Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After completing the course, students

  • understand the role of communication in organizational processes
  • know the general principles and practices of effective organizational communication
  • understand the role of communication in leading and managing people at work
  • are able to demonstrate knowledge and skills in planning, implementation and analyzing of organizational communication
  • are able to reflect on their own performance in organizational and leadership communication situations.

Credits: 6

Schedule: 26.10.2022 - 02.12.2022

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Pekka Pälli

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation): Instructor: Dr. Pekka Pälli (pekka.palli(at)aalto.fi

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Introducing the basic concepts, terminology, and models of organizational communication in different contexts, the course focuses on the communication function and behavior in organizations and explores their relationship to other management functions. The course draws on the socio-constructionist theories of organizational communication. The course is designed to help students develop their management and leadership capabilities by improving their interpersonal and communication skills. Topics covered include manager-employee communication, interactional skills in communication, productive organizational dialogue, and team leadership.

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • applies in this implementation

    0-5, Group work 50%, and individual learning journal based on course literature and lectures (50%). Criteria for grading explained in detail in course pages before the course starts.

Workload
  • applies in this implementation

    Lectures 20 h, group work and independent learning assignments 140 h

DETAILS

Study Material
  • applies in this implementation

    List of readings

    Garner, J. T., et al. (2016). A long look back: an analysis of 50 years of organizational communication research. Review of Communication Research, 4, 29-64.

    Tourish, D. & Hargie, O. (2017) Communication audits. In C. Scott & L. Lewis (Eds.) The International Encyclopedia of Organizational Communication. pp. 312-321. Chichester: Wiley.

    Biganeh. M. & Young, S. (2021). Followers’ Perceptions of Positive CommunicationPractices in Leadership: What Matters and Surprisingly What Does Not. International Journal of Business Communication1 –20.

    Mishra, K., Boynton, L. & Mishra, A. (2014). Driving Employee Engagement: TheExpanded Role of Internal CommunicationsInternational Journal of
    Business Communication, 51(2), 183–202.

    Communication barriers 2008. (Open textbook in Organizational behaviour).

    Jarvenpaa, S-L. & Keating, S. (2021). When do good communication models fail in
    global virtual teams? Organizational Dynamics 50, 1-12.

    Young, M. & Post, J. (1993). Managing to communicate, communicating to manage:How Leading Companies Communicate with Employees. Organizational Dynamics, 22, 31-43.


Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching Language : English

    Teaching Period : 2022-2023 Autumn II
    2023-2024 Autumn II

    Enrollment :

    The course is restricted to 50 students. Students are admitted to the course in the following priority order: 1) Management and International Business / People Management and Organizational Development students, 2) CEMS students / BIZ exchange students, 3) Other BIZ Master's students, 4) Other students. Students must confirm their registration by participating in the first class session.

Details on the schedule
  • applies in this implementation

    See the program and schedule table at the course main page.