Eugene Jacobson

Organizational communication network analysis: The liaison communication role

Abstract A field study was conducted to test the utility of a procedure for describing and analyzing inclusive networks of communication in complex organizations. In particular, the role of liaison person was identified and operationally defined. Evidence is presented that supports the validity of employing a sociometric procedure for identifying liaison persons as individuals who perform a communication linking function among primary groups in a complex organization. Liaison persons among the 142 professional staff of a college faculty were compared with nonliaison persons on demographic, interactional and functional dimensions. Differences were found that lead to a more detailed and systematic understanding of the liaison role and the persons who occupy liaison roles.

Automation and the Employee

Einar Hardin, Ph.D., is Associate Professor, Department of Economics, and Acting Associate Director of Research and Planning, Labor and Industrial Relations Center, Michigan State University. He was Research Associate in the Industrial Institute for Economic and Social Research, Stockholm, 1950-1953, and in the Labor and Industrial Relations Center since 1956. Eugene H. Jacobson, Ph.D., is Professor of Psychology and Assistant Dean for International Studies, College of Science and Arts, Michigan State University. He was Assistant Program Director, Human Relations Program, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, 1946-1955; Chief, Division of Applied Social Sciences, UNESCO, 1957-1959; and Research Associate, Labor and Industrial Relations Center, Michigan State University, 1956-1957 and 1959-1960. ABSTRACT: Field research suggests that the impact of office automation upon job satisfaction varies depending on whether