Craig Engstrom, Ph.D.'s Courses and Research
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COM 320: Organizational Communication

Course Outline


ECIC  AoK: SPA
General Description

As described in the course catalog:

This course focuses on the application of communication theories as applied to organizational structures and design. Topics include open-systems theory, productivity, power, culture, socialization, identity, technology, ethics, and globalization within a wide range of organizations and contexts.

The purpose of this course is to provide you with a basic knowledge of the processes of organizing as a communicative phenomenon, to explore the effect of organizational processes on communication, to investigate the everyday practices of communicative subjects and objects within organizations, and to discuss the rational and non-rational design and structure of formal organizations. You will be introduced to the scholarly field of organizational communication and will learn how to critically assess your organizational experiences in order to improve organizational practices and organizational structures.

Rather than view communication as one factor of modern organizational life, we will approach our study from the perspective that organizations are largely constituted by communication. In business and non-profit institutions, in governmental agencies, and in organized religious groups, the construction of meaning through communication (especially narrative and rhetorical communication) shapes collective attitude and action. Our attention to practical concerns (e.g., globalization, gender, employee participation programs, diversity, and affirmative action issues) affecting today's organizational workspaces will bring theoretical discussions to life.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will
  • have a broad understanding of the history of organizational theory;
  • have a deeper understanding of the theories of organizational communication;
  • have a strong understanding of open systems and institutional theories;
  • have a capacity to recognize communicative processes used in the foundation, maintenance, and disruption of organizations;
  • have stronger academic and professional vocabularies;
  • be able to identify and evaluate external environmental factors that influence organizational structure;
  • able to analyze the nature and consequences of organizational messages – including their in(formal), (non)strategic, relational, instrumental, symbolic, and ideological dimensions; and, 
  • be able to apply communication theories and business communication strategies toward the strategic development of organizing processes.

Textbooks

Required
Required
Optional
Additional required readings will be made available on Blackboard.

Resources

  • Course Tumblr blog
  • Student Resources (Old Textbook)
  • How to Read a Case Study
  • APA

Pedagogy

Methods of Instruction
  • Intensive reading
  • Lecture
  • Class discussion
  • Group and individual activities
Assignments
  • Quizzes or exams
  • Papers
  • Presentations--e.g., speeches or podcasts
  • Final research paper that explores a single theory

ECIC Objectives

AoK = SPA (Social Political Analysis)
  • Describe social, political, economic and cultural institutions and processes, the relationships between them, and their impact on individuals and groups.
  • Describe how differences of class, race, ethnicity and gender are related to these institutions and their outcomes.
  • Identify, use, and evaluate the paradigms, theories and methodologies which describe and explain social, political, economic, and cultural institutions and their outcomes.
  • Identify means through which individuals can affect change in social, political, economic or cultural institutions.

Let's not be strangers.


Consulting

​communication.work

Telephone

618.203.1997

Email

craig.engstrom[at]siu.edu

Site Terms

Read here.
Contacts
  • Home
  • Courses
    • SIUC - Sp 2021 Courses
    • CMST 390/490 - Applied Communication
    • Online/Hybrid Courses >
      • CMST 101: Public Speaking
    • Course Policies (Syllabus) >
      • Writing
    • Courses Archive >
      • COM 213: Public Speaking
      • COM 220: Intro to Org Comm
      • CMST 380 Intro to Leadership and Org Comm
      • CMST 411 - Rhetorical Criticism
      • CMST 480: Biz & Org Comm Cases
      • CMST 493-19: International Films
      • CMST 480: Dynamics of Org Comm (SIUC)
      • CMST 483: Adv. Business & Org Comm
      • CMST 484: Social Media >
        • Sample SoMe Plans
        • Graduate Readings
      • COM 315: Intercultural Comm
      • COM 319: Bus and Prof Comm
      • COM 320: Org Comm
      • COM 321: Case Studies in Org Comm
      • COM 353: Intercultural Films
      • COM 490: Comm Training (Capstone)
    • Common Forms >
      • Students > Share Work
      • Students' Kind Words
      • Group Evaluation
      • Leader Evaluation
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Branding
    • Craig's Video Recommendations
    • Job Hunt Resources
    • Learning Paths >
      • How to Create Vertical Videos in PowerPoint
      • Conflict Seminars: Training Guides
      • Conflict & Negotiation
    • Student Resources >
      • How To Vids
      • Haiku Deck
    • Teaching Resources
    • Resume Resources
    • Public Speaking Resources >
      • Public Speaking Resources
      • Sample Ignite Talks
      • Infographics
    • CMST Projects >
      • My Communication Story
      • Comm Posters
      • CMST Templates
    • SIU Scholarships
  • CV/Research
    • Podcasts >
      • Podcast D.J. Jeffries
      • Podcast Drew Swithin
      • Podcast Kaci Huelsman
      • Do a Podcast!
    • Communication Teacher Article
    • Journals
  • Internships/Jobs
    • CMST Internships for Credit
  • Webinars
    • Past Streams - 2021
  • Contact