Course Title:
| Organizational Communication | |
Course Materials:
|
Fundamentals of Organizational Communication
Edition: 7th
Publisher: Pearson Education
Author: Shockley-Zalabak
Crucial Conversations
Publisher: McGraw Hill
Author: Patterson, Grenny, McMillan and Switzler
ISBN: 0-07-140194-6 | |
Course Description:
| (Formerly BMGT 398N and MGMT 320.) Prerequisite: BMGT 364. A study of the structure of communication in organizations. Problems, issues, and techniques of organizational communication are analyzed through case histories, exercises, and projects. The examination of theory and examples is intended to improve managerial effectiveness in communication and negotiation. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 398N, HRMN 302, MGMT 320, MGST 315, or TEMN 315. | |
Course Goals/Objectives:
After completing this course, you should be able to:
* identify the dominant challenges of organizational communication in a variety of workplace settings, domestically and globally
* describe verbal and nonverbal communications and their specific impact on leadership, management, problem solving, and decision making in organizations
* compare traditional and emerging theories of organizational communication
* analyze and compare the concepts and practices of communication at individual, group, and organizational levels and demonstrate their application in a variety of workplace situations
Cross Curricular Initiatives
In addition to these learning objectives, this course also concentrates on UMUC's cross-curriculum initiatives, detailed below, designed to help UMUC students build business skills to enhance their careers and overall effectiveness in their employment.
Effective writing. There are numerous writing assignments throughout the semester. Those assignments are expected to reflect appropriate professional writing skills. That is, they will be evaluated on the basis of grammar, sentence structure, spelling, and overall sound writing principles. At least 10 percent of your grade on each writing assignment will be based on your proficiency in expressing yourself in writing.
Information literacy. You will be expected to demonstrate proficiency at research activity through the library and use of online sources.
Globalization. An important outcome of this course will be the realization that the organizational communication principles need to be modified when applying them to diverse and complex international situations which differ in culture, technology and infrastructure, language, ideology and a sense of time.
Computerization. The computer has virtually altered the way organizational communication is conducted. This course will emphasize its increasing importance of the computer in organizational communication.
Historical Perspective. This course will integrate the historical development of theory to provide the student with a context for current theories and practice.
Civic Responsibility. Ethical behavior and role of organizational communication in society will be explored in this course. | |
Course Introduction:
| Organizational Communication is a critical exploration of the theories, structure, and processes of communication in organizations. We focus on communication competency as a linchpin of organizational change and effectiveness, and address the nature of that competency at individual, group, and organization-wide levels. Because this course examines one key component of organizational behavior in depth, we expect that all of you will have taken an introductory course in management or organizational theory. | |
Grading Information and Criteria:
Written assignments 1 and 2 @ 20% each: 40%
Midterm examination: 20%
Final examination: 40%
Total: 100%
Workplace Experience
Most UMUC students bring substantial workplace experience to any learning situation, and this course is designed to make maximum use of experiential knowledge. However, you are not penalized for a lack of such experience. If you do not have, or cannot use, current or recent (five years' prior) workplace experience, you must notify your teacher at least two weeks before the activity due date, to get a n alternative assignment.
Examinations
There are two examinations: an online midterm during week 7, and a proctored final at the course's conclusion. Both are closed-book examinations using a combination of multiple-choice and essay questions. Mini-cases may also be utilized. Each student demonstrates knowledge of specific concepts, theories, or practices, or all of these, by applying that knowledge to the situations embodied in the respective scenarios. A sample is provided before the midterm for non-graded practice. | |
Other Information:
Any other information the instructor wishes to add. This might include:
* General expectations of students, such as hours per week students should expect to devote to the class
* Turnaround time for faculty to respond to email and return papers
* Unique class procedures or activities (such as cooperative learning exercises, panel presentations, case study methods, class journals or learning logs)
* Supplemental objectives (such as development of skills like teamwork, writing, oral presentation; integration of knowledge on focus topics)
* Optional activities such as study groups | |
Project Descriptions:
There are two written assignments for this course. They are practical in content, meant to sharpen analytic and thinking processes. The assignments require individual research and thoughtful reflection to provide maximum value.
