Applying Organizational Communication Theory & Concepts to Real-World Workplaces
In my Organizational Communication course with Dr. White-Mills, I completed a semester-long field observation project in which I analyzed the communication practices of a real organization. This project required me to do a 10-week observation of a real work environment, while collecting field notes, to apply the organizational communication theories that help make sense of the organization's function through its culture, leadership, and collaboration.
For this project, I observed All U Need Insurance, a small Medicare insurance agency in Indianapolis. I was able to apply course theories that allowed me to analyze how the organization's communication structures their overall teamwork, culture, environment, and decisions.
This experience displays my ability to employ communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts to real-world scenarios.
These artifacts represent research, observation, and the analysis of the communication structure and culture of All U Need Insurance's organization that I conducted. Through field observations, analyzed team communication patterns, and applying theoretical frameworks, I was able to interpret how the organization structures themselves to run a success organization from the inside out.
For this project, I had to apply multiple theories from organizational communication to analyze All U Need Insurance's environment.
For example, I identified the organization's structure as a decentralized, all-channel communication network that allows members to communicate openly and collaborate with one another without a strict hierarchy.
I also applied the Human Resources Approach, which promotes open dialogue, employee participation, and empowerment. This idea was applied because the organization casually shares ideas, supports one another, and collaborates to work out problems, which is reflected in McGregor's Theory Y assumption that workers want responsibility and the chance for growth.
I used the cultural studies perspective to show how workplace culture can be created through shared metaphors, rituals, and stories. This was examined in employees referring to one another as a family, and reinforcing a supportive environment for all through casual rapport and check-ins.
This project gave me a deeper understanding of communication theory as I got to apply it to a real-world work environment through my own personal observation and analysis. By observing All U Need Insurance, I was able to see how important communication practices are in shaping an organization's teamwork, culture, and leadership.
One of my biggest takeaways from this project was what effective communication looks like within an organization. Rather than operating from a strict top-down hierarchy, an open communication network and collaborative problem-solving lead to employees checking in on one another, collectively handling problems, and sharing responsibilities for the success of all.
I also saw how employees used humor, storytelling, and supportive dialogue to create a shared meaning of trust and identity within the organization, especially to sustain during stressful time periods.
Overall, by analyzing organizational communication systems, applying communication theories, and evaluating organizational culture, I have enhanced skills that are crucial for a career within a leadership or communication position.