Introduction
Communication has long been important in organizations, but the Covid-19 pandemic, the increase in organizations' focus on sustainability, as well as the growing complexity and ideological divides among international actors, have rapidly increased the need for effective, reflective, and ethical communication. The new work environment, which has developed over the past few decades, has radically changed work life and created enormous challenges for communication between organizations and employees. This change has created pressure to develop automation, as well as increased use of digital platforms and digital communication strategies.
The growth of remote work and decentralized teams highlights the necessity of clear and transparent internal communication. It is more important than ever that leaders and teams succeed in developing a shared understanding of common goals. Only then can they make decisions and take actions together. Leadership is increasingly about motivating, creating meaning, adapting to, and understanding employees, but also about being a role model in the use of digital tools. Employees must feel secure and flexible in order to navigate the extensive changes that come with rapid technological advancements and uncertainty in their work. All of this requires effective internal communication. Therefore, significant resources are invested in communication within organizations. The more people who have competence in what they communicate and how they can best understand others, the better the organization will perform.
To enhance students' understanding of effective leadership, the course aims to provide fundamental insight into how communication works and creates profitable organizations. The course addresses both communication as interpersonal interaction at the micro-level (e.g., conflict management, shared understanding, effective relationships…) and communication as structural mechanisms at the macro-level (e.g., organizational networks, power and communication, communication channels…). Students will develop their own skills to understand, function, and lead better in organizations.