Organizational Communication

Organizational Communication — Definition and Foundation

What Organizational Communication Is

Org Communication Definition

Organizational communication refers to the strategic sharing of information, both internally and externally, within and across the organizational industry.

Why It Matters

Leadership + Communication

Leaders must exhibit solid organizational communication skills to accomplish organization- and mission-related goals.

Culture of Communication

Creating a culture of communication and maintaining relevance empowers people to own the organizational communication message at every level.

Five Effective Attributes

Five Org Culture Attributes

According to **Caldwell, Stroud, and Menning, in *Fostering a Culture of Engagement* — to be effective**, an organizational culture must be:

Proactive
Innovative
Adaptive
Leader Driven
Sustainable

Organizational Communication — Five Attributes Detailed

Proactive

Proactive Definition

To be proactive means to seize the initiative and be agile in communicating the message.

Proactive Capacity

The capacity to be proactive enables leaders to get out front and communicate their perspectives and experiences on important topics.

Innovative

Innovative Definition

To be innovative means to exercise ingenuity in seeking new effective ways of communicating.

Innovation > Creativity

Relying on more than raw creative thinking, innovation requires an understanding of:

The characteristics and capabilities of information sharing
The pace of change

Adaptive

Adaptive Definition

Adaptive, modern communication capabilities thrive in a fast-evolving, instantaneous, and interconnected information environment that presents challenges to rigid and inflexible organizations.

Adaptive Key

The key to success in this environment is adjusting to changing circumstances on the run.

Leader Driven

USAF leaders must confront modern media realities by fostering a culture of engagement in their subordinates and commands.

Leaders Set Climate

Leaders set the command climate by making themselves available for communication, especially during times of crisis.

Sustainable

Sustainable Foundation

Leadership is essential to instilling focus and function for the culture of engagement.

Sustainability Requirements

Sustainability requires dedicated resources and manpower to build enduring capabilities to enable a culture of engagement.