Deck 11: A: Communicating in Organizations

Question 1

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?

Answer 1

Ideal 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.

Question 2

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

Answer 2

Ideal answers will identify harassment as an ethical problem. Harassment may include the use of verbal or nonverbal codes (or both), and may also involve listening behaviors, but will be defined as harassment because the victim is targeted for his or her race, ethnicity, religion, disability, or membership in some other group or class. Harassment is damaging to a person's sense of self and self-esteem and may make it very difficult for a person to function effectively within an organization. Harassment is a problem for organizations because it results in loss of productivity and higher turnover. A harassment lawsuit can cost the organization a significant amount of money and loss of its reputation-every year millions of dollars are lost due to sexual harassment lawsuits alone. The question of intent is somewhat irrelevant because of the transactional nature of communication-whether a message is intended or not, it can't be undone and it will affect others. Ethical communicators take responsibility for their intentional as well as unintentional messages. The following recommendations are given in the text in reference to sexual harassment but can be generalized for other forms of harassment. If harassment is observed, a victim (or observer) should •clearly and firmly tell the harasser that the advances or messages are not welcome •immediately report the incident to someone who can assist •document each incident in written form, including a description of the event, the date, time, the person(s) involved, and what action was taken

Question 3

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?

Answer 3

Ideal answers will identify that each organization has its own norms and culture, so there are going to be variations to what is appropriate and not appropriate between different organizations. She, like anyone who is new to the organization, will go through a period of organizational assimilation. Strong answers might identify that forming a mentor-protégé relationship with someone in her new workplace might help her succeed. However, students should respond specifically to the following suggestions provided in the textbook: •Supervisors should •schedule appropriate time for important conversations with supervisees •minimize distractions and give full attention to supervisees •ask supervisees for suggestions and ideas •demonstrate that they're listening by offering appropriate verbal and nonverbal responses •Supervisees should •write down topics they need to discuss in advance of meetings •be clear about what they want and need from a supervisor •rehearse in private what they plan to say •use qualifying words like perhaps and maybe •use "I" statements to own thoughts and feelings rather than "you" statements •avoid going to the supervisor when emotional •remain open to compromise •communicate regularly to keep a comfortable relationship

Question 4

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?

Question 5

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.

Question 6

How have new communication technologies and globalization changed the nature of organizations in today's world?

Question 7

Compare and contrast the four approaches to managing an organization. Do any offer distinct advantages or disadvantages? Explain.

Question 8

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.

Question 9

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.

Question 10

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?