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Publication Date

2008-01-01

Availability

UM campus only

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Communication Studies (Communication)

Date of Defense

2008-10-16

First Committee Member

Diane M. Millette - Committee Chair

Second Committee Member

Thomas Steinfatt - Committee Member

Third Committee Member

Donn Tilson - Committee Member

Abstract

The contemporary world challenges many traditional notions about the nature of organizations (Neher, 1997). Today, organizational structures with more complicated communication have appeared, such as "networks" and "virtual organizations." New technology brought about these changes by overcoming limited resources and locations. Without instantaneous computerized communication, complicated global organizations could not exist. The relationship between organizational structures and new technology has been of primary importance for managers designing hierarchical structures. Organizations must continue to meet the challenge of incorporating new technology into their companies. In this study, twenty employees from Fortune 500 companies were selected to participate in pre-questionnaires and telephone interviews. The data was summarized into eleven categories focusing on three research questions: Employee perceptions of reengineering organizations, adoption of new information communication technology, and the relationship between technology and organizational structure. The findings revealed more complicated communication occurring within organizations reflected through the adoption of information communication technology. Although information flow in most organizations remained vertical from top down, upper level managers were able to bypass mid-level managers and communicate directly with employees and vice versa. This showed the emergence of new organizations featuring less hierarchical structures.

Keywords

Organizational Structures; ICTs

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