COMMUNICATION AS UNOBTRUSIVE CONTROL: A RE-EXAMINATION OF IDENTIFICATION IN THE U.S. FOREST SERVICE (IDENTIFICATION, LOYALTY, COMMITMENT; UNITED STATES)

CONNIE A BULLIS, Purdue University

Abstract

The control role of organizational communication has been de-emphasized until recently when a theory of organizational communication as unobtrusive control was developed. The theory holds that through communication, the leaders of organizations are able to conscript the identification of members. Without full awareness, organizational members become strongly identified with organizations such that they make decisions with the interests of the organization foremost in mind. They may essentially share their identities with their organizations. The communication patterns which serve to accomplish this end, the participants' perspectives of the process and the outcome, the sense of identification, were explored in this study. The U.S. Forest Service provided the ideal context for the study because many writers had previously cited this organization. The descriptions generated by these scholars indicated that the communication within the U.S. Forest Service was historically a near ideal type of control communication. This study sought to compare the present communication system to that described by past researchers. A multimethod approach was employed in exploring these interests. Employees' perceptions or the process and their resulting decision making premises were tapped in personal interviews. Survey questionnaires provided a further index of perceptions. Two scales which measured degree of identification were included in the questionnaire. Interaction among employees was observed during meetings. The results of the study indicated that the theory is valuable in illuminating the relationship between individuals and organizations. Foresters were found to identify more than nonforesters. Tenure and hierarchical position had strong effects on degree of identification. Many of the communication patterns such as frequent transfers, use of symbols, isolated offices, external messages, selection procedures producing homogeneity of membership and indoctrination sessions associated with strong identification, were not as heavily used presently as they had been in the past. The degree of identification had also decreased. More obtrusive control practices had increased.

Degree

Ph.D.

Subject Area

Communication

COinS