Four Models Of Organizational Communication

Introduction Organizational communication is defined by Eisenberg, Goodall and Trethewey (2014) as “the interaction required to direct a group toward a shared goal” (p. 4). Communication is one of the most vital pieces of success for people and organizations. Communication is how information is shared amongst individuals, allows people to interact with one another, and can lead to a better understanding of organizing (Eisenberg et al., 2014). In the following sections I will discuss the four communication models; transfer model, transactional model, strategic model, and the balance of creativity and constraint. I will then describe the model(s) application in college athletics, specifically coaching and my communication style. Lastly, …show more content…
In this model, Eisenberg et al. (2014) further argue that communication is used as a tool to accomplish various goals, regardless of the different meanings created from communication. Strategic ambiguity furthers this concept because not everything needs to be outlined and planned in order to reach success. Ambiguity in organizational communication leaves more room for interpretation and “is designed to yield authentic results and the process of being unclear is intentional” (Price, 2015). Leadership and management can often be ambiguous to avoid conflict and to promote creativity and change in …show more content…
Sometimes the style needs to change, along with the communication model. Knowing that I favor a more transactional approach, the value of my message will typically be high and that same value shared with those I am communicating with. Eisenberg et al. (2014) discuss adapting messages to the needs of the receiver and both parties engaging in the process of sending and receiving information (p. 32). Having a more assertive, direct communication style means I also need to be strategically ambiguous with both student-athletes and colleagues. Developing a plan for a positive approach to communication, building mutual trust and caring are all ways coaches can effectively communicate with their student-athletes (Steuerwald,