Question

I need answer to this homework:

In one of the readings, Survey of Communication Study, Organizational Communication, we have reviewed the five theoretical perspectives (classical, human relations, human resources, systems and cultural)  for understanding organizational communication. Define, in your own words, those five perspectives and answer the following questions:

Think of an organization you have worked in.

What theoretical perspective did the organization take towards its workers?

What was it like working within the boundaries of that perspective?

Answer 1

The five theoretical perspectives of organizational communication are:

- Classical approach- In early times organization was considered like machines with predefined fixed functions on which they would work. They posses the characteristics of specialization where, like machines, different parts of the organization have got specific funtions on which they work; standardization where all the parts work on a set standard and hence are easily replaced or interchanged and predictability in which the results from organizational operations are prdictable as they work on rules and standards.

- Human relations approach- Under this approach the organization is operated like a family and the needs of the workers are considered other than the remuneration they are paid for their services. It is believed that only if the higher needs like self actualization and interpersonal relationship at workplace of the employees will be fulfilled will they work more productively and efficiently in the organzation.

- Human resource approach- This approach is the combination of classical and human relations approach where it is considered that an organization can work at its best productive way if the personal needs of the employees are fulfilled and at the same time their capacity is utilised in the optimum way for the organizational goals. It emphasizes on expression of individual thoguhts and ideas for the benefit of the organization.

- System approach- Under this approach the organization is viewed as complex organisms that have to survive by interaction with the enviornment. It emphasizes on the study and understanding of the management of the organization. The approach comprises of three elements that are hierarchical ordering where subsystems are arranged in a complex order; interdependence where the functioning of each system depends on the other and permeability where accessing the information of the system is either permitted or restricted.

- Cultural approach- It visualises the organization by the culture it comprises of. A culture that the organization has and culture that the organization is are two perspectives of this approach. The elements that will be included in the organizational culture are values and traditions, rights and rituals, belief systems, practices, ceremonies, rules of communications and narration.

The organization I have worked in followed the human resources approach where they combined the classical approach and human relations approach to function and meet the goals. This combination helped the organization to satisfy the individual needs of the workers and also maximize the organizational productivity. Fullfiling the needs satisfies the employees who in return contribute to their maximum capability for the organizational growth. This is the aprroach where the organization works in a way that shows concern for the people of the organization as well as the results to be derived in the organization.

Working within the boundaries of this perspective wasn't difficult as the employees views and thoughts are considered important. Working for the organizational goals is important and the responsibility of each employee working in the organization but letting their thoughts and ideas be heard and considered gives them a motivation to work and contribute towards the organizational goals with consent. Hence human resource approach is a wide perspective for organizational commmunication that leads to satisfying individuals and achieving organizational goals.