COM 326: Organizational Communication

Course Description

This course will focus on the importance of communication and relationships in creating a productive work environment. Topics include non-verbal communication, constructive feedback, dealing with anger, and resolving conflict. (3 credits)

Prerequisites

  • ENG 101: English Composition 1
  • ENG 102: English Composition 2

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

  1. Explain the importance of communication in organizations.
  2. Describe the methods of communicating effectively in organizations.
  3. Identify and analyze facilitating and hindering forces in effective communications within and outside organizational life.
  4. Develop and deliver effective interpersonal communications.
  5. Explain theory and practice of team building, networking, coaching, conflict resolution, negotiation, meeting management, and problem solving.
  6. Describe how communication and organizational cultures relate to one another.
  7. Recognize the role of verbal and nonverbal messages and how to use them effectively.
  8. Recognize and appreciate differences in communication style based on gender and culture.

Course Activities and Grading

AssignmentsWeight

Individual Assignments and Responses

20%

Team Assignments

20%

Team Leader Role

15%

Individual Cultural Differences Paper (Week 6)

20%

Final Summary Paper (Week 8)

25%

Total

100%

Required Textbooks

Available through Charter Oak State College's online bookstore

  • DeJanasz, Suzanne, Karen Dowd and Beth Schneider. Interpersonal Skills in Organizations. 7th ed. Irwin, Inc., 2022. ISBN-10: 1-264-07284-8 or ISBN-13: 978-1-264-07284-2 [Looseleaf version]

Course Schedule

Week

SLOs

Readings and Exercises

Assignments

1

4

Topic: Orientation Unit

  • Read Orientation Information
  • Familiarize yourself with layout of the course, policies, and learning outcomes
  • Write a self-introduction
  • Course Expectations Unit
  • Team Strategy Unit.
  • Participate in Discussions
  • Complete Orientation Assignments

2

1, 3, 4, 7

Topic: Contextual Factors in Communication

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 1 - "Journey into Self-awareness"
    • Chapter 7 - "Communicating Effectively"
  • Self Awareness Unit
  • Group Topic : Barriers to Communication Unit
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Complete Individual Assignment
  • Complete Team Assignment
  • Weekly Self Evaluation
  • Participate in discussions
  • Journal Writing

3

3, 5

Topic: Active Listening

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 2 - "Self-Disclosure and Trust"
    • Chapter 6 - "The Importance and Skill of Listening"
    • Topic: Active Listening Unit
  • Group Topic: Johari Window
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Complete Individual Assignment
  • Complete Team Assignment
  • Weekly Self Evaluation
  • Participate in Discussions
  • Journal Writing

4

1, 2, 5, 7

Topic: Negotiating Styles & Conflict Management

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 17 - "Coaching & Providing Feedback For Improved Performance"
    • Chapter 9 - "Negotiation"
    • Chapter 11 - "Managing Conflict:"
  • Group Topic: Conflict Management Unit
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Complete Individual Assignment
  • Weekly Self Evaluation
  • Participate in Discussions
  • Journal Writing

5

2, 3, 5, 7

Topic: Team Facilitation

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 10 - "Building Teams & Work Groups"
    • Chapter 13 - "Facilitating Team Success "
  • Group Topic: Team Facilitation Unit
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Complete Team Assignment
  • Weekly Self Evaluaton
  • Participate in Discussion
  • Journal Writing

6

2, 6, 7, 8

Topic: Diversity in Communication I

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 3 - "Establishing Goals by Identifying Values and Ethics"
    • Chapter 5 - "Understanding and Working with Diverse Others"
  • Cultural Differences in Communication Unit
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Cultural Differences Paper Due
  • Weekly Self Evaluation
  • Participate in Discussions
  • Journal Writing

7

2, 6, 7, 8

Topic: Diversity in Communication II

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 14 - "Making Decisions and Problem Solving"
    • Chapter 15 - "Power and Politicking
    • Review Chapter 5
  • Group Topic: Personal Stereotypes Unit
  • Complete Exercise 14-H - Reflection/Action Plan
  • Complete Team Assignment
  • Weekly Self Evaluations
  • Participate in Discussions
  • Journal Writing

8

1-8

Topic: Summary Paper

  • Final Summary Paper : 8-10 page summary paper demonstrating your understanding of the concepts covered in this course. The paper should integrate these concepts and show how they appy to your personal and organizational life.
  • Course Self Evaluation
  • Submit Summary Paper
  • Complete Self Evaluation
  • Complete COSC Course Evaluation

COSC Accessibility Statement

Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.

COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources

Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.