Organizational Communication

CMN 2148B
Thurs 4-7, Arts 257
Lecturer: Trevor Tucker ttucker@uottawa.ca
Office Hours: Mondays 1-2, Arts 344
TA:
Course Description:
Theories of management that establish the context for organizational
communication, ranging from classical to cultural theories. Symbolic interaction in
organizations. Influence of new technologies on organizational communication.
Course Objectives:
-Be able to offer solid solutions to challenging organizational communication
situations, and describe the dynamics present in such contexts.
-In writing and in class discussion, be able to recount and apply theories regarding
organizational communication.
-Recognize the most challenging organizational communication contexts, the typical
responses, and key steps to improve the outcomes.
Grading:
4 pop in-class writing assignments 20%
Essay/script/letter package 20% (March 12)
Mid-term 20% (March 5)
Final Exam 40% (to be scheduled during the official examination period)
Your written work and exam will be marked for:
Comprehension: a clear sense of having understood and applied key concepts
Structure: a clear point with a logical flow
Language Use: concise word choice, audience-centred tone
Grammar and Punctuation: sentence fragments, run-ons, faulty parallelism?
Content: Does it make sense? Is it unique? Do you care?
A = clear writing with very few grammatical errors, and with novel ideas
B = clear writing, but with grammatical errors, and with predictable ideas
C = unclear writing, few ideas
D = Is this English?
Final Grades
Grades will be based on the official
A+
90-100%
B+
40-49%
A
85-89%
B
0-39%
A80-84%
C+

University of Ottawa Grade Scale:

75-79%
C
60-64%

70-74%

D+

55-59%

65-69%

50-54%

ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE HANDED IN ON TIME, at the beginning of class. If illness

or emergency is a factor, provide a doctors note ASAP. Otherwise, the paper will not
be accepted.

LAPTOPS, TABLETS, AND OTHER WIRELESS DEVICES ARE NOT PERMITTED.

This may be challenging for some of you, but because these devices hinder both
students retention and our own communication dynamic within the classroomand
because the prof is a Luddite (see online for definition), we will forego them. I will,
however, post some material, such as lengthier quotations, to Blackboard. Please pay
attention to both the Blackboard site and your uottawa account for course updates.
Email: Instructors email is primarily for sending assignments and setting up
appointments. Such quick, logistical emails will be answered promptly. Under no
circumstances will email be answered outside of normal business hours, on
weekends, or on holidays. Discussion of assignments and class content should
happen in person. Do not email asking what was covered in class, or questions
already answered in the course syllabus. It is your responsibility to obtain previously
covered material. When emailing, please put your name and course code in
the subject line.
Attendance: Attendance will be taken sporadically, and students are expected to
arrive on time. If you miss more than six classes, you may be barred from the final
exam.
Plagiarism: Forms of academic fraud include improper, missing, or made-up Bibliographical
information, passing off others work as ones own, turning in the same assignment for more
than one class, collaborative efforts when individual work is requested. All forms of academic
dishonesty are prohibited. If you are caught
plagiarizing you will be given a sanction which could include receiving a zero in this course
(see
http://arts.uottawa.ca/en/life-on-campus/academic-fraud-plagiarism)

REQUIRED TEXTS:
-Images of Organisation, Sage. Available at Benjamin Books (Osgoode St., beside
Father and Sons)
Mid-term: Multiple choice and three short answer questions. The test will cover all
material up to and including that given on Feb 26.
Pop writing assignments: These one-page writing assignments will be given
without notice. You will be asked to apply the readings covered in previous lectures.
(value: 5% each of final grade).
Term Assignment: (see Blackboard for more details)
Option 1: Essay
1a): Write an essay commenting on and applying the key dynamics outlined in one of
the chapters from March 12 onwards. Three sections: summary, analysis, and
application. You may cross-reference with other sources. 1200-1500 words. APA
format.
1b) Write an essay analysing and solving the key issues outlined in one of the
supplemental essays. Analyze whats going on, then suggest steps to solving the
issue. You may cross-reference with other sources. 1200-1500 words. APA format.
Option 2: Script
Prepare a presentation on one of the organizational models discussed in any chapter
following March 12, or on one of the communication issues discussed in the

supplemental essays. Submit a 10-15-minute script on the issues at hand, and how to
solve them (Approx 1200-1500 words). Note: the clarity of writing will also be graded.
Those who write exemplary scripts may be asked (though not required) to present.

Note: The schedule below is provisional; topics covered are

subject to change given student needs, interests and
interactions in class.
Schedule
Date
Jan 15
Jan 22
Jan 29
Feb 5
Feb 12
Feb 15-21
Feb 26
March 5
March 12
March 19
March 26
April 2
April 9
TBD

Topic
Introduction
Overview & Organizations as
Machines
Organizations as Organisms
Organizations as Brains
Organizations as Brains
(contd)
READING WEEK
Organizations as Cultures
Chapter 5
** Midterm Test: Chapters
1-5
Organizations as Political
Systems
Term Assignment Due
Organizations as Psychic
Prisons
Organizations as Flux and
Transformation
Organizations as Flux and
Transformation (contd)
Organizations as Instruments
of Domination
** Final Exam: Cumulative

Readings
No readings
assigned
Morgan, Chapters 1
&2
Morgan, Chapter 3
Morgan, Chapter 4

Morgan,

Morgan, Chapter 6
Morgan, Chapter 7
Morgan, Chapter 8

Morgan, Chapter 9