Dunder-Mifflin

One of the most important tools utilized in an organization for efficient management and smooth operations is communication.

In fact, effective communication is crucial to achieving an organization’s strategic vision. It is necessary to implement an efficient communication strategy in order to foster employee engagement and trust. The two most crucial communication methods to adopt are formal communication method and informal communication method in order to build and improve employee trust and engagement.

In comparison to casual communication, formal communication requires more planning and execution time. The informal communication style is appropriate when a rapid resolution of problems is required. The informal methods include VIP breakfast sessions and roundtable meetings. Most organizations realize the importance of communication in improving employee trust and engagement and eventually towards achieving the organizational goals.

Organizational Communication at Dunder-Mifflin

According to Bill Black, both formal and informal communication techniques are to be combined and used for the success of an organization. In The Office, Dunder-Mifflin as a business organization has used many aspects communication management. Employee loyalty is also essential for the growth of any firm. The interests of an employee to work in a given organization are affected by these levels and efficiencies in both top-down and bottom-up communication. In organizations where top-down communication is low, employees get demoralized at their places of work and develop fear for the bosses, hence do not work efficiently. In most cases, some of them may end up quitting their jobs in search of greener pastures. Organizations that have good relationships with employees have no possibilities of losing stock, or money, due to employee untrustworthiness. This essay explores some of the organizational communication concepts in relation to Dunder-Mifflin organization.

Organizational Communication Concepts

The organizational communication concept explores the communication between the bosses and junior staff, and how they relate to each other. Dunder-Mifflin is observed to be exhibiting a moderate top down communication, which is good for the survival of the business at the current times (Charles, 2015). The general manager has all the efficient ways to ensure that information reaches the subordinates. However, the entry of many competitors may be a shock to the company, since most of its employees may move to other organizations where there are better relationships with the bosses. Customers may also consider shifting their loyalty since the relationships between the top management and the subordinate always reflect how the company deals with their clients. Organizational Socialization

This is the general interactions between the employees in an organization. Dunder-Mifflin’s management and the junior workforce enjoy average social relationships within themselves (Del, 2016). However, it is seen that the customers have better social relationships with junior workers, especially the sales team. Such relationship is advantageous to the business premise - the good social relationships between the outside and the sales team is enough to give out reasonable profits. However, for maximum gain, the management needs to look into other effective avenues on how to boost the level of interaction between workers and customers.

Decision Making

Decision making is the systematic process of choosing the right mode of operation for the business, or the choice of proper equipment or personnel (Elizabeth, 2011).The firm’s management is swift in decision making - they do not depend on meetings and several consultations to reach a specific solution to a management problem. For example, in the play, the assistant manager receives goods returned due to failure to coincide with the consignment. He immediately makes a decision to replace the order with the right products, without having to consult the top management.

Managing Information Flow

Management of information flow is the act of ensuring that information reaches its destination within the shortest time possible and that the information is received by the right person. The information should not leak to other parties (Maureen, 2016). In Dunder-Mifflin, information flow is good; however, the right channel is not followed. For example, the security team receives phone calls meant for the managers. This is not advisable for confidentiality.

Antisocial Behavior

The act of solitude and the inability to be comfortable working with a team within an organization may be termed as antisocial behavior. This is a natural occurrence in some people, while for some it is a situation-induced character that may affect their performance negatively (Mumby, 2013). In Dunder-Mifflin, some employees seem isolated from the others, hence may not fit some roles such as front office works or sales. This may be due to how the top management handles them - being harsh and stern.

Suggestions

For Dunder-Mifflin to achieve high performance and productivity, it is important for the management to maintain high level of employee trust and engagement through effective communication. Dunder-Mifflin must embrace and implement effective communication since it is fundamental in creating a positive workflow environment and engagement of both the employees and the leadership structure put in place (Del, 2016).

Open communication where the employees are free to express their ideas, opinions, and perspectives giving them a great sense of worth. This helps to improve the employees’ engagement and full participation in achieving the organization goals.

Providing constant feedback on the positives and giving corrections on the negatives.

Good relationships and efficient communications between employers and employees are crucial in reduction of conflicts. The parties get formal ways to discuss their problems, once they are free with each other.

Conclusion

Proper management and effective communication are essential for the building of trust between an employer and employees, since they become closer, and trust each other with sensitive information, some which directly influence the operations of the firm. However, for this level of agreement to exist, the employees must get their fair share in terms of pay and treatment at place of work. Therefore, the management of Dunder-Mifflin must ensure optimal employee relations with the management.

References

Charles, R. W. (2015). The Emergence of Organizational Communication. New York: New York Publishers.

Del, J. (2016). Taking Office Lessons from the World’s Greatest Ineot Boss. Chicago: Adventure Works Press.

Elizabeth, C. (2011). ’The Office’ In a Utica State of Mind. New York: gate House Media.

Maureen, R. (2016). ’The Office’ Merger Goes As Badly As Possible, In A Good Way. Chicago: Chicago Tribune.

Mumby, M. S. (2013). Engaging Organizational Communication Theory and Research. Cambridge: Cambridge Press.