University of Kentucky
College Of Communications and Information Studies
SYLLABUS COMMUNICATION 915 ADVANCED SEMINAR IN ORGANIZATIONAL
COMMUNICATION WINTER 1998 INSTRUCTOR: Dr. J. David Johnson
OFFICE HOURS: T 1-3:00; W 2:40-3:40, & BY APPOINTMENT
OFFICE:
TELEPHONE:
FAX:
E-mail: jdj@pop.uky.edu
WEB PAGE: http://www.uky.edu/
CLASS HOURS: M 4:10-7:00 P.M.
CLASS LOCATION:
COURSE OVERVIEW:
This seminar is intended to acquaint students with theory, methods, and computer analysis techniques available to analyze macro communication processes in organizations.
The first unit of the course will provide students with an overview of traditional approaches to organizational communication structure: formal approaches and network analysis. A major focus of this unit will also be on the unique research methods and computer analytic techniques associated with network analysis. Network analysis has long been a focus of substantive research in a number of disciplines including business administration, anthropology, sociology, political science, social and developmental psychology, geography, and communication. Recently, the growing availability of sophisticated computer programs has resulted in a renewal of interest in this area. This course will instruct students in the use of these computer programs, especially focusing on Burt's STRUCTURE, Krackhardt's KRACKPLOT, UCINET, and Visio.
The second unit of the course will focus on a variety of issues related to macro communication processes including richer views of relationships and the role of markets. This unit will also focus on applying ideas from the first unit to antecedents and outcomes of particular structures(e.g., innovation or commitment). Students will have an opportunity in this section to apply the fundamentals of structural approaches to specific research problems of their choosing.
II. TEXTS
Johnson, J. D. (1993). Organizational Communication Structure. Norwood, N.J.: Ablex. (Royalties from the sale of this book at Michigan State University are donated to the G. R. Miller Endowment Fund.)
Thompson, G., Frances, J., Levacic, R., & Mitchell, J. (1991). Markets, hierarchies & networks: The coordination of social life. Newbury Park, Ca.: Sage.
Additional readings are on reserve at the Applegate Reading Room.
III. ASSIGNMENTS: (Due dates on course schedule. More detail will be given on the nature of assignments before they are due.)
A. READING REPORTS. For these reports students will focus on ONE of the readings in any of four weeks (200 total points) for a total of four. (If the student desires feedback on their final assignment, then a half-hour presentation of their paper scheduled a month in advance with the instructor can substitute for two of the reading reports.) The student will lead the discussion of the reading during the week it is assigned preparing an outline/key question discussion guide(one page maximum) reflecting major points related to the seminar themes to help facilitate the discussion. Students should provide me a copy of the guide by 12 noon on Monday to help me in preparing for the class session.
B. RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT 1. This assignments will involve student analysis of a small organizational network and will require that students analyze the network by means of several network analysis computer programs. (300 total points)
TRACKS: All students must do research assignment #1 and the reading reports, but by the third week of the course, students can choose one of two tracks for the remaining course assignments.
TRACK 1: This track focuses on applying the principles in the course to the analysis of pragmatic organizational situations.
RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT 2. This assignments will involve student analysis of an actual organizational network. This assignment will require that students analyze the network by means of UCINET, KRACKPLOT, and STRUCTURE computer programs using more advanced applications of network principles. (500 total points).
TRACK 2:
B. Research Paper (15-20 pages, 500 points)
This paper will focus on a major organizational communication structure concept/variable. All papers will include the following: a conceptual definition of the variable, a rationale for its importance to the study of organizational communication structure, a brief, integrative review of research findings and/or theoretic speculation concerning the variable/concept, (approximately 5 pages). The remainder of the paper will focus on an examination of your idea in a conventional research report. Data sets will be made available for students that are rich in their possibilities for secondary analysis of specific research questions. Students can also generate their own data sets. Topics for the paper will be decided in consultation with the instructor. Students must, however, use empirical data analyzed by a recognized network analysis program (e.g., see readings for listing). Examples of papers resulting from this class can be found in Hartman & Johnson, 1989; Johnson, et al., 1997; and Susskind, et al., in press).
