CPT-32806 Change, Inter-human Processes and Communication

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

CPT-12306 Introduction to Strategic Communication or CPT-23804 Introduction to Communication and Innovation Studies.

Contents:

Many people talk about change in terms of 'what should be done'. In this course we try to understand change and change management by analysing how people actually communicate when they are confronted with new developments. Starting from a complexity approach, we will focus on a range of inter-human processes, as they emerge in interpersonal communication. Resistance to change, for instance, will be discussed with special attention for social identity issues such as group-think, the role of honour and shame and the importance of face-saving, being decisive factors in change processes. Related to conflict and negotiation for change we will analyse how people construct frames while communicating, including the goals they pursue in specific interaction contexts. There will be special attention for self-organization in networks, based on direct interaction between people, resulting in expected and unexpected change. Finally, we will pay attention to the role of framing storytellingand conversations for organizational change.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- understand relevant concepts and theories concerning complexity, inter-human processes and communication in the context of complex problems;
- compose a conceptual framework, consisting of an integration of well-chosen concepts and theories for analyzing real-life experiences and practices in the context of change and communication;
- compose a scientifically sound paper in which a problem, event or phenomenon is analyzed from a dynamic communication perspective.

Activities:

The course consists of 12 meetings of two-three hours each. During these meetings students will work together in groups to review and discuss different theories and practices related to change processes. Subjects such as resistance to change, strategies for image-building, risk perceptions, group processes and leadership will be addressed. Several guest lecturers will share their experiences in change management.

Examination:

Students will write a paper in which they elaborate a set of theoretical concepts, and use the concepts for analysing a real-life issue related to change. Step-by-step the writing process will be guided. The quality of the paper will be judged (80%).
In addition students will work in groups on the development and presentation of a mind-map that analyses an issue from a dynamic communication perspective including inter-human processes (20%). Each component needs a minimum mark of 6.0 to pass.

Literature:

Articles will be handed out.