Media technology versus communication patterns in the organizational interface

Abstract: This thesis describes communication ecology in organizations. One of the main objectives is to identify "ecological balance" which, initially and metaphorically, is described as interaction of senses. The focus is on the systemic relationships between media and communication modes with certain "sensory bias". Experiences from theoretical studies and empirical cases are integrated in a "new", general mode regarding the character of the interaction and this relationship. Empirical case studies include comparisions between two subunits in organization A, and between functional and demographic groups in organization B. The applied methodology is naturalistic inquiry. The main data collection method is personal interviews. The case studies are limited to internal communication and administrative personnel. Three communication modes were distinguished: visual, audio-visual and acoustic. These modes differed from each other regarding the state of "organizational intelligence", which indicates balance, and regarding "tactility", which indicates integration of modes. The main hypothesis generated stated that a hierarchy of modes and media exists. In this hierarchy the general supports the specific and the complex. The complex media technological system "rests", or is dependent on, the underlying, general communication patterns. In the theoretical development, communication (including media) is described as an example of dualistic interaction of complementary systems. The character of this interaction is metaphorically described as a vortex. Effective management of a vortex type of system presupposes balance and resonance, the lack of which can lead to counterproductivity. Balance and resonance requires that special attention is paid to time and timing.