cjn 405 lecture 3-22-11
DESCRIPTION
This is a copy of my Power Point presentation on the topic of Organizational Culture Theory and Critical Theory. This lecture was taught at Suffolk University Communication Department on March 22, 2011.TRANSCRIPT
CJN-405-D Communication Theory
Spring 2011
Professor: Dr. Gloria M. [email protected]
Guest Lecturer: Natalia [email protected]
Class Layout
IntroductionLecture: Organizational Culture Theory Critical Theory
Discussion
Trivia Quiz
Evaluations
Organizational Culture Theory
Understand organization (org.) through cultural lens
Proposed by anthropologist Clifford Geertz
Explore org. life beyond popular cultureOrganizations have values, stories, goals,
practices and philosophies
What is Organizational Culture?
“Culture is not something an organization has; a culture is something an
organization is”.
Pacanowsky & O’Donnell-Trujillo, 1982, p. 146.
Organizational Culture
“I don’t know how it started, either. All I know is that it’s part of our corporate culture.”
CultureOrganization Culture = beyond the variety
of races, ethnicities, backgrounds, etc.
Culture is communicatively constructed
Culture is distinct to each organizationIncludes emotional and psychological
climate (i.e. morale, attitudes and levels of productivity)
Organizational CultureExample: Winner Culture
Assumptions of Organizational Culture Theory
1) Members create and maintain a shared sense of organizational reality (shared values)
2) Use and interpretation of symbols (stories, rituals, communication styles)
3) Cultures vary across organizations, and interpretations of actions within these cultures are diverse.
Shared SymbolsActions, routines, rituals, conversations
Each symbol has a unique meaning that people attach to these symbols
Physical, behavioral and verbal symbols (ex.: building décor, customs and rituals, jokes and stories)
Organizational Culture Theory“…Observe, record, and make sense of
the communicative behavior of organizational members” (Pacanowsky and O’Donnell-Trujillo, 1982, p. 250)
Understand the “totality or lived experience within organizations” (Pacanowsky, 1989, p. 250).
Organizational Culture Theory
Critical Theory
Stanley Deetz-Challenges organizational corporate
structure
Need for balance between corporate and human interests
Workplaces can be made more productive through communication reforms
Critical TheoryCorporate dominance (emphasis on
managerial control) in decision making
Corporate messages shape reality (meanings and values)
Language and communication strategies contribute to corporate climate
Critical Theory: Types of Control
1. Strategy-Overt Managerial Control Desire to control above all
Focusing on control to avoid conflict2. Consent-Covert Control Without
Objection Control through voluntary consent
Common sense control Examples: GPA, admissions standards, academic
hierarchy, and other policies
Critical Theory: Power Struggle
Critical Theory: SOLUTIONDemocratic approachMediation not persuasionManagement reintegratedinto productionAll stakeholders shouldhave a “voice” and be committed to the organization’s success
Questions?
Let’s Discuss