Week of April 12-18 Question #3

Organizational communication is interesting to examine. The book talks about tight and lose coupling. Organizations are very different in how they are set up and the flow of communication is affected by the segments of each department. I have been a part of organizations where information was passed along freely but unorganized. Sometimes this had the telephone game affect and information would turn into misinformation. Other organizations would have little clusters of people working in groups. When multiple clusters or multiple departments of an organization came together communication was lost or not transferred from one department to another.
It is important that the lines of communication are set up and organized for people and departments to filter appropriate information. In today's organizations typically this communication is passed by email and instant messaging. It is important that an organization goes over appropriate communication standards and procedures when using these communication tools.
I find that organizations that go over specifics in who, what, where, when, why, and how different departments and people should communicate have a clear understanding of how to interact and work within the organization. The book went into some detail about the differences of employees roles such as isolates, liaison, bridge, etc. but, I found the book to be too matter a fact and absolute in characterizing peoples roles. Organizations do have an hierarchy of status but, people go through different roles during projects and on multiple projects. I felt the book tried to put people into categories instead of focusing on how organizations can maneuver and adjust to communication and role changes that constantly occur.