IV. COURSE PROCEDURES AND POLICIES
A. Late work:
Late work will be accepted without penalty only if: (1) authorized by instructor before the due date and/or (2) an authorized medical excuse is provided. If these conditions are not met, then 10% of the points for the assignment will be deducted for every day or fraction thereof that it is late.
B. Cheating:
This is a serious academic offense and liable to appropriate punitive action, possibly including failure in this course.
C. Extra credit:
No extra credit will be permitted. There will be no exception to this policy.
TENTATIVE READING ASSIGNMENTS
READINGS IN BOLD CAN BE USED FOR READING REPORTS JAN 19
INTRODUCTION, OVERVIEW
Johnson (J) Chapter 1 Frances, J., Levacic, R., Mitchell, J. & Thompson, G. (1991)
Introduction. In Thompson, G., Frances, J., Levacic, R., & Mitchell, J. (Eds). Markets, hierarchies & networks: The coordination of social life(pp. 1-19). Newbury Park, Ca.: Sage.
Powell, W. W. (1991). Neither market nor hierarchy: Network forms of organization. In Thompson, G., Frances, J., Levacic, R., & Mitchell, J. (Eds). Markets, hierarchies & networks: The coordination of social life(pp. 265-276). Newbury Park, Ca.: Sage.
JAN 22 FORMAL APPROACHES
J 2
In Thompson, G., Frances, J., Levacic, R., & Mitchell, J. (Eds). Markets, hierarchies & networks: The coordination of social life(pp. 105-140). Newbury Park, Ca.: Sage.
Recommended:
Glauser, M. J. (1984). Upward information flow in organizations: review and conceptual analysis. Human Relations, 37, 613-643.
Jablin, F. M. (1987). Formal organizational structure. In F. M. Jablin, L. L. Putnam, K. H. Roberts, & L. W. Porter (Eds.), Handbook of organizational communication: An interdisciplinary perspective(pp. 389-419). Newbury Park, Ca.: Sage.
McPhee, R. D. (1985). Formal structure and organizational communication. In R. D. McPhee & P. K. Tompkins (Eds.), Organizational communication: Traditional themes and new directions. Beverly Hills, Ca.: Sage.
FEB 2 FORMAL APPROACHES
Galbraith, J. R. (1974). Organization design: An information processing view. Interfaces, 4, 28-36.
Recommended:
Galbraith, J. R. (1995). Designing organizations. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.(ANY TWO CHAPTERS FOR READING REPORT)
Walker, A. H., & Lorsch, J. W. (1968) Organizational choice: Product versus function. Harvard Business Review
Nadler, D. A., & Tushman, M. L. (1997). Competing by Design: The power of organizational architecture. New York: Oxford Galbraith, J. R..(ANY TWO CHAPTERS FOR READING REPORT)
FEB 9 NETWORK ANALYSIS
J 3
Burt, R. S. (1991). Structure, Version 4.2. New York: Columbia University. (pages 4-14)
Farace. R. V., Monge, P. R., & Russell, H. M. (1977). Communicating and organizing, Reading, Mass.: Addison-Wesley. CH 8, 10
Barnett, G. A., Danowski, J. A., Richards, W. D. Jr. (1993). Communication networks and network analysis: A current assessment. In W. D. Richards, Jr., & G. A. Barnett (Eds.) Progress in communication Sciences, Volume XII(pp. 1-19). Norwood, NJ: ABLEX.
Recommended:
In Thompson, G., Frances, J., Levacic, R., & Mitchell, J. (Eds). Markets, hierarchies & networks: The coordination of social life(pp. 172-192). Newbury Park, Ca.: Sage.
Nohria, N. (1992) Is a network perspective a useful way of studying organizations. In N. Nohria & R. Eccles (Eds.), Networks and organizations: Structure, form, and action. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press.
