Managing the Boss

This is a concept from Chapter 9 that I found particularly relevant because I just started a new job. The four ways listed for employees to interact with their supervisors were interesting because I have used all four in the past and am now working on the best way to integrate myself with my new supervisors. As an outgoing person I am more prone to use the Ingratiation method because I enjoy having a friendship with my superiors, but some managers do not approve of these types of friendships, so I am moving slowly, trying to feel out which will be the best method with each of my supervisors at my new office!

Democracy

This concept comes from the web lecture from this week. I thought the idea of dialogue in democracy was interesting because I have never applied it to organizational communication. True democracy thrives on conversation and discussion, and so does a well-functioning organization. People who are running any sort of democratic organization must be open to dialogue in order not to alienate their workers, or constituents. These types of democratic dialogues help workers and management comfortably co-exist.

Workplace Loyalty

This idea is from Chapter 8 and I found it interesting because I was recently discussing the concept with my little brother. He wants to follow in our grandfather and uncle's footsteps and become a firefighter. Both men were in the California Department of Forestry for over 30 years and have a deep seated loyalty toward the organization, a loyalty that my brother is working on as well. It drastically differs from my idea of workplace loyalty, because in my field - PR - it is rare for someone to stay at a company more than five years. I just think it will be interesting to see if this trend of declining company loyalty continues, or if the idea re-surges in the next decade with the economic turmoil that has taken a grip on the world.

Globalization

This concept is from chapter 7. I thought the example of how BMW has globalized its production line was great, how employees are recruited from around the world to ensure cars are manufactured to the right specifications for each country or region of the world. I also thought it was interesting that the authors mentioned how GM refused to make cares with right side steering in the 1960s, and today GM has had to completely reinvent itself and file for bankruptcy while BMW seems to be doing much better in this economic downturn. Its a great example of how adapting to the times and the "global village" will really help any organization.

Pervasive Communication Environment

This blog also comes from the web lecture, and I thought it was particularly interesting because I see this type of constant integration of audio, visual and print communication around me everyday. In my job I have to compile a daily news clipping of all news about my clients. This includes blogs, print articles, photos and podcasts. In today's information overload, we are constantly communicating with people. I constantly wonder how people lived without cell phones because mine is attached to me. I dont use a landline because everything I could need is included in my cell phone. A person in today's world would have to work very hard to become "uncommunicated" with the rest of the world, as opposed to just 30 years ago when it was nearly impossible for people to be as constantly connected as we are today.

Real vs. Virtual Communication

This concept is from the web lecture this week, and I was particularly drawn to the concept because I have often interacted with others virtually during my life, both personally and professionally, and I have found those interactions to be just as meaningful as a face-to-face communication. During my work with a PR agency we had co-workers who were scattered around the country. Most of our daily interactions with them was done by email, with the occasional phone call as well. The work we did with them was very real, and very useful in our daily account work. I believe that in this day in age virtual communication is just as real and important as face-to-face communication.

Ideology

This concept is from chapter six and I really started thinking about it on a business level. While the book gives examples of nationalistic ideology, I think we can see examples of ideology in all kinds of organizations. Schools have a certain ideology, from perceiving themselves as smarter if they are an Ivy League, or better at basketball if you are North Carolina. This can also be seen in the business world, where high-tech companies perceive themselves as more forward and innovative than perhaps a financial corporation, which sees itself as more vital to the inner workings of the nation. This ideology that is bred into each corporate or organizational culture helps keep that culture alive and functioning.