An Analysis of the Role of Language in Organizations.
Abstract
The study project goals were: (1) To understand and analyze the role of language and communications in probable success or failure of managers (with emphasis on project managers); (2) To identify, define, and explain the role of language in complex organizations like Project Management Offices; and (3) To provide a concise review/guide for personnel involved in project management and/or management relationships with other complex organizations. A survey was conducted of 116 members of Program Management Course 77-1 to determine if their responses were supportive of related literature. A literature survey relative to project management, management problems, semantics, and communications was used as a basis to postulate general and specific communications problems in a complex organization. The student survey supported the concepts of horizontal, vertical, and cross-discipline communication hazards, the concept of divergent experiential fields resulting in word image displacement, the proliferation of 'bureaucrates' and jargon, and the potential for communications breaks or gaps resulting from common word symbols. The author offers suggestions for limiting the inhibiting features of language in organizations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA042962
Entities
People
- Michael A. Cody
Organizations
- Defense Systems Management College