This course will serve as a broad introduction to theories, perspectives, and empirical evidence related to organizational communication in a wide range of organizations (e.g., non-profit, for-profit, governmental, communal) and in a variety of contexts (e.g., industry, educational, social services, advocacy). Students will learn about historical, current and future issues; changes and challenges facing organizations; and the communication-relevant aspects of these issues. They will gain practice in applying theoretical perspectives and concepts to actual organizational situations and settings.  

Communication plays a central role in organizations. It can enable organizational members to persuade, motivate, lead, mislead, collaborate, or resist, and it may enhance or undermine relationships. Communication is also central to processes of organizing, such as teamwork, decision-making, knowledge sharing, organizational culture, socialization of employees, the implementation of new technology, member loyalty and turnover, as well as to external stakeholders and interorganizational relationships. The purpose of this course is to augment your understanding of the relationship between communication and organizations (e.g., corporations, non-profit agencies, sports teams, political parties, universities, or volunteer groups). (Offered every spring semester)

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand fundamental organizational perspectives, theories, and concepts.
• Use organizational communication theories and concepts to analyze behavior in organizations, through both case studies and real examples.
• Translate theory into practice and apply organizational theories and concepts to your social and professional life.
• Analyze and synthesize information and ideas form multiple sources to generate new insights.