Introduction
In the following analysis, the focus is mainly on analyzing the way strategic communication is complex within the public sector (Jacobs & Wonneberger, 2019). As the article reveals, managers in charge of communication within public sector organizations operate in increasingly complex environments. Media are the major source of information for the stakeholders, and as such, they play a major role in shaping individual perception. In the ensuing analysis, the focus is mainly on revealing the premise of the article, the conflict and the communication techniques that can be applied to solve it.
Article Premise and Points supporting it and significance to the course
The article is based on the premise that, the job of the communication manager in the public sector organizations (PSOs) is faced with wide range of challenges. In that sense, the communication manager job is extremely demanding. Unlike their counterparts in the private organizations, PSOs are faced with additional formal and legal constraints in their communication, making their environment more uncertain, complex, ambiguous and volatile (Jacobs & Wonneberger, 2019). The author supports the premise by significant points arguing that, PSOs have to deal with a wide range of issues and stakeholders, making their work even complex. Indeed, stakeholders have different goals and not all positions are clear. In that sense, they have to establish a neutral ground that will accommodate all bodies and individuals.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Conflict in the Article
The major outstanding conflict in the article is that, strategic communication within public organizations is difficult than that of private organizations. Notably, all public organizations are in most cases instruments of elected bodies carrying out public policies. Owing to the inherent political nature, public responsibilities have numerous implications for those conducting and organizing strategic communication (Jacobs & Wonneberger, 2019). The managers in charge of communication have to explore the different and competing values such as democratic principles, fairness and efficiency. Election rhythms and political ideologies influence the PSOs principles, and as such, lead to uncertainty for communication manager and organizations (Jacobs & Wonneberger, 2019). PSOs lack autonomy to change own mission and are mandated towards solving societal problem instead of utilizing the opportunities that end up affecting the strategic communication possibilities.
Communication techniques to resolve conflict
In view of the article, functional conflict is evident considering that, constructive disagreements are evident between the stakeholders. The key stakeholders in the article are intraorganizational, media, public and core departments. The most appropriate communication is through the media. The article recognizes the fact that, strategic communication in the public sector is complex and the study aimed at understanding better the role of media as a major stakeholder that joins the organization with its complex environment. Media plays a prevalent role in communicating the set goals in any organization, and help to shape the public perception (Carter, Byrnes & American Management Association, 2006). Notably, the manner in which the conflict has been communicated has opened platform for accomplishing the solution together, and as such, improvements and innovations within the public sectors have been realized.
Conclusion
In overall, communication managers within the public sectors are working in complex environments. The managers in charge of communication have to explore the different and competing values such as democratic principles, fairness and efficiency. Functional conflict is evident in the article and media is the most appropriate means of communicating it.
References
Carter, G. L., Byrnes, J. F., & American Management Association. (2006). How to Manage Conflict in the Organization (Vol. 2nd ed). [Watertown, MA?]: AMA Self-Study.
Jacobs, S. & Wonneberger, A. (2019). Dealing with Increasing Complexity: Media Orientations of Communication Managers in Public Sector Organizations. International Journal of Communication 13, 918–937
