Applied Organizational Communication: Theory and Practice in a Global Environment (Routledge Communication Series)

484 Pages·2007·6.06 MB·English

by  Thomas E. Harris

Applied Organizational
Communication
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LEA’S COMMUNICATION SERIES
Jennings Bryant/Dolf Zillmann, General Editors
Selected titles in Organizational Communication (Linda Putnam, advisory
editor) include:
Cooren/Taylor/Van Every • Communication as Organizing: Empirical
and Theoretical Explorations in the Dynamic of Text and Conversation
Kramer • Managing Uncertainty in Organizational Communication
Nicotera/Clinkscales/with Walker • Understanding Organization
Through Culture and Structure: Relational and Other Lessons From
the African American Organization
Parker • Race, Gender, and Leadership: Re-Envisioning Organizational
Leadership From the Perspectives of African American Women Executives
Taylor/Van Every • The Emergent Organization: Communication as Its
Site and Surface
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Applied Organizational
Communication
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THIRD EDITION
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University of Alabama
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University of Alabama
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Cover design by Tonya Adams Nelson.
Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Lawrence Erlbaum Associates
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Library of Congress Cataloging‑in‑Publication Data
Harris, Thomas E., Ph. D.
Applied organizational communication : theory and practice in a global
environment / Thomas E. Harris and Mark D. Nelson. ‑‑ 3rd ed.
p. cm. ‑‑ (LEA’s communication series)
ISBN‑13: 978‑0‑8058‑5941‑6 (pbk. : alk. paper)
ISBN‑13: 978‑0‑8058‑5940‑9 (hardcover : alk. paper)
1. Communication in organizations. I. Nelson, Mark D. II. Title.
HD30.3.H372 2008 658.4’5‑‑dc22 2007017210
Visit the Taylor & Francis Web site at
http://www.taylorandfrancis.com
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To Shelia Harris, Tom’s wife, for her support and insights regarding organiza-
tions and communication. Her sense of humor and perspective, endless patience,
and love during the long hours required to write this book were remarkable. This
book could not have been written without her assistance.
To Jean and Ed Harris, Tom’s parents, for their unconditional love and lifelong
curiosity.
To Anissa Whitten, Tom’s daughter, for her willingness to embrace change while
maintaining critical values and friendships.
To Tonya Adams Nelson, Mark’s wife, for her love and laughter.
To Mark’s parents, Delone and Jewel Nelson, for their steadfast support.
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Contents
Preface ix
Acknowledgments xi
Chapter 1 Adopting a Perspective 1
Chapter 2 Perception and Paradigms 35
Chapter 3 Understanding Organizations: An Overview of
Management and Organizational Perspectives 63
Chapter 4 Verbal Communication 103
Chapter 5 Nonverbal Communication 133
Chapter 6 Networks and Channels 177
Chapter 7 Symbolic Behavior 221
Chapter 8 Listening 253
Chapter 9 Effective Interpersonal Communication in
Organizations 273
Chapter 10 Small Group and Team Communication 301
Chapter 11 Effective Leadership in Organizations 339
Chapter 12 New Communication Technology 375
References 391
Author Index 443
Subject Index 457
vii
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Preface
Organizational communication is a fascinating subject that is constantly
evolving. The second edition of this book was published in 2002 and I noted
that organizations had changed substantially from the first edition. This edi-
tion reflects the significant changes since 2002 while retaining the in-depth
discussions of critical organizational communication concepts. In addition,
Dr. Mark Nelson has agreed to co-author this edition, making the coverage
even more complete. We have added important insights concerning critical
perspectives and the reader will note extensive updates, revisions, and current
examples. The majority of the original chapter titles have remained, because
they allow the reader to quickly access specific information. In every chapter,
change, diversity, and the digital age are examined.
In addition to providing extensive resources, this text reflects my own 35
years of experience as a teacher and an organizational consultant. In organi-
zations ranging in size from Bristol Myers Squibb, Georgia Pacific, and IBM,
to local and regional volunteer groups such as the Easter Seals, I have intro-
duced, developed, and expanded the understanding and effective utilization
of applied organizational communication concepts. As the reader discovers,
each chapter presents an extensive analysis of selected topics, coupled with
current and broad-based research. Hopefully, my own enthusiasm for a com-
munication approach to understanding organizations shows in every chapter.
Nelson’s experiences reflect my own, and our combined research and experi-
ence are reflected throughout the text.
The book unfolds in the following manner.
The first three chapters are concerned with the perspectives necessary
to understand the relationship between communication and organizations.
Chapter 1 grounds the text in current and future changes, explains the trans-
actional communication perceptive, and offers a systems perspective as a via-
ble means for understanding organizations. Chapter 2 links perception with
understanding communication and organizations. Chapter 3 provides an
extensive discussion of the current organizational and management theories
that have set the stage for the modern organization.
Organizational communication is a complex topic. Chapter 4, on verbal
communication, presents an organization’s eye view of how language func-
tions and malfunctions. Chapter 5, on nonverbal communication, draws from
the broad research available and applies the relevant information to organiza-
tions. Chapter 6 focuses on networks and channels, which are the means by
which individuals, groups, and organizations connect. Symbolic behavior is
ix
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