last updated 9/4/2012

Communication in the Classical Organization

 Communication Characteristics in Classical Organizations

1. Content of messages is on TASK and CONTROL

2. Primary emphasis on direction is DOWN

3. The medium of most importance is WRITTEN (although oral is more common)

4. Style is FORMAL

 Requirements for Communication in Classical (mechanistic) Organizations

1. SUFFICIENT UPWARD INFORMATION FOR DECISIONS TO BE MADE AT HIGHER LEVELS
   1. special expert information as needed by the organization
   2. feedback on downward orders
   3. warnings about potential problems
2. EFFECTIVE DOWNWARD COMMUNICATION TO MAINTAIN COORDINATION AND CONTROL SO THE MISSION GETS DOWN.
   1. downward messages must be clear and accurate
   2. downward messages must appear to come from the organization itself (not the individuals in charge)
3. MOTIVATION AND CONTROL MESSAGES must be clear in explaining rewards and rules to get employees to conform to goals (because the classical model assumes motivation is mostly external based on rewards and punishments).

  Discussion Questions:

1. What are typical ways classically managed organizations attempt to motivate and control members?
2. What are some ways to overcome problems with motivation in classically managed organizations?