Chat with AIExam 11: A: Communicating in Organizations
How does an organization differ from other kinds of groups? Give an example of a group and an organization that you belong to, and clearly explain why you would categorize each as you have.
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VerifiedIdeal answers will identify that the primary difference between an organization and other groups is that an organization has formal governance and structure, whereas a group may not. Examples will vary but should illustrate an understanding of these two criteria in the differentiation.
Compare and contrast the four approaches to managing an organization. Do any offer distinct advantages or disadvantages? Explain.
(34) VerifiedIdeal answers will discuss the following four approaches to managing an organization: •Classical management-focuses on getting an organization to run like a machine. Emphasis is on division of labor and hierarchy. •Human relations-considers the members' human needs. •Human resources-focuses on how members' goals and motivations relate to organizational productivity. •Systems approach-considers the needs of the individual as well as the organization; focuses on interdependence between the individual members, the members and the organization, and systems outside the organization. Emphasizes that organizations need to be aware of their own problems and able to adapt as needed.
Synthesizing what you have learned throughout this chapter and others, what do we mean when we say that an organization has its own culture? How is this culture different from and similar to the notion of culture as it has been discussed in other chapters of the book?
(34) VerifiedIdeal answers will define organizational culture as an organization's unique set of beliefs, values, norms, and ways of doing things. This definition mirrors the definition of culture used elsewhere in the chapter. Members of an organizational culture, just like any other culture, will experience that culture as if it is natural, although it is something that has been developed through patterns of interaction over time. Strong answers will emphasize that cultures create their own language (as does an organization) and that they use language to build on that cultural context. Students may focus on organizational culture as being another cultural context to consider when choosing effective and appropriate communication behaviors or may liken organizational culture to the idea of a co-culture. Ideally, students should be exercising critical thinking and connecting ideas and definitions rather than stating specific similarities and differences.
How do mentor-protégé relationships benefit mentors, protégés, and organizations? What can we do to take advantage of these relationships if our organization doesn't offer a formal mentor-protégé program?
(34) How have new communication technologies and globalization changed the nature of organizations in today's world?
(33) Consider the place where you work: What are its organizational stories? Describe how it tells these stories. Are there organizational heroes who feature prominently in your workplace's organizational stories?
*If most of your students do not work, this question can be adapted to focus on the organizational stories of the college they attend.
(37) Explain the concept of work-life balance. Why is it important to employees, and why are employers creating programs to support their employees' work-life balance? Use a real or fictional narrative example to show how an organization with a progressive work-life balance program might create a win-win situation for employees and the organization itself.
(40) Robin has just been hired for her first professional position, and she will be supervising a team of several employees. Up until now, Robin has only worked in her family's small business, so she's not really sure how a supervisor should interact with employees and vice versa. Synthesizing what you have learned throughout this chapter, what advice would you give her about how to communicate effectively in her new role as both a supervisor and a supervisee?
(41) Synthesizing what you have learned in this chapter and others, discuss the problem of harassment in the workplace. How would you define harassment? How important is the notion of "intent" when determining whether a behavior constitutes harassment? Why would you characterize harassment as a problem not only for the victim but also for the organization as a whole? What steps should you take to document and resolve matters of harassment if you are the victim or if you observe someone else being victimized?
Answer Key
(43) Carl has always tried to keep his work life and his personal life separated, but he has confided in you that he feels like something is missing when he goes to work. What would you say to him to help him understand the importance of having strong peer relationships at work? How would developing these relationships benefit Carl? What should he be careful of if he chooses to form stronger bonds with some of his coworkers? What steps could Carl take to form healthy friendships with people at work?
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