The relationship between organizational structure and the structure of organizational communications : an empirical study in an academic department

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Theron Keith Fuller (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Joseph Himes

Abstract: The objectives of this study were (1) to develop a model to explain the relationships between organizational structure and the structure of individual communication, and (2) to test this model empirically in an organizational setting. The model classifies the communications structure of individuals in organizations into three types of channels: formal channels, informal channels directed toward fulfilling organizational demands and informal communication directed toward individual social and psychological needs. The amount of formal communication varies with the cybernetic needs of the organization while the two types of informal communication vary with individual autonomy within the organization. A survey was conducted among junior and senior sociology majors and the faculty of the Sociology Department at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Respondents included 57 welfare students, 34 non-welfare students, and eleven faculty members.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 1974
Subjects
Universities and colleges $x Departments
Communication in organizations
Interorganizational relations

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