Communication Theory
Communication has become an essential part of the field in political, social, economic, and religious settings. Communication is defined using three points; a level of observation, intentionality, and judgment (LittleJohn, 2018, p. 4). Its purpose is equally becoming very important concerning the notion of strategic management. For this reason, understanding the lenses through which communication is being viewed in this contemporary era is vital. In unveiling the implicit approaches under which the already existing research has presented the concept of communication theory. According to the Ruler (2018, p.367), the term communication theory is defined as a collection of theories that make up the individual understanding of the process of communication. Theories demonstrate different ways through which observers view their environment. And as Ruler puts it (2018, p.367), each theory is partial because theories are abstractions. Every theory prevents viewing, and its value of truth can only be measured based on how well it was developed and its effectiveness. In this research paper, our main emphasis involves applying a particular theory to an organization to make sense of it while giving a specific communication event, experience, message, or phenomena. The theory selected is the theory of organizing by Karl Wieck, which is discussed as follows.
Phenomena under Investigation
The study’s goal is to find out how the organizing theory of Karl Wieck is applied in the organizational chapter. Critical to this is how organizational interactions are enhanced. The study explores how organizing theory influences organizing and communication. According to Muller & Lee, 2002), the organizing theory, organizing interactions, and sense-making are essential in facilitating a continuing process of communication, which creates an organization. Therefore, the theory is how leaders within an organizational chapter interact with their subordinates and how communication flows within an organization? How does leadership help in removing equivocality?
Justification for selecting theory of organizing
“Theory of Organizing” by Karl Wieck highlights one major aspect of human society: communication. In any human society, it is habitual for people to be structured in groups. These groups define how people organize themselves, which is achieved through continuous communication (Littlejohn et al., 2017, p. 304). The epistemology of the theory lies in the justification that communication is the foundation of organizing. “When people go through their daily interactions, their activities create an organization (Littlejohn et al., 2017, p. 304).” The idea behind this is that as people interact, they look back at what they have done and create meaning to their actions retrospectively. As such, people interacting in both organizations and communities need to be mindful of how they interact to avoid unexpected negative occurrences. The theory of organizing, therefore, originates from communication and problem-solving in human interactions. Making it best appropriate in solving the phenomenon identified above.
A review on how other academicians have applied organizing theory
Concerning the phenomena/ artifact under investigation, and using organizing theory, mindfulness is presented as a means of making sense. According to Golzio et al., 2014, p. 167), mindfulness is an optimal integration of various attitudes like preoccupation with failures, capability, and willingness to develop and event new expectations that make sense of the unprecedented experiences. It also concerns scrutiny of already existing societal problems, tendency to inquire, doubt, and update. In light of the above, mindfulness facilitates societal and organizational behaviors and activities to avoid encountering risks by allowing essential functions to be conducted with a high probability of successful interactions. According to Vogus (2013, p. 665), the effectiveness of mindful organizing is of great importance compared to the plain construct of an organizing theory. As such, the concept of mindfulness should be revisited by Karl Wieck. In addressing the phenomenal of organization chapter, mindful organizing stresses the need to develop, deepen, and update a shared understanding between management and subordinates.
In-depth analysis of organizing theory
Under this section, Wieck, the founder of this theory, uses the concept of sense-making as the main pivot in addressing organizational experiences and challenges. Argued by Langenberg & Wesseling, 2016, p.226), sense-making is the main foundation of addressing communication dynamics that surround organizational interactions. Concerning organizational interactions, there are always starting points and the results. As such, sense-making in the starting point is required to come up with positive results. While incorporating Wieck’s organizing theory, it is noted that by critically selecting, interpreting, and organizing issues right from the beginning of interactions, problem-solving is made easier. Theoretically, some assumptions may sound conflicting; however, sense-making as a process necessitates creating facticity, framing it, and filtering it into a more relevant fact. Once this is done sensibly, the leader can convey information based on an informed part of view while considering its implications on the intended audience. In so doing, people’s actions will, therefore, translate into positive, tangible outcomes. To make it plainer, the concept of sense-making entails discovering the ongoing activity and explaining it in the right manner.
