Define, Describe, and Illustrate the Four Flows of Communicative Constitution

Question

Examlex · Accepted Answer

The Answer is The communicative constitution of organizations (CCO) theory proposes that organizations are not entities with fixed structures, but rather are continuously constituted through communication. This theory identifies four flows of communication that contribute to the ongoing constitution of organizations: membership negotiation, self-structuring, activity coordination, and institutional positioning.

1. Membership negotiation: This flow of communication involves the process of individuals or groups negotiating their membership within the organization. It includes discussions, negotiations, and agreements about who is considered a member, what roles they will play, and what rights and responsibilities they have within the organization. For example, when a new employee joins a company, there are often formal and informal conversations about their role, expectations, and integration into the organizational culture.

2. Self-structuring: This flow of communication refers to the ongoing process of organizing and structuring the activities and relationships within the organization. It involves discussions, decisions, and actions that shape the formal and informal structures, hierarchies, and processes within the organization. For example, when a team restructures its workflow or when a company reorganizes its departments, there are numerous communication processes involved in making and implementing these changes.

3. Activity coordination: This flow of communication involves the coordination of activities and tasks within the organization. It includes the communication and collaboration necessary to ensure that work is carried out effectively and efficiently. This can include formal meetings, informal conversations, and digital communication tools used to coordinate and manage tasks and projects.

4. Institutional positioning: This flow of communication involves the organization's interactions with external institutions, such as government agencies, industry associations, and the media. It includes the communication strategies and actions that shape the organization's public image, reputation, and relationships with external stakeholders. For example, when a company communicates its values and commitments through public relations efforts or when it engages in lobbying activities to influence public policy, it is engaging in institutional positioning.

In summary, the four flows of communicative constitution of organizations theory illustrate how communication processes continuously shape and constitute organizations. By understanding and analyzing these flows, researchers and practitioners can gain insights into how organizations are formed, maintained, and transformed through communication.

Define, Describe, and Illustrate the Four Flows of Communicative Constitution

Definitions: