Study Guide

Objectives (course unit)

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 (course unit)

• 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) (course unit)

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) (course unit)

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) (course unit)

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.

Location and time

On campus according to the timetable.

Exam schedules

- Please see Methods and Grounds for Evaluation.
- Further details will be provided in Moodle.

Assessment methods and criteria

The assessment is based on successful completion of the following tasks and activities:
- Internal Communication Scenarios - 25% (group task; self, peer & teacher evaluation)
- Communication Manual - 25% (group task; self, peer & teacher evaluation)
- Written Exam - 30% (individual task; teacher evaluation)
- Extension Tasks, Engagement and Course Participation - 20% (individual grade; teacher evaluation)

Grading rubrics will be provided for assessed tasks, and will be based on the principles of authentic learning and assessment and use the SOLO framework – “Structural Observation of Learning Outcomes” (Biggs and Collis, 1982, Biggs 1999).

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Lectures, discussions, group and individual work, independent study.
Some tasks are linked to activities in the professional development course (virtual firms).

Learning materials

- Materials in Moodle
- Student’s own research (enquiry based learning)

Student workload

Total hours: 3 cr x 27 h = 81 h
- Contact lessons 36 hours (12 x 3 h)
- Independent study 45 hours

Completion alternatives

If a student has completed corresponding studies at another university or university of applied sciences, the student may apply for credit transfer through HyväHot / CreTa system.

Students who have acquired relevant skills and competencies through extensive work experience may complete the course through demonstration of competencies.

Such cases have to be discussed with the course teacher at the beginning of the course, and students may be required to complete additional assignments to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

Practical training and working life cooperation

The course is supportive of the professional development project the students are undertaking and is based on real life experience of working business and commerce.

International connections

The course will examine international organizational communication. Students will consider and reflect upon the impact and diversity of culture to organizational communications, using examples from the teacher and students' experiences.

Further information

- Mandatory attendance: 80%
- No hybrid option (some students on campus, some online).

Assessment criteria - satisfactory (1-2) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

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) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

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) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

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.