CT 310 Organizational Communication

Dimensions of Structure

Structure describes:

• work roles

• communication relationships

‘decision’ is derived from the latin word decidere, which means to cut off.

Structure varies by:

• goals

• technology

• environment

• size

• key individuals

the alternative to structure is chaos.

Structure describes:

• work roles

• communication relationships

‘decision’ is derived from the latin word decidere, which means to cut off.

Structure varies by:

• goals

• technology

• environment

• size

• key individuals

the alternative to structure is chaos.

There are a number of formal structures possible:

• matrix Aircraft CompanyR&D Assembl Market

civilianmilitary commer

•work teams

A

B

C

DE

• spider plant

• hierarchy

Dimensions of hierarchy:

• horizontal complexity = specialization

not specia lized

worker worker worker

boss

Specialized

Saleserpson Repairperson Accountant

Boss

This is more horizontally complex.

Vertical complexity = number of levels

Specialized

Saleserpson Repairperson Accountant

Boss

Flat

tall

centrality = degree to which decisons are made at the top of the structure.

• centralized = at the top

• decentralized = workers empowered

Span of control

• narrow

• widew ider span of control

w orker 1 w orker 2 w orker 3 w orker 4 w orker 5

boss

narrow vs. wide??

formalization = how well follow chart?

• formal = follow to the letter.

• informal = not so stringent

Emergent communication networks = result of formal and informal communication among those who work together.

It is who you are linked to. . .

So, to be more effective at work: you need to develop key relationships in your organization which will allow you greater control over your own participation.

Steve's Netw ork

DaveUnion

M olly

DanDept

VickiDept

OthersDept

Steve LorrieBusiness

Dean

Provost

Chancellor

HumanResources

FiscalV.C.

BarbEd.

Cont.Ed.

• Liaison = connects groups, but doesn’t belong

• boundary spanners (bridges) = represent group to the outside

• Isolates = out of luck

• Why would this university form strategic alliances?

• Give an illustration

• The advent of EMOs.

Networked Society: I keep a list of scholars across the country with whom I communicate on a regular basis via the internet.

I belong to CRTNET, which sends me 8-10 messages daily relevant to my work. Check it out at: CRTNET@NATCOM.ORG

Find your own networks.