last updated 9/4/2012
Communication in the
Classical Organization
Communication Characteristics in Classical
Organizations
-
Content of messages is on TASK and
CONTROL
-
Primary emphasis on direction is DOWN
-
The medium of most importance is WRITTEN (although oral is more
common)
-
Style is FORMAL
Requirements for Communication in
Classical (mechanistic) Organizations
- SUFFICIENT UPWARD INFORMATION FOR DECISIONS
TO BE MADE AT HIGHER LEVELS
- special expert information as needed by the organization
- feedback on downward orders
- warnings about potential problems
- EFFECTIVE DOWNWARD COMMUNICATION
TO MAINTAIN COORDINATION AND CONTROL SO THE MISSION GETS
DOWN.
- downward messages must be clear and accurate
- downward messages must appear to come from the organization itself (not the individuals in charge)
- 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:
- What are typical ways
classically managed organizations attempt to motivate and control
members?
- What are some ways to
overcome problems with motivation in classically
managed organizations?