Wellman, B. (1983). Network analysis: Some basic principles. In Collins, R. (Ed.) Sociological theory(pp. 155-200). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
FEB 16 NETWORK ANALYSIS-COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Burt, R. S. (1991). Structure, Version 4.2. New York: Columbia University. (pages 15-56)
Recommended:
Bonacich, P. (1987). Power and centrality: A family of measures. American Journal of Sociology, 92, 1170-82.
Borgatti, Everett, & Freeman (1991) UCINET IV: Network Analysis Software, User's Guide . Columbia, SC: Analytic Technologies.
Borgatti, Everett, & Freeman (1992) UCINET IV: Network Analysis Software, Reference Manual. Columbia, SC: Analytic Technologies.
Freeman, L. C. (1977). A set of measures of centrality based on betweenness. Sociometry, 40, 35-41.
Krackhardt, D., Blythe, J.,& McGrath, C. (1995). KrackPlot 3.0: User's Manual. Columbia, SC: Analytic technologies.
Mizruchi, M. S., Mariolis, P., Schwartz, M. & Mintz, B. (1986). Techniques for disaggregating centrality scores in social networks. In N. B, Tuma (ed.), Sociological Methodology(pp. 26-48). Washington, D. C.: American Sociological Association.
FEB 23 NETWORK ANALYSIS-COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Rice, R. E. & Richards, W. D. (1985). An overview of network analysis methods and programs. In B. Dervin & M. J. Voight (Eds.) Progress in communication sciences, Volume VI(pp. 105-165). Norwood, N. J.: Ablex. Recommended: Burt, R. S. (1991). Structure Assistant, Version 2.1. New York: Columbia University.
MAR 2 RESEARCH METHODS- DATA SETS
Knoke, D., & Kuklinski, J. H. (1982). Network analysis. Beverly Hills, Ca.: Sage, pp. 22-35
Monge, P. R., & Contractor, N. S. (1987). Communication networks: Measurement techniques. In C. H. Tardy (Ed.), A handbook for the study of human communication(pp. 107-138). Norwood, N. J.: Ablex.
Burt, R. S. (1991). Structure, Version 4.2. New York: Columbia University. (pages 53-90)
One of the following:
Bernard, H.R., & Killworth, P.D. (1977). Informant accuracy in social network data: II. Human Communication Research, 4, 3-18.
Corman, S. R., & Scott, C. R. (1994). Perceived networks, activity foci, and observable communication in social collectivities. Communication Theory, 4, 171-190.
Danowski, J. A. (1988). Organizational infographics and automated auditing: Using computers unobtrusively gather as well as analyze communication. In G. M. Goldhaber & G. A. Barnett (Eds.), Handbook of Organizational Communication(pp. 385-434). Norwood, NJ: Ablex.
Richards, W. D. (1985). Data, models, and assumptions in network analysis. In R. D. McPhee & P. K. Tompkins (Eds.), Organizational communication: Traditional themes and new directions. Beverly Hills, Ca.: Sage.
Ethington, C. (1995) Data coding manual: CIS project Johnson, J. D., Bettinghaus, E., Woodworth, M., Fleisher, L. Ward, J. A. & Meyer, M. (1997). Lessons learned: Implications for theory and the practice of research on communication networks. Paper presented to the International Communication Association annual convention, Montreal. LaFrance, B.,
Johnson, J. D., Ethington, C., & Meyer, M.. (1997). Studying the Cancer Information Service over-time. Paper presented to the International Communication Association annual convention, Montreal.
Johnson, J.D., Berkowitz, J., Ethington, C. & Meyer, M. (1994). General appendices to the network analysis technical reports. East Lansing, MI: Department of Communication, Michigan State University.
Johnson, J.D., Berkowitz, J., Ethington, C. & Meyer, M. (1994). Technical report #1: Analysis of the CIS/Program Project Network for the period October 1993 to March 1994. East Lansing, MI: Department of Communication, Michigan State University.
