COM-35806 Communication and Organisations

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Introduction to Communication and Innovation Studies

Contents:

In this course, we explore how organisations cope with changes in their environment, in terms of both external and internal communication. Externally, organisations have to relate to different stakeholder groups. Internally, organisations need to accept change as a basic mechanism for staying 'in tune' with the changing environment. We take up questions like: why and how do organisations relate to their environments? What do interactions imply in terms of images, reputations and identity? What are the challenges of globalisation - with organisations operating, more and more, in(often transnational) networks? We also study the tension between the need to be dynamic and the often-found forces against change that we find in organisations. We explore these issues from the viewpoint of communication professionals and managers working for organisations: what are the challenges organisations face in their engagement with the environment and how can communication professionals and managers take up these challenges

Learning outcomes:

After having followed this course, students should have:
- insight into the position and function of communication in organisations;
- good understanding about relevant theories about communication management in organisations;
- ability to apply these theories in the analysis of communication problems (internally/externally) of organisations.

Activities:

- lectures;
- group and class discussions;
- group case study.

Examination:

- written examination;
- evaluation of papers.

Literature:

Information for the students is available (document). A reader is avaibable.