Critical Theory of Communication Approach to Organizations

Stanley Deetz has developed a critical communication theory that tries to insure the finanial health and stability of a corporation while increasing the representation of the employees and their human interests.

He says that there is a distinct difference between the information that we receive from our employers and communication between employees and employers. This difference includes strategy and involvement that organizations use versus consent and participation that is more desired by the employees that work at every organization. Deetz explains the difference between managerial control and co-determination. There are two models that help us decifier which model is being used. These models are the information model and the communication model.

I will decribe each one for you. Strategy is the overt managerial move to extend control. Employers try to put their employees in a set routine without the employees realizing it. This routine restricts the employees and doesn't allow them to express their feelings or thoughts.

Consent is the convert control without objection. This is where the employees know about the routine and realize they are working in an environment that restricts them but does it willingly or at least for understandable reasons. One reason may be that they have bills that have to be paid and this is the highest paying job that they have found.

Involvement is the free expression of ideas. These ideas come from the corporation and its managers. The employees are involved only because they want to make sure their grievances are heard and managers see this as a chance for the employees to blow off some steam. This is far from having a voice in the company. Their voice is heard when the employees go from involvement to participation.

Participation is when the employees have a chance to speak their minds and ideas. They are more likely to take pride in their work and have company loyalty.

Mike, Kathleen and I will try to show this theory more indepth.

Check out these links

Mike's Research Page

Shannon's Critique Page

Click here for a link to a cultural approach to organizations