Johnson, J.D., Berkowitz, J., Ethington, C. & Meyer, M. (1994). Network Analysis report #1: Network Analysis for the period October 1993 to March 1994. East Lansing, MI: Department of Communication, Michigan State University.
MAR 16 ADVANCED NETWORKS AND COMMUNICATION GRADIENTS
J 4, 6
Burt, R. S. (1991). Structure, Version 4.2. New York: Columbia University. (pages 107-144)
One of the following:
Edwards, J. A., & Monge, P. R. (1977). The validation of mathematical indices of communication structure. In B. D. Ruben (Ed.), Communication Yearbook 1(pp.183-193). New Brunswick, N.J.: Transaction Books.
Johnson, J. D. (1987). Multivariate communication networks. Central States speech Journal, 38, 210-222.
Johnson, J. D. (1988). On the use of communication gradients. In G. M. Goldhaber & G. Barnett (Eds.), Handbook of organizational communication(pp.361-383), Norwood, N.J.: Ablex.
Minor, M. J. (1983). New directions in multiplexity analysis. In R. S. Burt & M. J. Minor (Eds.), Applied network analysis: A methodological introduction(pp. 223-244). Beverly Hills, Ca.: Sage.
Burt, R. S. (1991). Structure, Version 4.2. New York: Columbia University. (pages 149-206).
Burt, R. S. (1992) The social structure of competition. In N. Nohria & R. Eccles (Eds.), Networks and organizations: Structure, form, and action. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press.
MAR 23 PSYCHOLOGICAL OUTCOMES
J 9
Hartman, R. L., & Johnson, J. D. (1989). Social contagion and multiplexity: Communication networks as predictors of commitment and role ambiguity. Human Communication Research, 15, 523-548.
Recommended:
Zajonc, R. B., & Wolfe, D.M. (1966). Cognitive consequences of a person's position in a formal organization. Human Relations, 19, 139-
Miller, V. D., & Jablin, F.M. (1991) Information seeking during organization entry: Influences, tactics and models of the process. Academy of Management Review, 16, 92-120.
Staw, B. M., Sandelands, L. E., & Dutton, J. E. (1981). Threat-rigidity effects in organizational behavior: A multilevel analysis. Administrative Science Quarterly, 26, 501-524.
MAR 30 CLIMATE AND CULTURE
J 8
Susskind, A., Miller, V. D., & Johnson, J. D. (in press). Downsizing and structural holes: Their impact on layoff survivors percptions of organizational chaos and openness to change. Communication Research,
Recommended:
Biggart, N. W., & Hamilton, G. G. (1992). On the limits of a firm-based theory to explain business networks: The Western bias of neoclassical economics. In N. Nohria & R. Eccles (Eds.), Networks and organizations: Structure, form, and action. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press.
Denison, D. R. (1996). What is the difference between organizational culture and organizational climate? A native's point of view on a decade of paradigm wars. Academy of Management Review, 21,619-654.
Stohl, C. (1993). European Manager's interpretation of participation: A semantic network analysis. Human Communication Research, 20, 97-117.
James, L. R., & Jones, A. P. (1974). Organizational climate: A review of theory and research. Psychological Bulletin, 81, 1096-1112.
Ibarra, H. (1993). Personal networks of women and minorities in management: A conceptual framework. Academy of Management Review, 18,56-87.
APR 6 TECHNOLOGY & INTERDEPENDENCE
J 7
Recommended:
Thompson, J. D. (1967). Organization in action. New York: Mc Graw-Hill. (pp. 51-65).
Johnson, J. D., Ethington, C., Meyer, M., & LaFrance, B. H. (1996). The development of the task interdependence scale: A tale of three studies. Paper presented at the Speech Communication Association Convention, San Diego, CA.
13 COMMUNICATION CHANNELS, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Sitkin, S. B., Sutcliffe, K. M., & Barrios-Choplin, J. R. (1992). A dual-capacity model of communication media choice in organizations. Human Communication Research, 18, 563-598.
