Prompt 1: Organizational communication defined
While it has a long and interesting history, the field of organizational communication is not well understood. In their article, Kristen Broadfoot and Debashish Munshi attempt to shed light on this field. They hold that organizational communication is concerned with exploring the interactions between the affairs and operations of corporate institutions and the social world (Broadfoot & Munshi, 2007). Here, Broadfoot and Munshi are suggesting that those in the field of organizational communication are concerned with helping organizations to navigate the complexities of the social world. This means that using different communication tools, scholars in the field convey the concerns of the social world to corporate entities. For example, a professional in organizational communication could represent a lobby that is urging a firm to adopt environmentally-friendly policies. It is worth noting that the field of organizational communication also involves the internal affairs of corporate entities. The scholars and experts in this field work with organizations to address the internal issues that they face. For example, a scholar in organizational communication could help a firm adopt better techniques for communicating with employees.
Robin Clair adds her voice to the discussion on the meaning of the field of organizational communication. She contends that this field is concerned with “the orchestration of expression and the expression of our humanity” (Clair 289). Clair captures the essence of this field. While Broadfoot and Munshi suggest that organizational communication is largely concerned with corporate affairs, Clair notes that this field mainly involves personal matters. The field explores how different individuals exploit different tools to share their thoughts, ideas and feelings with the world. This field empowers one to be more effective in their communication.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Dennis Mumby and Cynthia Stohl are other scholars who join the discussion on the essence of the field of organizational communication. Instead of defining this field, Stohl and Munby shed light on the role that those in the field perform. They argue that these individuals are “sociologists who study organizations” (Mumby & Stohl, 1996). As they define the functions of those who serve in the field of organizational communication, Mumby and Stohl describe what this field entails. Based on their definition of the roles of organizational communication scholars and experts, Mumby and Stohl allow one to understand that this field focuses on the human interactions in an organization. It explores how different people communicate and engage with one another.
Prompt 2: Impacts of identity on organizational communication
There are various factors that shape how individuals conduct themselves in an organization. Identity is among these factors. Partnering with other scholars, Patrice Buzzanell explores the impact that identity has on organizational communication. These scholars give particular focus to working mothers. They note that the identity of these mothers shape their interactions with other stakeholders in an organization (Buzzanell et al., 2005). The mothers seek to perform their professional responsibilities while remaining committed to their families. These women also introduce discussions about such issues as work-life balance into the workplace. Essentially, Buzzanell and his colleagues suggest that one’s identity determines the issues that they communicate about. One is likely to push for a communication agenda that serves their interest and is in line with their identity.
Buzzanell and his team are not alone in their exploration of the effect that identity has on organizational communication. Mumby and Stohl also discuss how one’s identity influences their communication. They note that professional identity has an impact on the communication approaches that one adopts. These scholars suggest that people tend to define themselves based on what they do. For example, an organizational communication scholar could define himself as a professional who examines the dynamics of communication in companies. From Mumby and Stohl’s discussion, it is clear that one’s professional identity plays a defining role in shaping how they engage with others.
The impact that identity has on organizational communication can also be seen in individual personal experiences. Individuals often borrow from their personal experiences, belief systems and perspectives to define how they communicate. For instance, an open person who understands the value of communication would embrace dialogue and engaging debates. On the other hand, an individual who is cold is unlikely to adopt approaches that allow for open communication.
References
Broadfoot, K. J. & Munshi, D. (2007). Diverse Voices and Alternative Rationalities. Imagining
Forms of Postcolonial Organizational Communication. Management Communication
Quarterly, 21 (2), 249-267.
Buzzanell, P. M., Meisenbach, R., Remke, R., Liu, M., Bowers, V. & Conn, C. (2005). The
Good Working Mother: Managerial Women’s Sensemaking and Feelings about Work-
Family Issues. Communication Studies, 56 (3), 261-285.
Clair, R. C. (1999). Standing still in an Ancient Field. A Contemporary Look at the
Organizational Communication Discipline. Management Communication Quarterly,
13 (2), 283-293.
Mumby, D. K. & Stohl, C. (1996). Disciplining Organizational Communication Studies.
Management Communication Quarterly, 10 (1), 50-72.
