This chapter speaks about the importance of recognizing an organization's good. It mentions how while different people involved in the organization may hold different personal goods, they have a common ground by being involved in an organization and that organization has an overall good. This common good brings together all those involved in the organization. The authors write, "Organizational communication ethics addresses the practices and functions of communication in organizations that protect and promote a particular good that defines a dwelling place" (140). This further emphasizes how the organization's good, which brings people involved in the organization together, also points to the dwelling place that protects that very good. The point of the dwelling place is to make a neutral space for communicative practices centered around the organization's good (141).
I have worked in the University of Minnesota Office of Admissions for a couple of years and a focus of the office is to provide extra mile customer service. From the very first day of work and still today I always keep that motto in mind. There are certain guidelines for how employees are trained and monitored to ensure that we are providing the best customer service possible. Even through discussions with professional staff members, you can tell that the good of providing the best customer service possible carries throughout the office. Oftentimes the Office of Admissions is the first impression on visitors to campus and because of this it is extremely important to show people a great first impression.
I agree with you. Each person has different perspective and values, which creates different personal goods. Unlike interpersonal communication, organizational communication involves broad perspectives both in formal and informal ways. As we have learned in public discourse communication ethics, we need to respect others’ sense of goods to protect and promote goods of particular good in a dowelling place. The instructor gave us the great example of U of M. Its child caring service provided special treatment to her due to their personal(?) connection. It is great integration of interpersonal into organizational communication ethics.
ReplyDeleteYour experience at the office is also strongly related to the chapter’s concept. As a member of employees at the office taking important role for the university, you know how to show the organization as good as possible. I personally like the way how officers usually end up their email with the phrase like “if you get further questions, feel free to ask us!”. Even though it is just trying to give good impression about them, the concern for guests or clients make their impression nicer under the communication ethics. Most importantly, how we behave as a member of organization is significant for the organization entirely.