Organizational CommunicationLaajuus (3 cr)

Objectives

This course covers various aspects of organizational communication, including theoretical background and practical communication activities. It deals with written, verbal and non-verbal communication, focusing on clarity and appropriateness in all situations.

After completing the course, the students will be able to:
• Demonstrate familiarity with theories of organizational communication.
• Adapt their communication style according to a range of interpersonal factors, such as relative status, degree of familiarity, and cultural norms.
• Use spoken English and non-verbal language effectively in face-to-face communication.
• Produce written English texts which meet set norms regarding lay-out, organization, and accuracy.
• Learn the basics of public relations

Content

• What are the essentials for effective organizational communication?
• What are internal communications and public relations?
• With what communities, groups and individuals do organizations need to communicate?
• What factors affect the appropriate degree of formality and level of detail required in both face-to-face and written communication?
• What are the different channels, communication vehicles and activities needed?
• What discourse types and communication tools are typically used in organizational communication?
• How to measure success in communication?

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

The student can name the various participants in the communications process and describe communications theory. The student can identify internal and external communications and describe or illustrate the communications process. The student can communicate simple messages in spoken English and present simple, factual information and follow templates to produce routine written communications content. The student is able to communicate in a business environment by participating in both speaking/listening, reading/writing activities.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

The student can explain the role of participants and describe the processes of communications theory. The student can explain and apply communications processes to their own business simulation and develop internal and external communications strategies. The student can explain the communication principles of the public relations process, describe, and plan a communications process. The student is able to explain phenomena clearly by speaking and writing in English and take account of cultural norms when devising or responding to communications from other cultures. The student is able to present complex ideas and information, take account of and adjust communication so that it is appropriate for the audience and medium being used. The student demonstrates the ability to evaluate and adapt their communications approach based on the context and reaction of recipients and is open to new communications methods, channels and ideas.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student can explain modern theories of communication, analyse the communications structures within an organization, design a public relations response to a business situation and explain, evaluate and critique the public relations process of a given organization. The student can design and implement solutions to communications problems within an organization, analyse communications issues and synthesise possible solutions and recognise possible implications. The student can collaborate with fellow learners during the learning process and evaluate different communications approaches. The student can improvise during a presentation to deal with unforeseen challenges and connect ideas and information from diverse sources and synthesis this to construct new understanding. The student can demonstrate the ability to adapt their communications as appropriate to context, situation, and level of formality. The student is tolerant of those who have different cultural communication norms and values. He/she is open to new communication methods and ideas, including those driven by modern technological solutions. The student is able to adapt their communications techniques and strategies as appropriate to the given situation, including tone, pace, intonation, body language, facial expression, dress and appearance, level of formality. The student is able to demonstrate the ability to listen actively.