Recognizing Dysfunctional Communications a Means of Improving Organizational Practices By Molly Parsons & Steve Urbanski
The study by Parsons and Urbanski, examined a media company’s communication using two theoretical approaches: structuration theory (Giddens) and grounded theory (Strauss). The researchers used a survey, examined the use of communication technologies, and hosted a focus group. They sought to determine what strategies can be used to reduce dysfunctional communication and sustain a positive organizational culture. The researchers presented their findings and made recommendations about how the media company could improve its communication. At the end of the article, in the Appendices, the researchers shared the questions they asked employees in the survey.
A. Think about a past or present organization you are involved with. This organization could be a workplace or some other kind of organization. Drawing from the insights of the article, describe the communication patterns you have observed. Think about the downward, upward and horizontal communication in this organization. Review the appendices of the article to help you think about the communication that occurs in your organization.
B. If you have observed dysfunctional communication that has negatively impacted the organization’s culture, explain why you think the dysfunctional communication has occurred and make recommendations about how it could be improved. If the communication is largely functional, explain why the communication seems to be effective and suggest how the organization can help ensure that the effective communication continues.
