The nature of Organizational Communication research
Topic 1 : The nature of Organizational Communication Research
Activity: Review of the nature of research in Organizational Communication
Intended Learning Outcome: After having attended this synchronous session, you must learn to:
1. explain the features of Organizational Communication research;
2. differentiate it from research done in related fields of study; and
3. identify the challenges in conducting research on communication,
with a focus on organizational communication.
Let’s Begin
In OrCom 192, you have learned what researchers study in the field of
communication, specifically on organizational communication. In this
lesson, you are to heighten your knowledge about organizational
communication research by closely looking at its distinct characteristics as
contrasted to those of related fields of study. You will also
learn about the challenges in doing organizational communication
research.
Read/Watch
Reinard, J.C. (2001). The Role of Research in Communication. Introduction
to Communication Research (3rd ed., pp. 3-29). New York: McGraw-
Hill.
Think
As you read Reinard’s chapter titled “Introduction to Communication
Research,” answer the following questions:
1. How is the field of Organizational Communication described?
2. How distinct is its scope from those of other related fields such as
Mass Media Communication, Speech Communication, and
Pragmatic Communication?
3. What are the specific challenges associated with the following
elements of research?
-
- Breadth and focus
- Multiple methods
- Scholarly rigor
- Ethics
ACTIVITY GUIDE
Participate in the discussion during the synchronous session.