COM 3120 - Organizational Communication

Communications Department

Credit(s): 3
Contact Hours: 47
Effective Term Spring 2016 (510)

Requisites

(Prerequisite ENC 1101 with a minimum grade of C or
Prerequisite ENC 1101H with a minimum grade of C or
Prerequisite IDS 1106 with a minimum grade of C) and
(Prerequisite SPC 1017 with a minimum grade of C or
Prerequisite SPC 1017H with a minimum grade of C or
Prerequisite SPC 1065 with a minimum grade of C or
Prerequisite SPC 1608 with a minimum grade of C or
Prerequisite SPC 1608H with a minimum grade of C)

Course Description

This course examines organizational communication as a process of creating, exchanging, interpreting and storing messages within a system of human interrelationships within an organization. Course topics include dissemination, interpersonal communication, work group interaction, nonverbal communication and other areas as they impact individuals’ behavior within the organization. Because communication is central to the existence of an organization, emphasis will be placed on practical techniques for diagnosing and resolving organizational communication problems.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will examine the process of perception and interpersonal and nonverbal communication within an organizational setting by:
    1. describing and comparing communication theories and the impact they have on organizational communication.
    2. analyzing the influence of body movement, facial expressions, and eye contact on communication.
    3. describing ways to anticipate and manage interpersonal conflict in an organization through various communication channels.
    4. explaining the ways in which clothing and personal appearance impact communication in an organization.
    5. analyzing the ways in which personal space, the physical environment, and time influence communication in an organization.
  2. The student will analyze small group communication and the functions of teamwork as they occur in an organizational setting by:
    1. explaining the types of work groups and teams found in an organization.
    2. describing the dynamics of group interaction.
    3. describing the principles of effective teamwork and team decision-making.
    4. analyzing the types of communication networks that take place in an organizational setting.
    5. summarizing the principles of effective team leadership.
    6. implementing the steps necessary to run effective face-to-face and digital meetings.
  3. The student will examine leadership and cultural roles that impact organizations and how those roles can be resistant to change by:
    1. describing how leadership strategies can enhance an organization's effectiveness.
    2. analyzing the importance of understanding cultural diversity in the workplace.
    3. identifying and comparing different styles of communication and explaining the ways in which they influence organizational relationships.
  4. The student will reflect upon the human component of communication to identify individual personality traits and human temperament that effects organizational communication and cohesion by:
    1. analyzing his or her own ability to influence others through persuasion and negotiation.
    2. distinguishing his or her own characteristic traits of predispositions and tendencies toward communication.
  5. The student will identify and critique current organizational communication theories and frameworks to case studies by:
    1. critiquing real-world organizational situations to implement effective solutions.

Criteria Performance Standard

Upon successful completion of the course the student will, with a minimum of 80% accuracy, demonstrate mastery of each of the above stated objectives through classroom measures developed by individual course instructors.

History of Changes

C&I 4/23/02, BOT 5/14/02, Effective yrtr 20021. Online 2002. 3 Year Review 2005. Speech #s chgd by F.R., eff20091(0415). C&I 4/27/2010, BOT 6/15/2010, Effective 20093(0425). C&I 12/7/2010, BOT 2/22/2011 as FYI, Effective 20102(0435). C&I Approval: , BOT Approval: 02/18/2014, Effective Term: Fall 2014 (490).
C&I Approval: 04/24/2015, BOT Approval: 06/16/2015, Effective Term: Spring 2016 (510)

Related Programs

  1. Public Policy and Administration (PPA-BS) (640) (Active)
  2. Public Safety Administration (PSA-BAS) (655) (Active)