses myths about cc/pr benchmarking; types, targets, and focus of cc/pr benchmarking; a process model; and critical decisions about…

Explains that when organizations face crises, their rhetorical response often follows two steps: assessment of causes leading to the crisis, and a search for potential solutions and preventive measures for the future. States that epideictic rhetoric designed to sustain or regain the organization's reputation is effective in both steps. Examines…

Argues that corporate style guides create consistency in documents, promote a professional image, train new employees, and define document generation. Describes how to develop a corporate style guide. (SR)

Points out that most technical communication groups within larger organizations are considered support organizations. Argues that, by moving from the support model to a services model based on entrepreneurial ideas, these groups are better able to place value on the work they produce by setting themselves up as development groups to pitch bids and…

Analyzes how employees in a large office supply firm performed stories to make sense of events, introduce change, and gain political advantage. These stories were dynamic, varied by context, and were often challenged and reinterpreted by listeners. The collective story telling system allowed members to supplement individual memories with…

Finds that involvement in the overall communication system did not contribute to the degree to which workers were informed about specific production and organizational issues but that the development of strong links with the mangers was associated with the acquisition of organizational knowledge, as was workers' leadership experience. (SR)

Finds that delivery makes a difference in evaluations of leader charisma. Offers the concept of communicator style as a way to interpret the findings. (SR)

Explores the idea of a crisis of representation in the context of organizational communication studies. Suggests that this notion should be the leitmotif for critical organizational theory and research across the next 10 years. (RS)

Defines conflict, looks at its causes, discusses the various types of organizational conflict, reviews the Myers-Briggs psychological types as they affect conflict, examines managers' typical reactions to internal and external conflict, and lists six keys to successful conflict resolution. (SR)

Explains the nature of organizational rhetoric. Examines ways in which organizational rhetoric may be analyzed. Locates the study of organizational rhetoric vis-a-vis organizational communication and rhetorical studies. Urges both critic and practitioner to apprehend the many and varied ways in which contemporary persuasion is organizationally…