Flashcards on Organizational Communication Fundamentals
Organizational Communication Fundamentals: A Student Guide
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Organizational Structure and Communication
13 cards
Card 1
Question: What is a functional organizational structure and how are employees grouped in it?
Answer: A functional structure groups employees based on specialized functions (e.g., Marketing, Finance, HR, Production, Operations); each department is head
Card 2
Question: What types of authority and communication exist in a functional structure?
Answer: It consists of line authority and communication as well as functional authority and communication.
Card 3
Question: How does a matrix organizational structure group employees?
Answer: Employees are grouped two ways: by their functional group and by the production/project team they work with.
Card 4
Question: To whom do employees report in a matrix structure and what problem can this cause?
Answer: Employees usually report to both a functional manager and a project manager; this dual reporting can create conflict among superiors and confusion for
Card 5
Question: What is essential for the effectiveness of a matrix organizational structure?
Answer: Teamwork and effective communication are extremely important to ensure effectiveness.
Card 6
Question: What common source of conflict is mentioned between different types of managers and experts?
Answer: The division between managers, line managers, and staff experts frequently leads to conflict.
Card 7
Question: What are five key communication considerations an organization must pay attention to?
Answer: Ensure information flows freely so everyone has access to needed information; prevent message overload; avoid message underload; scrutinize lines of c
Card 8
Question: What is formal communication and what does it typically include?
Answer: Formal communication is associated with the formal organizational structure, travels through proper channels, is often in black and white, and may inc
Card 9
Question: What is informal communication and what forms can it take?
Answer: Informal communication (grapevine) arises from informal relationships like friendship or shared membership; it can include comments, suggestions, simp
Card 10
Question: What is vertical communication and what directions can it take?
Answer: Vertical communication is information flow in a downward or upward direction within the organization.