The written assignments will allow you to:
* experience data gathering, critical analysis, and application in a real environment
* present findings in a written document that is professional in content and format
* gain reinforcement of the material you are reading and discussing online
The guidelines for the written assignments are to:
* write and present your assignments professionally, with clear syntax, correct grammar and spelling, and correct citations of the sources of all quoted material according to any one of the following: MLA Handbook, Publications Manual of the American Psychological Association, or the UMUC Guide to Writing and Research
* type all submissions, double-spaced, with a title page including your name and your student ID number
Written Assignment 1: The Industry
In this first assignment, we're exploring the dynamics of organizational communication in an industry of your choice. The goal is to identify and report on specific internal communication characteristics. 1. Select one (1) industry (NOT one individual company) that interests you; prior experience in it is not necessary. Examples include: telecommunications, biotechnology, mass transit. Be careful not to be overly broad; if you are intrigued by 'utilities', please narrow it down to 'electric (or other specific) utilities, so that the assignment is a manageable size. 2. Identify two (2) processes within that industry that you can categorize as 'internal organizational communication', and that we have already begun discussing in class. Examples include management reporting, teleconferencing, interoffice communication, etc. 3. Conduct an investigation of those two processes through primary and secondary sources that focus on your chosen industry. Primary research is research you initiate first-hand, through interviews, phone conversations, etc. Secondary research is accomplished through reading published and unpublished source material. 4. Write a summative report, providing a brief overview of the industry, the two practices you have selected for investigation, and what you learned through your research. Your paper should be a maximum of 5 pages, typed, including your name and the course name/number on a title sheet.
Written Assignment 2: The Process
In our second written assignment, we're examining one (1) organizational communication process in depth. The goal is to conduct an analysis and assessment with greater concentration than we have time to do as a group. 1. Select one (1) communication process that interests you; your interest can be driven by the underlying theory or concept itself, or by a problem that exists at work. Please be careful to pick a process that is likely to be known well enough for you to explore. Remember to focus on internal, not external, communication. Processes like management reporting, group work and corporate intranet are internal; advertising communications go out to the marketplace and are external. 2. Conduct your investigation, using a combination of primary and secondary research as you did in assignment 1. Be sure to collect enough data to do an analysis and assessment (unlike assignment 1, this is not simply a summary but your own critical thought). 4. Write a reflective (critical) report, providing a brief overview of the chosen communication process. Then continue with a critical analysis and assessment that concludes with an opinion or judgment on likely further development for the process. For example, if you chose 'corporate intranet', how would that be likely to develop over the next 3-5 years? The report should be a maximum of 5 pages, typed, including your name and the course name/number on a title sheet. | |
Academic Policies:
Cases of plagiarism are handled consistent with current UMUC guidelines.
See the UMUC policies at the following URL:
http://www.umuc.edu/policy/ | |
Course Schedule:
These schedules and procedures are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances. Notice will be given of any change and you are responsible for amended deadlines or assignments.
Session
1
The Communication Framework
Read Chapters on Communication's Role, Process, Technologies
2
Continued.....
The Communication Framework
Read Chapters on Communication's Role, Process, Technologies
3
Communication Writing and Reporting
Read Chapters on Writing Process, Managerial Styles
4
Communication Writing and Reporting
Read Chapter on Documents
5
Communication Writing and Reporting
Read Chapter on Reports, Proposals
6
Interpersonal Communications
Read Chapter on Listening
Written Assignment 1 Due
7
Interpersonal Communications
Read Chapter on Non-verbal Communication
8
MIDTERM EXAMINATION
Sessions 1-7 readings, discussions
9
Communication Challenges
Read Chapter on Conflict
10
Communication Challenges
Read Chapter on Negotiation
11
Communication Challenges
Read Chapter on Intercultural Communication
Written Assignment 2 Due
12
Interpersonal Communications
Read Chapter on Interviews, Performance and Reviews
13
Interpersonal Communications
Read Chapter on Meetings and Group Work
14
Interpersonal Communications
Read Chapter on Presentations
15
Review
16
FINAL EXAMINATION | |
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