Communication and Work Systems

This book provides a practical definition and explanation of 'communicative behavior' for use in understanding interaction in work settings. It clearly presents a model of the elements of a work system, and summarizes theories that explain how organizations function and how managers work within the work system. It also describes how to recognize and solve both communication and organization problems. Furthermore, the volume analyzes various processes that occur in the work system, such as disseminating and retrieving information, energizing employees to work smarter, using power and empowering others, facilitating groups and work teams, managing conflict and stress, and how to manage knowledge in the organization, among others. The book describes some of the most likely careers that graduates might enter upon graduation. It also highlights a variety of explanations of organization theory, management theory, culture theory, postmodern theory and critical theory so that the full range of ideas about communication and the places where people work and interact are explored.