Recognizing Dysfunctional Communications a Means of Improving Organizational Practices

Journal Title: Online Journal of Communication and Media Technologies - Year 2012, Vol 2, Issue 4

Abstract

Abstract Effective communication is not only an essential aspect of an organizational culture, but it is also the foundation of modern organizations (i.e. D’Aprix, 1996; Grenier & Metes 1992; Witherspoon, 1997). In order to respond to an organizational environment and a rapidly changing environment that demands flexibility, attention must be given to effective communication. Tubbs and Moss (2006) state, “… communication is effective when the stimulus as initiated and intended by the sender, or source, corresponds closely to the stimulus as it is perceived and responded to by the receiver” (p. 24). Effective communication can complement successful interpersonal work relationships as well as both internal and external communication practices. Pearce (1989) notes that individuals often talk past each other even when the conversation appears coherent and well coordinated; they may subsequently interpret different accounts of what each other said. Positive internal and external communication patterns can become strategies for reducing dysfunctionalism within an organization. These patterns are essential for both the coordination of interactions in an organization and the reaching of a true consensus instead of imposing decisions (Malone & Crowston, 1994). Hence, effective communication patterns should be established to ensure effective communication in a dysfunctional (or non-effectively communicating) organizational culture. It also can be a means toward achieving organizational goals. This research illustrates how individuals in organizations can adapt their communication practices when faced with dysfunctional communicative interactions. It has been perceived that well-performing organizations adapt well to changes in environment, structure, and have strategies to enhance organizational performance and thus reduce dysfunctionalism (Entin, 1999). This research adds additional strategies on avoiding dysfunctional communication in order to empower organizations in the 21st century.

Authors and Affiliations

Molly Parsons| Gonzaga University, USA, Steve Urbanski| West Virginia University, USA

Keywords

Related Articles

Social Media Aided Sentiment Analysis in Forecasting

User generated contents on web and social media grow rapidly in this emerging information age. Social media provides a platform for people to create contents, share them and bookmark them in a tremendous way. The expon...

Coping with Women’s Cancer and Perceived Providers’ Support: Does Type of Cancer Make a Difference?

Women with cancer utilize a variety of coping strategies to meet their emotional and informational support needs. Different cancer diagnoses are likely to influence patients’ coping and providers’ effectiveness in...

Facing Off: Theorizing Over-Sharing and Under-Reading

This article offers a distinct rendering of Facebook. The social media giant is framed by Harold Innis’s late masterwork, The Bias of Communication. Probing what happens with media for leisure transform into educatio...

Virtuel Flaneuseasa New Consumer Identity: A Qualitative Research on Pinterest

Cultural dimensions of products have virtually the same prominence as their functionality in network society. Nowadays, new consumer identities are also worthy being analyzed. The aim of this study is to focus on urban...

Health Communication through Social Media Evaluation of Communication Opportunities Offered by Social Networks to Health Care Institutions

Social networks gives it’s users an oppportunity to share his / her activities, events and field of interests with their networks online. This happens through, instant messages, e-mails and shares. Technology is rapi...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP9923
  • DOI -
  • Views 356
  • Downloads 19

How To Cite

Molly Parsons, Steve Urbanski (2012). Recognizing Dysfunctional Communications a Means of Improving Organizational Practices. Online Journal of Communication and Media Technologies, 2(4), 155-175. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-9923