Chapter 2 - Theoretical Perspectives for Organizational Communication
This chapter provides an introduction into several of the most popular approaches to communication. Among them are the functional approach, the meaning-centered approach, and emerging perspectives. The functional approach attempts to explore how communication works. The meaning-centered approach examines the symbolic significance of communication. The emerging perspectives viewpoint sees communication as socially constructed, primarily in reference to power and control.
Shockley-Zalabak argues that "excellence" requires communication competency on the part of the members of the organization. The definition of communication competency is subject to debate, but Shockley-Zalabak focuses on the notion that it centers on the ability to participate "responsibly" in organizational life and to contribute to "mutual understanding" among the members of an organization. She follows other scholars who suggest that competency is composed of four elements: (1) understanding the process of communication, (2) interpersonal sensitivity, (3) communication skills, and (4) an ethical orientation toward communicative responsibility.