Argues that three traditions of theory about organizational communication have special relevance to the ideas of problematic integration theory. Indicates the implications of theoretic currents and notes that the main implication is that problematic integration looks very different in the context of a complex communication system. (SG)

An ethnographic study examined a distinctive and recurrent form of problem solving interaction that has been previously unreported in the organizational communication and problem solving literatures--Informal Problem Solving Meetings (IPSs). The fact that participants in IPS meetings themselves neither name or ordinarily formulate Informal Problem…

Offers three "unabashedly normative" considerations for translating organizational communication scholarship to practice: identifying a problem, incorporating participant voices, and presenting research to practitioners. Suggests that by engaging in these practices scholars can create alternative organizational stories and in doing so create space…

Examines the role of rhetorical strategies in repairing damaged corporate relationships. Demonstrates the utility of an integrated model (multiple-publics concept and strategies of apologia) to corporate public relations through a case study of Union Carbide's justification of the Bhopal gas leak. (KEH)

A field study was conducted to examine the communication behaviors by which seven bank executives identified problems. Data on the subjects' communication behaviors were obtained through observations, the written documents pertaining to the identification of problems by the subjects, and postobservational surveys and interviews of the subjects.…

Group decision support systems (GDDS) represent a technological aid for the decision-making process, combining communication, computers, and decision technologies to support problem formulation and solution in group meetings. A study examined communicative influence strategies used in a GDDS meeting. Subjects, 201 high- and low-influence persons…

This paper describes a recent program of organizational awareness and development (OAD) initiated for a university program council. It describes the nature, purposes, and objectives of OAD and its role as a third party. It also provides an example of applied communication research, divided into four phases: (1) diagnostic, (2) feedback, (3)…

Discusses difficulties technical writers and readers have concerning proposals that define problems and suggest innovation. Suggests that when writers recognize both their own and readers' assumptions about such problems, they can adopt techniques to gain reader concurrence. (KEH)

In order to evaluate the effectiveness of problem-solving groups, a study developed a model of group problem-solving behavior, and applied the resulting conceptual framework to 16 actual evaluations of quality circle programs (defined as a group of 3-15 persons from the same work area who meet for problem-solving). The model divides each of the…

A survey of public relations practitioners was conducted to examine the decision making roles they play in their profession. The 458 respondents provided information on their participation in policy decision making; the roles they play on the job, such as problem solver or technical services provider; and information on their decision making…

Suggests that communication consultants are diverse in degree qualifications, in disciplines, and in kind of consulting services offered. Also suggests that consultants serve large businesses and that they conduct various writing and nonwriting workshops for client organizations. Notes that word-of-mouth and college referrals are important means…

Three instruments designed to evaluate the performance of work groups in organizations were analyzed with reference to a recently developed comprehensive model of the group problem solving process. Although each instrument measured nine or ten dimensions of group behavior, none of them measured more than seven of the 16 categories of variables…

Acknowledging that the Latin American cultural concept of "machismo" influences the way in which Brazilian managers tend to use authority rather than communication when resolving disputes with subordinates, a study compared Brazilian and American male managers' self-reported preferences for resolving disputes with employees and peer…

The problem of change in the character of the United States Supreme Court between 1969 and 1975 is examined, in this paper, in the context of group decision making and organizational communication. Based on information from "The Brethren," a behind-the-scenes account of the Supreme Court justices by Bob Woodward and Scott Armstrong, the…

To assess the pervasiveness of quality circles in American corporations, as well as to ascertain perceptions of their impact in terms of various organizational outcomes, a 45-item questionnaire was mailed to personnel directors of the Fortune 500 corporations. Some time after the initial mailing, a follow-up mailing was executed to maximize the…