1. 215005643 OCO521s 07BACO
NAMIBIA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Name : Sheya Andreas S N
Student Number: 215005643
Course : 25BACO
Course Module : OCO521S
Assignment : 01
Due date : 03 August 2015
215005643 | OCO521s | 07BACO

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Understanding organizational communication
Communication is one of the vital aspects of life and for an organization to function communication is
key. This is a broad perspective which no one can give an exhaustive definition; I therefore define
communication as a way of sharing or transmitting information, ideas, thoughts, feelings and
negotiating meanings throughout the interaction scene.
An organization is a structure with a group of people or departments cooperating to achieve a set target
and objectives. This ‘’cooperation’’ in any organization is communication, thus an organization cannot
be a theoretical neither a practical structure without communication, an organization is nothing without
communication. Myers (1982) states the meaning of organizational communication as a ‘’central binding
force that permits coordination among people and thus allows for organized behavior’’, the binding
force is the structure of an organization and coordinating is communication that happens within it. The
way in which a structure allows communication to occur within the organization is the ‘’behavior’’
(organized).
Trust is one of the greatest pillars for communication in every organization; effective communication
cannot take place appropriately if all stakeholders do not consider each other as important. In several
organizations we often hear allegations of infighting, division, corruption and so forth, such acts of
professional misconduct rise because of ineffective communication, mostly in organizations with a
classic management in which the fight for promotion is real.
A typical organization has the following diagnostic features; Job specialization, Interdependence
between departments, positions are occupied by miscellaneous persons, regular interaction between
people in departments, authority is based specific positions and communication technology plays a
greater role in the organizations functions.
Organizational communication has two basic perspectives in which it can be viewed from, the technical
theory and the meaning-centred theory.
The Technical theory infers to communicating effectively and efficiently via a specific medium; it is more
focused on limiting alterations to the message and other interruptions in the communication processes.
This theory is ever being put into practical applications and has thus led to major advancement in
technology, ‘’these communication technologies can help traditional organizational groups work
together more effectively. But, more importantly, they help dispersed individuals work as a team’’
Baker (2002). Examples voice recorders, surveillance cameras, cell-phones and many others.
The meaning-centred theory contemplates on organizational communication as inclusive of all forms of
human interaction, for example by verbal means in form of speech and language for-instance circulars,
contracts, letters, minutes, reports, financial statements, invoices, timetables, duty-sheets and memos.
This also includes diagrammatic sources of information.
Non-verbal cues by means of facial expressions, posture, eye -contact, breathing rate, body language
and so forth.
This theory prompts on the relationship between interacting individuals, the surrounding or place in
which they are, it has more human factors and brings in the thoughts, feelings, experiences of people
and the way they communicate. It further champions that communication is a central aspect of human
existence and organizations are non-existent without any form of human interaction.

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To be able to understand interactive processes in organizations, it is important to know and grasp the
main roles of effective communication skills. Every stakeholder in an organization should know the role
of being a competent communicator as no organization would achieve its objectives if people in it do
not know how to communicate essentially.
Innovation and transformation –An open-door policy allows employees to submit their proposals freely,
they tend to generate new ideas geared towards the successes of the organization. They wouldn’t be
reluctant to any alterations or transformation in operations as their mindsets initiates change.
Enhancing organizations standards and marketing- effective communication promotes productivity,
there are few costly errors, therefore making the organization successful. Employees and customers
would even recommend their friends to buy products from them, consequently increasing customers for
the organization.
Coordination and regulation of activities- Institutional democracy allows all parties to take ownership in
the running of the organization, thus preventing chaos because every person knows and comprehends
each of their roles and it is much easier to monitor employees and evaluate them with the use of
modern technology. For-instance, the software that monitors learner’s behaviour that is created by a
Polytechnic student.
Communication skills are the benchmark of the organizations performance, inability to communicate
effectively can hamper one’s success in a career. Hence it is vital for the achievement of the
organizations goals and maintenance of its core values.
Advances self-presentation skills- Effective communication skills furnishes the image an individual
portrays, people will value you as important because they value your views and opinions, they may also
make decisions prior to your evaluation.
Intensifies satisfaction- Communication competency promotes ones sense of high regard, as people are
always eager to listen to you and they will respect you because of the effective manner in which you
communicate. It instills a great sense of self because you are viewed as an eminent tool of the
organization.
Boosts promotion chances- Presentation of oneself as an effective communicator enhances your
chances of being promoted, your superiors will take cognizance of you as a goal oriented person with a
significant role to play for the organization to prosper.
Proliferates productivity- Effective communication is the best communication practice that will foster
the organizations towards the achievement of its goals and lead it to experience huge turnovers.
Every competent communicator should be aware of any impediments that may occur in the interaction
scenery, they are either alterations to the message or misconceptions of the information. Lack of
effective communication skills are a serious threat in the organization, they may cause severe damage in
every locale of the organizations framework. Common communication barriers in organizations are poor
communication skills; these predicaments can be costly to an organization and may instigate distrust,
bias and conflicts of interest which eventually lead to the collapse of the organization.

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Misinterpretation of messages often occurs due to the inappropriate way of communicating, all persons
shall be aware of the way and forms of communication they use, in a sense that you do not leave the
recipient in a state of confusion. Most orally disseminated information is misinterpreted but there is a
greater chance of clarity, though it can be mixed with the person’s emotions and other human factors.
Electronic communication may be easily comprehended because they are always straight forward.
Unfortunately they might have a dazing impact on the recipient. It’s significant to use relevant
communication mediums to appropriate persons. If you are not good in presenting oral messages, put
them in writing and whilst delivering oral messages, assure people if they understood what you said.
Every stakeholder is obliged to communicate effectively and appropriately as it enhances the
organizations communication framework. Written and oral messages should be delivered to the
relevant people via the necessary medium at the right time, the recipient must make sure he /she
understand the message and vice versa. Every person has the responsibility to respect others as
behavior influences the way a person communicates, everyone must feel valued in the organization and
should make others feel important as well. Effective communication is everyone’s responsibility in the
organization and none should feel left out.
In all, communication is the foundation of every organization, its targeted goals and objectives can only
be achieved if all parties know and understand their roles that are communicated to them. Every
stakeholder should know that they are a great ingredient to the organizations recipe of success and
should build a relationship of trust and mutual respect.
Communication competence is ultimately important for the accomplishment of the organizations
objectives and upholds its standards and core values.

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REFERENCES
1. Myers, M. T., & Myers, G. E. (1982). Managing by communication: An organizational approach.
McGraw-Hill College.
2. Baker, A. K (2002) Organizational communication, Chapter 13.
Retrieved from http:www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/doe/benchmark/Ch13.pdf
3. Mhene, M. (2015) Organizational communication – First print-out. Windhoek, Namibia