Examines how formal analysis is actually practiced in 3 different organizations. Identifies 4 main groups of purposes for formal analysis and relates them to various hierarchical relationships. Formal analysis and social interaction seem inextricably linked in organizational decision-making. Different structural configurations may generate…

Analyzes problems inherent in the Challenger project. Suggests that these are illustrative and worth the consideration of business communication teachers and practitioners as well as communication consultants. (JAD)

Gives the dictionary definition of "communications," and then suggests that communications is the last act in the process of public relations. Presents hypothetical situations to show that PR is the final implementation step in a management process rather than just "communications." Argues that some companies, however, use…

Investigates how employees perceived organizational "rules" in describing specific communication problems. Finds that stating clear policy would have helped head off 20% of the problems described; respondents mentioned many more unwritten than written means by which communication expectations were conveyed; and organizations with written…

Survey responses from 158 managers examined their perceptions of grapevine activity within an organization. Results indicate that managers' knowledge about grapevine characteristics, causes, and outcomes was affected by their position within the organization. (JOW)

Argues that a socio-semiotic approach to organizational communication opens up a middle course leading to a reconciliation of the functionalist and interpretive movements. Outlines and illustrates three premises to show how they enable scholars to reconceptualize the opposition between functionalism and interpretivism. Concludes that organizations…

This paper explains the strategic importance of internal communications, and offers a simple model for managing the process of effective internal communications. Discussion includes defining internal communications, strategic importance of internal communications, integrating internal communications strategy as a natural part of everyday working…

This article describes electronic board portals and how they can contribute to the efficiency of the functioning board in delivering timely information for decision making. The electronic board portals are provider-hosted services that allow those who prepare board materials to organize and place on the Web a secure version of board packets, with…

"Spectacular error" sounds euphemistic compared to "devastating," "catastrophic," or "meltdown"--terms more commonly summoned to describe the credit crisis and ensuing global economic carnage. Whatever they are labeled, gross miscalculations on Wall Street are having a deleterious effect on college campuses across the country, with many…

The public receives environmental information from a variety of sources. Evaluation of a single program or one organization's effort is incomplete. Through surveys and interviews, we evaluate the cumulative impact of outreach by 20 water-related organizations in Maricopa County, Arizona. Household water conservation is a topic addressed by 18…

The author believes that effective communication is an essential factor in overcoming differences and creating an environment where people can come together to learn, work, or play. Communication on the surface seems a straightforward endeavour. In practice, it is fraught with a multitude of issues that are dependent on the parties involved, who…

This paper examines the quality and development of relations between organisations and the ways in which these are informed by incidental learning experiences in two projects. The paper conceptualizes instances of inter-organisational learning (IOL) applying theories such as principal-agent, prisoners' dilemma and women's place in community…

The Circulation Services Department at the University of Central Florida Libraries reports on leadership and training initiatives that resulted in a number of service-enhancing projects implemented by a highly motivated and involved staff. Key elements in reinvigorating the department included a change in leadership philosophy, increased…

Have you updated your Web site today? Is it possible that answering "yes" to this simple question is the key to the success of your marketing and recruiting efforts? In the current recruitment arena, the ability to update and maintain this one high-value asset (your Web site) might be the key to the potency of your institutional…

The emerging use of portable digital devices by students, parents and teachers, is forcing schools to develop real-time communication systems that integrate technology into the general operations of schools, and contemplate governing policies and procedures to sustain and guide the challenges of these new technologies. This study contributes to…