Business communication and power

This research paper explores the role of communication in organizational power. Specifically, it looks at how communication can be used to increase or decrease organizational power. The paper begins by defining communication and then looks at the different types of communication within organizations. It then discusses the concept of power and how it applies to organizations. Finally, the paper explores how communication can be used to increase or decrease organizational power.

Organizations rely on communication to function properly. Communication is defined as “the process of sharing meaning between individuals through symbols” (Cheney, 2013, p. 4). Individuals use communication to interact with one another and share information. Organizations use communication to coordinate activities, share information, and make decisions.

There are three types of communication within organizations: formal, informal, and interpersonal. Formal communication is the official, planned, and often impersonal communication that occurs within an organization. It typically flows from higher-level managers to lower-level employees and is designed to transmit information about organizational goals, policies, procedures, and decisions. Informal communication is the unofficial and personal communication that occurs within an organization. It typically flows from lower-level employees to higher-level managers and is often used to share information about work conditions, problems with work tasks, or suggestions for improvement. Interpersonal communication is the communication that occurs between two individuals who have a personal relationship.

The concept of power is important to understanding how organizations function. Power is defined as “the ability of an individual or group to influence the behavior of others” (Cheney, 2013, p. 6). Power can be used to increase or decrease organizational effectiveness. Organizations use power to achieve their goals.

Organizational power can be increased or decreased through communication. Communication can be used to increase power by providing information that is useful for decision making, by building relationships that are beneficial to the organization, or by controlling the flow of information. Communication can be used to decrease power by sharing false or misleading information, by creating conflict between individuals or groups, or by disrupting the flow of information.

The role of communication in organizational power is a complex and often controversial topic. This research paper has explored how communication can be used to increase or decrease organizational power. It is important to understand the role of communication in organizational power in order to effectively manage organizations.