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Article
Publication date: 7 August 2023

Olaf Hoffjann

Although current strategic communication research is particularly interested in deviations from normative ideals, there is a surprising lack of interest in the structures that…

Abstract

Purpose

Although current strategic communication research is particularly interested in deviations from normative ideals, there is a surprising lack of interest in the structures that lead to such deviations from formal specifications. To this end, this paper explores the classic, but of late largely forgotten concept of informality. The aim is to develop a theoretical framework and a systematization that can be used to answer central questions in strategic communication research. The focus is on three research questions: How can formal and informal structures of strategic organizational communication be systematized? How are formal and informal organizational structures thematized in strategic organizational communication? What is the relationship between (in)formal structures of strategic organizational communication and the thematization of (in)formal organizational structures?

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual contribution is based on systems theoretical organization theory, which understands formal structures as decided decision premises and informal structures as undecided decision premises.

Findings

The understanding of informal expectation structures presented here has enormous potential for describing and researching central issues in strategic communication research in a far more significant way, both theoretically and empirically. For example, decoupling can be described in a much more differentiated way than is possible using the neo-institutionalist perspective.

Practical implications

The systematizing framework for researching informal structures enables a deeper understanding of informal structures and thus a better handling of them in practice. In addition, the framework provides a basis for future empirical studies.

Originality/value

Informal phenomena and structures seem to be the elephant in the room in many discourses in strategic communication research. With the theoretical perspective and systematization presented here, these phenomena can finally be explored in a differentiated and meaningful way.

Details

Corporate Communications: An International Journal, vol. 29 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-3289

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 February 2024

Joachim Preusse

The purpose of this case report is to (1) to describe outputs of a change project at Muenster University of Applied Sciences (Germany), which targeted its “operational core” of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this case report is to (1) to describe outputs of a change project at Muenster University of Applied Sciences (Germany), which targeted its “operational core” of professors and (2) on this basis to derive ideas on how to ensure a high level of pervasion of change projects in the higher education sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The author compiled data on the extent to which the project has penetrated the organisation derived from the project documentation, discusses satisfaction with the level of pervasion and presents four approaches to increase the level of organisational pervasion for similar projects. These were developed in introspective observations by the project team during project execution (2011–2021).

Findings

The level of pervasion achieved by the project was judged to be satisfactory overall, but in principle still capable of being increased, as there are clear differences between subject disciplines. Four approaches to increase the level of pervasion are derived: (1) explicit attention to and monitoring of informal structures, (2) use of milieu-specific segmentation techniques of target groups, (3) variations of the way change objectives are presented within the organisation and (4) a dynamisation of stakeholder management.

Practical implications

The paper offers guidance to change managers in higher education institutions on how to improve the planning phase of change projects. It is essential for change projects to achieve their intended outcome (project outcome) that the organisation is sufficiently pervaded in quantitative terms (project outputs). The recommendations presented in this paper should be of interest to all higher education staff involved in change management, as they can help to increase the level of organisational pervasion.

Originality/value

Although Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are considered to be a type of organisation that is difficult to change, change projects are an integral part of their management practice, follow one another at an increasing pace and are often being driven forward in a network of several parallel projects. This paper presents recommendations to increase the success of change projects in HEIs. In summary, the recommendations suggest breaking down organisation-wide change projects to the organisational meso level.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 38 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

Keywords

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