It is an ontological assumption that communication is the foundation of human social interactions. Communication is essential in human social interactions in an organization to reduce the degree of equivocality of information, hence making sense of a situation and ultimately solve a problem. To reduce equivocality in an organization, the members must communicate and work together to solve a problem. On the other hand, from Wieck’s theory’s axiology standpoint, communication and information management are vital in building an organization. The theory demonstrates the essence of communication interactions and the sense-making process in removing the equivocality of information in an organization. One notable limitation of the theory is its failure to consider rationality in a disorderly world or loosely coupled systems. The theory assumes that organizing happens along a linear sequence where everyone works with others to solve a problem. However, this does not always happen, as some people might not want to follow instructions or not work with others in some systems.
What was learned from the application of the theory?
The study found that when organizing theory was applied positively, it enhanced communication satisfaction among the subordinates in interpersonal, group, and organizational contexts. The interaction between the leaders and subordinates greatly affects the quality of communication and work outcomes (Mueller & Lee, 2002). Communication influences productivity, job satisfaction, and commitment to work. Wieck’s theory seeks to solve organizational challenges by using communication as the channel of organizing. The study agrees with the theory that communication satisfaction in the group and organizational context reduces information uncertainty. Wieck’s theory argues that behavior cycles are vital in facilitating all aspects of organizing: enactment, selection, retention, and choice (Littlejohn et al., 2017, p. 305).
Besides, in organizing, everyone must play a role by engaging in a particular process. However, all this cannot be successful without effective communication built on the nature organizing theory in all the organization structures. This research describes sense-making and mindfulness as essential regarding effective interactions to make this communication process more effective. About mindfulness, Golzio et al. (2014, p. 167) assert that various attitudes are combined through which organizational behaviors are facilitated to avoid experiencing risks by allowing essential functions to be conducted with a high probability of successful interactions. On the other hand, Sense-making allows the creation and filtering of information before it is passed on to the intended persons who, in the end, translate to positive outcomes.
Conclusion
To conclude, as described in this paper, communication is an integral topic applied in almost every dimension of life. It has become a central area of research, aiming to fully understand the topics by providing different ways. In this research, the emphasis has been on identifying one particular theory and applying it to a given phenomenon. In line with this topic, organizing theory by Karl Wieck was identified to address the challenge of organizational interactions. In so doing, this paper presents critical facts based on existing literature. Mindful organizing and sense-making were identified as essential requirements for this theory. Also, it was found out that in organizing, everyone has a role to play irrespective of one’s position to make the communication process more effective and fruitful.
References
Golzio, L. E., Lalla, M., & Manni, M. G. (2014). Managing the unexpected. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119175834.ch01
Killam, L. (2013). Research terminology simplified: Paradigms, axiology, ontology, epistemology, and methodology. Laura Killam.
Langenberg, S., & Wesseling, H. (2016). Making sense of Weick’s organizing. A philosophical exploration. Philosophy of Management, 15(3), 221-240. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40926-016-0040-z
Littlejohn, S., Foss, K., & Oetzel, J. (2017). Theories of Human Communication (11th ed.). Waveland Press, Inc.
Mueller, B. H., & Lee, J. (2002). Leader-member exchange and organizational communication satisfaction in multiple contexts. The Journal of Business Communication (1973), 39(2), 220-244. References
Ruler, B. V. (2018). Communication Theory: An Underrated Pillar on Which Strategic Communication Rests. International Journal of Strategic Communication, 12(4), 67–381. file:///C:/Users/GORGE%20TRAVEL/Downloads/CommunicationTheoryAnUnderratedPillaronWhichStrategicCommunicationRests.pdf
Vogus, T. J. (2013). Mindful Organizing Establishing and Extending the Foundations of Highly Reliable Performance, 664-676.