PRL 5001 Organisational Communication

STAFFING:

RATIONALE:

This course examines the role of Communication in an applied context by focusing on intra-organisational paradigms of individual, group, network and corporate cultures. In particular it addresses the main theoretical approaches to organisational communication including the Scientific approach, the Human Relations School, Systems Theory, Contingency Theory and the Ethnographic 'subjectivist' Approaches as well as discussing philosophical approaches.

SYNOPSIS:

This course provides a theoretical and conceptual foundation for an understanding of organisational communication by focusing on intra- organisational paradigms of individual, group, network and corporate cultures. In particular it addresses the main theoretical approaches to organisational communication including the Scientific approach, the Human Relations School, Economic/ Rationalism, and Philosophical Approaches and how these are integrated into organisational structures. The impact of the individual as well as the group as part of the communication process is examined including social influence and conformity, cohesiveness, role structure and superior/subordinate relations. Organisational innovation and change that reflects empowerment and organisational communication is also addressed.

OBJECTIVES:

On successful completion of this course students should:

1. understand the application of communication theory to organisational communication;
2. have developed perspectives on the transition from traditional social science approaches concerning organisational communication to the emergence of naturalistic, interpretative scholarship in the field;
3. understand the standard theories of organisation and organisational effectiveness as well as traditional scholarship or communication structure and function, superior-subordinate relationships and group decision making;
4. be able to discuss organisational communication themes from the perspective of structural-functionalism, a contemporary model in the contemporary functionalist view of organisational culture;
5. be able to evaluate communication theory in its application to the functioning of organisations.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

Refer to Course Resources.

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   There are no attendance requirements for this external course. However, it is the student's responsibility to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assessment item.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval, then a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the assignment will apply for each of the first FIVE working days late, after which a zero mark will be given.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of a passing grade, students must demonstrate, via the summative assessment items, that they have achieved the required minimum standards in relation to the objectives of the course by obtaining at least 50% of the total weighted marks for all summative assessment.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks (or grades) obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   There is no exam for this course.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Given the details under (6) above, there are no deferred exams for this course. However, if any deferred/makeup work is granted, it would have to be submitted by a date set by the examiner.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

1. If assignments in the course require the use of surveys, interviews, etc., students should be aware of the University and Faculty of Arts ethical requirements/guidelines. (The course syllabus distributed to students in the first week of teaching provides this information.)