A study of organizational communication in a school during the pre- and post-innovation periods

The purpose of this study was to examine changes in organizational communication behavior in an elementary school during the pre- and post-innovation periods. The turning point of the pre- and post-innovation periods were determined by transference of decision making systems in the school. Data were collected through participant observation, and the analyses indicated the following results. Compared to the pre-innovation period, during the post-innovation period, 1) overall communication level increased; 2) discussions, rational persuasion , and proposals increased, while assertions decreased as the contents of communication; and 3) the number of those who spoke at teaching staff meetings increased. Concerning downward communication, 1) rational persuasive communication was used most frequently throughout the pre- and post-innovation periods; and 2) communication suggesting a compromise increased during the post-innovation period. These findings were discussed in terms of organizational effectiveness of the school.