Graduate Organizational Communications Cluster

This course involves analysis of the communication theories that apply to organizational applications. Using in class discussions, journals, and written assignments, students will expand on life experiences and previous learning by situational analysis of theories, including applying the ABC model to identify communication effectiveness in workplace settings.

This course examines leadership roles in the communication structure and offers a deeper analysis of organizations and "systems" of internal and external communication flow. Special attention to problems of specialization and departmentalization complements the study of styles emphasized in the undergraduate cluster. Using in class discussions, journals, and written assignments, students will identify communication effectiveness, power strategies, and decision-making in the organization at the team and/or individual level.

This course introduces motivation, motivating and persuasive techniques. Reviewing motivations behind communication and leadership extends to case studies of problems and issues in communication systems within organizational frameworks. Students will develop a final project and a research paper designed to enhance organizational communications, leadership, and performance. Included should be methods to effectively support the organizational mission and maximize potential. Students should also discuss specific strategies for improving their own skills in self-motivation, leadership, communication, strategic thinking, and performance. A discussion of gender and cultural differences will also be included.