MGT 5106 Organizational Communication
Prerequisites: None
Course Objectives:
The primary objective of the course is to provide the student with the skills necessary to understand basic communication theory and the effects of communication on human behavior and organizational effectiveness.
Required Texts:
Grading Policy:
A 90-100%
B 80 – 89%
C 70 – 79%
D 60 – 69%
F <60%
The final grade is calculated as follows:
Research Paper Outline: 10%
Annotated Bibliography: 20%
Research Paper: 25%
Case Studies: 15%
Discussion Board Questions: 20%
Course Reflections: 10%
Late Assignments:
Extensions for extreme and extenuating circumstances are at the discretion of the instructor and must be arranged in advance. Any work submitted after midnight Eastern Time of the due date will incur a 50% reduction in the grade. In no case can an assignment be delayed more than one week with instructor’s approval and all work must be submitted by the conclusion of Week 8 to receive a grade.
Schedule:
Projects:
All projects are due no later than midnight eastern time on the date assigned.
Discussion Board Questions
The preponderance of the class is built around the readings and discussion threads. We will utilize the online discussion threads to exchange knowledge and invoke dialogue within the class. In addition, the participation within these threads will ensure that each student practices crafting concepts and theories learned, discuss knowledge, and shares personal perspectives with the topic at hand.
Weekly, you should expect to provide an initial posting to address the discussion questions and provide a substantive response to at least one of your peers per question or case study. Each of you must post your initial response no later than midnight Eastern Time Wednesday of each week to give each of us maximum time to exchange dialogue within the threads. Last minute postings of threads will limit the amount of knowledge exchange, thus minimizing the learning process. Each peer response(s) are due no later than midnight Eastern Time Sunday of each week to get full credit. Each Monday will begin the next discussion thread.
Research Paper Outline Due Date: Sunday of Week 3
A research paper outline is due at the end of Week 3. Full sentences are required at each level of the outline. The APA (7th Ed.) is the guiding manual for form and style for this project.
Annotated Bibliography Due Date: Sunday of Week 5
An Annotated Bibliography, citing at least 10 references that are being utilized for the final research paper is due at the end of Week 10. Citations require (about 150 words) a descriptive and evaluative paragraph containing the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the sources cited.
Research Paper Due Date: Sunday of Week 7
An 8-12 page research paper on one of the general organizational communication approaches or processes discussed in the textbook is due at the end of the week. Papers must have a minimum of ten separate references.
The APA (7th ed.) is the guiding manual for form and style for the paper. Relevant, recent, and credible research is required. Under no circumstances will references from dictionaries or encyclopedias be accepted as references, including online sources such as Wikipedia. No more than 15% of your paper should be from direct quotes. No references can be listed on the reference page that does not appear in the text of the paper. Papers must be: double-spaced, enumerated on the top right corner of each page, in Times New Roman 12-point font, and have 1" margins.
Complete and submit the assignment by 11:59 PM ET Sunday.
Generative AI Tools:
Please adhere to the following guidelines in this class concerning AI:
The use of generative AI (GenAI) tools is permitted in this course under specific conditions and proper citation. You can see an example of how to cite GenAI at https://apastyle.apa.org/blog/how-to-cite-chatgpt. Students may use GenAI for initial research, outlining, brainstorming, and proofreading. However, the use of generative AI tools is NOT allowed for writing full essays. Furthermore, any assignment with an AI detection score of 50% or more through TurnItIn may result in a zero for the assignment. All GenAI use must be explicitly disclosed in submitted work. Failure to follow these guidelines or using GenAI in a manner that violates the Academic Honesty Policy will be considered a violation of academic integrity. GenAI tool(s) should be used to enhance understanding and creativity, not replace original thought or fundamental skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and writing. Should you have any questions, doubts, or concerns about using GenAI tools in your coursework, please consult with the instructor for clarification and guidance.
Inappropriate use of AI is considered plagiarism. Sanctions will range from a zero for the assignment to an F for the course. Please note that other Florida Tech classes may have different policies and that some may forbid AI use altogether.
Academic Honesty Definitions & Procedures
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in federally funded education programs and activities. Florida Institute of Technology policy also prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex.
Florida Tech faculty are committed to helping create a safe learning environment for all students that is free from all forms of discrimination and sexual harassment, including sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. If you, or someone you know, have experienced or is experiencing any of these behaviors, know that help and support are available.
Florida Tech strongly encourages all members of the community to take action, seek support, and report any incident of sexual harassment or gender discrimination to
David M. McMahan, J.D., Title IX Coordinator
Phone: 321-674-7386
e-mail: dmcmahan@fit.edu
Office: Denius Student Center Room 215
Please note that as your professor, I am required to report any incidents to the Title IX Coordinator.
If you wish to speak to an employee who does not have this reporting responsibility, please contact the Student Counseling Center at 321-674-8050.
Academic Accommodations: Florida Tech is committed to equal opportunity for persons w/disabilities in the participation of activities operated/sponsored by the university. Therefore, students w/documented disabilities are entitled to reasonable educational accommodations. The Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR) supports students by assisting w/accommodations, providing recommended interventions, and engaging in case management services. It is the student’s responsibility to make a request to OAR before any accommodations can be approved/implemented. Also, students w/approved accommodations are encouraged to speak w/the course instructor to discuss any arrangements and/or concerns relating to their accommodations for the class.
Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR):
Recording Disclosure (Privacy Waiver): This course may be recorded for use by students and/or faculty. Enrolled students are subject to having their images and voices recorded during the classroom presentations, remote access learning, online course discussions, and remote office hours/meetings. Course participants should have no expectation of privacy regarding their participation in this class. Recordings may not be reproduced, shared with those not registered in the courses, or uploaded to other online environments. All recordings will be deleted at the conclusion of the academic term.