In this paper, an information processing model of social systems is developed with particular concern for large complex organizations. In explicating the sixteen assumptions and propositions of the model, the literature on environmental uncertainty, interorganizational communication, technology, and their effects on internal organizational…

It is argued that the structural and process models of human communication systems can be derived from the same data, and that communication systems can be described in terms of certain basic parameters; these parameters, in turn, provide a taxonomy of system types. The applicable empirical research data is reviewed to make statements about the…

This paper focuses on the environmental influences of change in the communication structure of organizations and argues that structural changes in communication networks are increasingly externally induced. The unit of analysis selected for discussion in this paper is the individual organization. A communication network among organizations is…

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…

Scholars studying organizational communication tend to feel that all organizational problems are rooted in communication, but it is difficult to diagnose the particular problems of an organization without an explicit model of what constitutes a healthy organization. Organizational effectiveness is goal-related, multidimensional, perceived…

An infographic model is proposed to account for the operation of systems within their information environments. Infographics is a communication paradigm used to indicate the clustering of information processing variables in communication systems. Four propositions concerning environmental uncertainty and internal communication network complexity,…

The project reported in this paper reflects an effort to establish an audit plan which can serve as a basis for discussion and which may evolve into a useful research tool for studying the internal information diffusion system of a complex organization. A mass communication model, modified from Harold D. Lasswell, was adopted to represent the key…

Continuing educators can gain knowledge about their programs' environments, as well as predict the outcomes of change processes, by utilizing an emerging systems concept called the communication model. Utilization of the communication model involves three steps: (1) diagramming the perceived reality of the organizational system, (2) using the…

Discusses the relationship between effective organizational communication and specific library contexts and reviews the historical development of communication audits as a means of studying communication effectiveness. The generic structure of such audits is described and two models are presented in detail, including techniques for gathering and…

Argues that false assumptions about user needs implicit in methodologies for building information systems have resulted in inadequate and inflexible systems. Checkland's Soft Systems Methodology is examined as a useful alternative. Its fundamental features are described, and examples of models demonstrate how the methodology can facilitate…

This paper explores the fault-tree analysis approach to isolating failure modes within a system. Fault tree investigates potentially undesirable events and then looks for failures in sequence that would lead to their occurring. Relationships among these events are symbolized by AND or OR logic gates, AND used when single events must coexist to…

The Structured Analysis and Design Technique (SADT) analyzes a problem through building a model of the problem on paper which is top-down, modular, hierarchic, and structured. It is a communications vehicle using an iterative author-commenter cycle which focuses attention on defined topics, increases management control, creates a systematic work…

The goal of the future financial manager should be to educate college personnel to the level necessary to make balanced decisions. The challenge is to maintain the current operable systems and develop new approaches to maximize scarce resources through effective communication. (RC)

The effectiveness of an organizations's adaptive behavior depends on the extent to which public relations concerns are considered in goal setting and program planning. The following five open systems propositions, based on a "functional" paradigm, address the complex relationship between public relations and organizational intelligence and do not…