Chang, H.-J. & Johnson, J. D. (1997). Communication networks as predictors of social information processing. Paper presented to the Midwest Academy of Management, Ann Arbor, MI.
20 INNOVATION J 10
Recommended:
Johnson, J. D., Meyer, M., Berkowitz, J., Ethington, C., & Miller, V. (1997). Testing two contrasting models of innovativeness in a contractual network. Human Communication Research, 24,320-348.
Johnson, J. D., Meyer, M., Woodworth, M., Ethington, C., Stengle, W. (in press). Information technologies within the Cancer Information Service: Factors related to innovation adoption. Preventive Medicine
Meyer, M., Johnson, J. D., & Ethington, C. (1997). Contrasting attributes of preventive health innovations. Journal of Communication, 47, 112-131.
Galbraith, J. R. (1982). Designing the innovating organization. Organizational Dynamics, 10, 5-25.
Greiner, L. E. (1972). Patterns of organizational change. Harvard Business Review, 45, 119-130.
Damanpour, F. (1991). Organizational innovation: A meta-analysis of effects of determinants and moderators. Academy of Management Journal, 34, 555-590.
27 SUMMING UP
J 11
Thompson, G., Frances, J., Levacic, R., & Mitchell, J. (Eds). Markets, hierarchies & networks: The coordination of social life(pps. 21-23, 35-81, 246-255, 277-301). Newbury Park, Ca.: Sage.
Recommended:
Johnson, J. D. (in press). A Frameworks for Interaction Scale. Communication Studies
Johnson, J. D. (1996). Approaches to communication structure: Applications to the problem of information seeking. In M. West (Ed.), Handbook of work group psychology (pp. 451-474). Sussex, England: John Wiley.
Nohria, N. & Berkley, J. D. The virtual organization: Bureaucracy, technology, and the implosion of control.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
J. DAVID JOHNSON (PH.D, Michigan State University, 1978) is currently a professor in and formerly chairperson of the Department of Communication at Michigan State University. He has also held academic positions at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Arizona State University, and the State University of New York at Buffalo and was a media research analyst for the U. S. Information Agency. He has authored over 50 refereed publications and he has been recognized as one of the most prolific scholars in the field of communication. His publications have appeared in such journals as Academy of Management Review, Communication Yearbook, Human Communication Research, Communication Research, Communication Monographs, Journal of Business Communication, and Social Networks. He has also received grants from the National Cancer Institute, Michigan Department of Public Health, Michigan Department of Transportation, and National Association of Broadcasters. He has published three books: Cancer-related information seeking. Hampton Books; Information seeking: An organizational dilemma. Quorum Books; and Organizational communication structure, Ablex
Current Projects/Activities
This semester I am focusing on completing an edited book related to my recently completed four year research project focusing on innovation in the Cancer Information Service. Associated with Comm 440 and Comm 915, the two classes I am teaching this semester, I am also hoping to improve my skills related to network analysis computer programs, particularly the new version of UCINET and GRADAP. I am the primary advisor to two Ph.D. students and I am on the committees of several more who are actively engaged in their research projects. I am also active in a number of university and governmental advisory committees. I currently serve on the editorial boards of Journal of Managerial Issues, Communication Studies, and the Journal of Communication. An Overview of Dr. Johnson's Teaching Philosophy and Style
I believe in an active, empirically based approach to graduate education. Perhaps, the critical skill you will need later on in your career is a set of techniques you can apply to problems. The primary focus of this class is on skill development (e.g., knowledge of computer software, new ways of analyzing problems). Classic 'book learning' through reading is something I expect that an active, engaged learner will do throughout their career. It is much more difficult, however, to develop on your own, later on, a systematic means of approaching problems. Accordingly, this class will focus on the craft of doing structural research, particularly network analysis. I assume that all graduate students are committed to learning and that it is the most important thing they are doing.