Cal W. Downs

A Factor Analytic Study of Communication Satisfaction

The multidimensionality of communication satisfaction was explored in three stages. An original questionnaire was administered and factor- analyzed. On this basis, a new questionnaire was refined and administered to four different organizations in order to compare the factor structures derived from each. Finally, each of the stability factors were correlated with a global measure of job satisfaction.

Employee Perceptions of the Relationship Between Communication and Productivity: A Field Study

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between communication and productivity. Specifically, we had two aims: (a) to determine employee perceptions of the impact of eight dimensions of communication satisfaction on productivity, and (b) to understand how the type of organization may moderate the link between communica tion and productivity. Two businesses, representative of service and manufacturing or ganizations, were investigated by administering the Communication Satisfaction Questionnaire and interviewing all employees. The results showed that communica tion was perceived to have an impact on productivity that varied in both kind and magnitude. Moreover, a number of intriguing differences emerged between these two companies. The findings suggest that the link between communication and produc tivity is more complex than previously assumed.

The status of organizational communication in speech departments

A report is given of the results of a survey of speech departments to discover how many are offering courses in Organizational Communication, what is being taught, the rationale for teaching it, and predictions for future development.

Internships in speech communication

The results of a survey of communication internships indicate that the internship is developing into an important instructional strategy. Benefits to the student, university, and sponsoring organization are described, and the reactions of forty two interns at three universities are summarized.

An analysis of the effects of nine leadership — group compatibility contingencies upon productivity and member satisfaction

This study investigates the contingency relationship between leadership styles and group compatibility upon productivity and member satisfaction. Using a 3×3 factorial design including three leadership styles and three compatibility groupings, nine different contingencies were identified and measured on two indices of productivity and two indices of satisfaction. It is hypothesized that group compatibility and leadership style interact to produce significant differential effects on both productivity and satisfaction. Results confirmed that hypothesis and suggested further critical analysis of contingency relevant theories, especially those of Schutz and Blake and Mouton.

Hidden differences in competent communication: A case study of an organization with Euro-Americans and first generation immigrants from India

Abstract This article reports part of a two stage study of intercultural communication between first generation immigrants from India and Euro-Americans. In-depth interviews were used in the first stage to develop intercultural “critical incidents” for use as stimulus material in a survey. The survey was used in the second stage to explore participant perceptions of the influence of national culture as well as rules for managing intercultural interactions. It was determined that while participants did not agree in their perceptions of the influence of culture, they generally agreed on the dominant culture rules for competent intercultural communication in each of the critical incidents. In addition, support was found for the tacit influence of cultural differences on perceptions of competent communication between Asian Indians and Euro-Americans in one critical incident involving the proper amount of supervision.

The impact of laboratory training on leadership orientation, values, and self‐image

A field investigation is reported which assesses the impact of laboratory training on leadership orientation, values, image of self as communicator, and satisfaction with the experience. The impact of the laboratory experience is then contrasted with that of two different types of courses. The results indicate that leadership orientation is the variable most affected by the laboratory experience.

Management and Organizational Communication Measurement A Call for Review and Evaluation

This article is a discussion of the Research Instrument Section of McQ. It traces the history of instrumentation within the organizational communication literature and includes a guide for the preparation of manuscripts. While this article reflects an organizational communication perspective, the editors of McQ intend for the Research Instrument Section to become a forum for discussion of instruments related to managerial writing, managerial presentations, interpersonal communication in organizations, organizational communication, or external communication.

Intraorganizational Communication and Job Satisfaction Among Flemish Hospital Nurses: An Exploratory Multicenter Study

Intraorganizational communication affects job satisfaction and turnover. The goal of this study was to explore relationships between communication and job satisfaction, intention to leave, and burnout among Flemish hospital nurses. A multicenter questionnaire study was conducted in three hospitals using the Communication Satisfaction Questionnaire, the Turnover Intention subscale of the Questionnaire on the Experience and Evaluation of Work, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. A visual analog scale measured job satisfaction. The mean job satisfaction score was 7.49/10 (±1.43). Almost 7% of nurse participants (93/1,355) reported a high intent to leave, and 2.9% of the respondents (41/1,454) had a score indicative of burnout. All dimensions of communication were associated with job satisfaction. A low score on any dimension of communication satisfaction, except “Relationship With Employees,” was associated with higher intent to leave and burnout. Study findings support the need for management interventions to enhance efficient communication and ensure high-quality care and patient safety.

A Review of Instrumentation on Stress

This article reviews five instruments that measure some aspect of stress. The instruments are: Kindlers Personal Stress Assessment Inventory, Derogatiss Stress Profile, Folkman and Lazaruss Ways of Coping Checklist, Maslachs Burnout Inventory, and Pareeks Organizational Role Stress Scale. These instruments are very different and, therefore, will serve different purposes in communication research. Currently, several of the instruments report that considerable research needs to be done to test the validity and reliability of the instruments in different contexts.