This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: Explain how heightened focus on cooperation affects communication.[br][br][b][color=#165FFA]Question ... (Read 109 times)

olgavictoria

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 528
Explain how heightened focus on cooperation affects communication.

Question 2

How does a flat organizational structure affect communication?



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

trog

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 343
Answer to Question 1

Competition has been a characteristic way of life in U.S. companies. Organizations and individuals compete for a greater share of scarce resources, for a limited number of positions at the top of organizations, and for esteem in their professions. Such competition is a healthy sign of the human desire to succeed, and, in terms of economic behavior, competition is fundamental to the private enterprise system. At the same time, when excessive competition replaces the cooperation necessary for success, communication can be diminished, if not eliminated.
Although competition is appropriate and desirable in many situations, many companies have taken steps through open communication and information and reward systems to reduce competition and to increase cooperation. Cooperation is more likely when competitors have an understanding of and appreciation for others' importance and functions. This cooperative spirit is characterized as a win/win philosophy. One person's success is not achieved at the expense or exclusion of another. Groups identify a solution that everyone finds satisfactory and is committed to achieving. Reaching this mutual understanding requires a high degree of trust and effective interpersonal skills, particularly empathetic and intensive listening skills, and the willingness to communicate long enough to agree on an action plan acceptable to everyone.

Answer to Question 2

Many businesses today have downsized and eliminated layers of management. Companies implementing Total Quality Management programs are reorganizing to distribute the decision-making power throughout the organization. The trend is to eliminate functional or departmental boundaries. Instead, work is reorganized in cross-disciplinary teams that perform broad core processes (e.g., product development and sales generation) and not narrow tasks (e.g., forecasting market demand for a particular product).
In a flat organizational structure, communicating across the organization chart (among cross-disciplinary teams) becomes more important than communicating up and down in a top-heavy hierarchy. An individual can take on an expanded role as important tasks are assumed. This role can involve power and authority that surpass the individual's status, or formal position in the organization chart. Much of the communication involves face-to-face meetings with team members rather than numerous, time-consuming handoffs as a product moves methodically from one department to another. Companies such as IKEA, the Swedish furniture manufacturer and retailer, are using flat organizational structures within stores to build an employee attitude of job involvement and ownership.




olgavictoria

  • Member
  • Posts: 528
Reply 2 on: Jun 23, 2018
Wow, this really help


kilada

  • Member
  • Posts: 311
Reply 3 on: Yesterday
YES! Correct, THANKS for helping me on my review

 

Did you know?

The longest a person has survived after a heart transplant is 24 years.

Did you know?

Cocaine was isolated in 1860 and first used as a local anesthetic in 1884. Its first clinical use was by Sigmund Freud to wean a patient from morphine addiction. The fictional character Sherlock Holmes was supposed to be addicted to cocaine by injection.

Did you know?

In most cases, kidneys can recover from almost complete loss of function, such as in acute kidney (renal) failure.

Did you know?

A serious new warning has been established for pregnant women against taking ACE inhibitors during pregnancy. In the study, the risk of major birth defects in children whose mothers took ACE inhibitors during the first trimester was nearly three times higher than in children whose mothers didn't take ACE inhibitors. Physicians can prescribe alternative medications for pregnant women who have symptoms of high blood pressure.

Did you know?

This year, an estimated 1.4 million Americans will have a new or recurrent heart attack.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library