Question 1
In Chapter 9 of your textbook, the author discusses the concept of organizational development. Although organizational development can be an effective way for companies to remain competitive, only about two-thirds of change efforts are actually successful. Why do you believe organizational development is so difficult?
Think of a barrier to organizational development that you have personally experienced as an employee or that stands out to you as being common. Explain why you believe this barrier is challenging for organizations as well as what you would do to overcome it, if you were faced with change in your organization.
Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references.
Student Reply 1: Craig
Good Afternoon Class,
I think that one of the things that may be a barrier to organizational development is the mindset by members of the organization that have been there for a long time. The element of change is sometimes not welcomed by the people that have many years of service. Kreps (2019) writes that some issues arise out of upgrades in technology and the turnover of personnel (p 9.2) and can be seen as a challenge to employees. This is where organizational communication, both formal and informal come in to play. As we learned from our first week, the way that information is disseminated is key. The CEO of an organization may utilize formal communications or downward communications in order to get a message to the organization as a whole, however the more immediate managers may use informal communications to pass along information in a way that everyone can understand.
Cultural barriers also unfortunately exist. If a company is trying to introduce or change a particular culture, there may be resistance. In that case the mentality could be, “We don’t do it that way”. In that instance, there would need to be an educational campaign so that training could be given to those that are affected. I find that in todays world most organizations are not met with resistance but I would say that there is absolutely hesitance when it comes to organizational development. New ideas are hard to get used to, and I can say that I have seen that everyone has an opinion as to how something should be done. They should do this, or they should do that. Most companies perform audits to see how and what changes can be made.
Reference:
Kreps, G. L. (2011). Communication in Organizations, Second Edition. Bridgeport Education.
Student Reply 2: Brian
Good evening,
Organizational development is difficult as it requires stability and innovation. Many organizations exchange ideas about becoming innovative however, quickly realize that its application creates uncertainty within its environment when not well thought out. The easy answer for most organizations is to focus on stability. Stability makes people feel safe. Additionally, if not equally applied within an organization the development becomes stagnate creating a poor climate and loss of satisfaction in the workplace.
A barrier in organizational development I have personally experienced was best described by Kreps (2019), when new goals, products, processes, or regulations are introduced, these new demands can lead to uncertainty for organizational participants who are unsure of how to make sense of and respond effectively to these situational demands (p.9.2). This barrier is challenging within organizations because it redirects the focus of the organization in many different directions all at once. If the purpose of organizational development is to improve effectiveness it requires organizations to effectively communicate with their members on how to implement the changes so there is a common understanding of where the organization is moving.
One way I would overcome this barrier is by taking the time to ensure the message is created in a way that removes uncertainty. I would also ensure that the organization’s values are addressed throughout the process to create common ground (stability). Changes in organizations are often drawn out and take entirely too long to get the process moving in the direction the organization wants before something else is introduced. This occurs due to being too innovative, and why I would focus on creating a simple message that is easy to understand and implemented.
Reference:
Kreps, G. L. (2011). Communication in Organizations, Second Edition. Bridgeport Education.
Question 2
Mediated communication and social media (e.g., email, blogs, Facebook, Skype, and Twitter) have played a major role in changing the way that organizations engage in communication with their customers and with employees internally. As we have learned this week, communicating through electronic media is referred to as mediated communication. There are pros and cons to using mediated communication in the work environment. How do you believe mediated communication has improved organizational communication? How has it hurt organizational communication? Provide examples to illustrate your point.
Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Day 7.
Student Reply 3 :Quentin
Week 4 Discussion 2: Mediated Communication in Organizations
Mediated communication has undoubtedly played a major role in how many organizations communicate , especially from last year to now with COVID still plaguing the world. Mediated communication enables organizational members to quickly and efficiently relay information to each other with little to no limitations. According to Kreps (2019) “Technology-mediated communication channels often enable users to quickly and efficiently reach many different organizational participants in a variety of locations, making it easier for them to share information and coordinate activities from anywhere in the world” (ch.8.1). As many can probably attest to during last year’s pandemic, mediated communication was highly utilized in many organizations. My organization utilized the Microsoft Teams mediated communication platform to primarily conduct formal meetings. The providers I work with utilized other virtual mediated communication platforms to see patients and treat them. In doing so, processes that routinely required face to face interactions were still made possible and we were able to avoid a complete shut down. This also allowed for members that were deemed high risk to be able to telework from home minimizing their exposure. Despite all the good that mediated channels have provided us, there are limitations to these platforms. The limitations my organization encountered were issues revolving around the technical infrastructure. Several of the communication platforms we use require some form of internet access. If there are weather conditions or network outages, our internet access could be effected which could cause patient cancellations or delays. Another disadvantage of mediated communication is not being able to see the non-verbal cues you typically would be able to see compared to a face to face encounter.
References:
Kreps, G. L. (2019). Communication in organizations (2nd ed.). Bridgepoint Education.
Student Reply 4 Alexander
Hi Everyone,
How do you believe mediated communication has improved organizational communication?
With social media now in our everyday lives communication is easier. If a company needs to send out information that could affect customers or employees posted it on social media helps get the word across. With Covid-19 it really affected business and people’s lives in general. Waking up to find they now have no job since the business has to close its doors to fulfill state mandates.
How has it hurt organizational communication?
One not everyone has social media so to expect employees to only know what’s going through social media is kind of silly. Also, people with the wrong intentions could leave your business reviews that can hurt your business. My girlfriend before graduating nursing school was a vet tech. A lot of customers come in with no money to their name expecting the vet clinics to just do it for free. I’m talking vet bills that will cost $1000 plus because of surgeries etc. Leaving reviews saying they are heartless and only want money. I hate to sound like I do not have a heart but animals are a responsibility. If you can’t afford what comes along with it you can not expect every time an animal comes in its free. This would result in the vets and vet techs not being paid and most importantly the vet clinic closing their doors. I mean there are people that come in to put down a dog that is five years old because they want to get a new puppy. Medicine is a tough business and the 4th highest suicide rate in medical practice as veterinarians. They get paid crumbs and are yelled at all day by people taking animals to the vet clinic.
References
Top 11 professions with highest suicide rates. Mental Health Daily. (2015, January 6). https://mentalhealthdaily.com/2015/01/06/top-11-pr… (Links to an external site.).
Kreps, G. L. (2019). Communication in organizations (2nd ed.). Bridgepoint Education.
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