Theory Concept Application Paper For This Assignment

Theoryconcept Application Paper For This Assignment Each Indivi

For this assignment, each individual will apply an organizational theory and relevant concepts from the text to their own personal work experiences. This paper is an opportunity to analyze what has been learned, integrate concepts from class/text to elaborate on experiences, and demonstrate communication competency through analysis and writing. Specifically, as a Public Relations (PR) major student who has completed an internship, the paper should refer to experiences from the PR internship work, applying relevant organizational theories to these experiences. Proper grammar and language rules must be followed to achieve a desirable grade.

Paper For Above instruction

The purpose of this paper is to analyze and reflect on my internship experiences through the lens of organizational theory. As a Public Relations major, my internship provided a real-world context to observe and understand organizational dynamics, communication patterns, and leadership styles. By applying specific organizational theories, I aim to deepen my understanding of the internal workings of organizations, enhance my communication skills, and reflect on how these insights can shape my future career in PR.

During my internship at XYZ Public Relations Agency, I was exposed to various organizational processes, including client communication, campaign development, and team collaboration. One of the prominent theories that I found relevant was Weber's Theory of Bureaucracy. Max Weber's model emphasizes hierarchical structures, standardized procedures, and clear authority lines, which are evident in the agency’s structured approach to managing client accounts and internal task assignments. The organization’s reliance on formal rules and clear role definitions helped ensure efficiency and accountability, particularly in high-pressure situations like crisis communication. Observing this, I realized how important formalized procedures are in maintaining consistency and professionalism in PR work.

Furthermore, I observed aspects of Lewin’s Change Management Model during a campaign overhaul. The organization needed to adapt quickly to changing client demands, requiring a 'change' phase characterized by unfreezing old practices, implementing new strategies, and refreezing the new approach. My supervisor emphasized the importance of communication during this process to ensure that team members understood the rationale behind changes and were motivated to embrace new methods. This application reinforced the significance of effective communication in managing organizational change and reducing resistance, which is critical in the fast-paced environment of public relations.

Another relevant theory I encountered was Mintzberg's Managerial Roles. Through my interactions with managers and team leads, I observed roles such as disseminator, spokesperson, and resource allocator. For instance, managers regularly communicated client feedback to the team (disseminator), represented the agency at industry events (spokesperson), and assigned tasks based on team members' strengths and workload (resource allocator). Recognizing these roles helped me appreciate the multifaceted responsibilities of managers and the importance of versatile communication skills in fulfilling these roles effectively.

Additionally, in considering the organizational culture of the agency, I applied Schein's Organizational Culture Model. The agency fostered a collaborative and innovative environment, encouraging open communication and creative problem-solving. The orientation and shared values promoted a sense of purpose and motivated employees to deliver high-quality work. Experiencing this culture firsthand demonstrated how organizational values influence employee behavior, engagement, and overall effectiveness — vital insights for my future career in public relations where understanding organizational culture is key to crafting effective communication strategies.

In conclusion, my internship provided rich opportunities to observe and analyze organizational theories in action. Applying Weber’s bureaucracy helped me understand formal structures, Lewin’s model illustrated change processes, Mintzberg’s roles shed light on managerial responsibilities, and Schein’s culture highlighted the importance of shared values. These theories expanded my understanding of organizational dynamics and refined my communication competencies, preparing me for future roles in PR where such insights are indispensable. Reflecting on these theories enhances my ability to navigate organizational environments and contributes to my growth as a strategic communicator in the public relations field.

References

• Weber, M. (1947). The Theory of Social and Economic Organization. Oxford University Press.
• Lewin, K. (1947). Frontiers in Group Dynamics. Human Relations, 1(1), 5-41.
• Mintzberg, H. (1975). The Manager’s Job: Folklore and Fact. Harvard Business Review.
• Schein, E. H. (2010). Organizational Culture and Leadership. Jossey-Bass.
• Robbins, S. P., & Coulter, M. (2018). Management (13th ed.). Pearson.
• Daft, R. L. (2016). Organization Theory and Design (12th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Appelbaum, S. H., & Lee, S. (2013). Organizational Change: An Action-Oriented Toolkit. Routledge.
• Gioia, D. A., & Thomas, J. B. (1996). Identity, Image, and Issue interpretation: Sensemaking during Strategic Change. Academy of Management Journal, 39(3), 566-589.
• Kaplan, R. S., & Norton, D. P. (1996). The Balanced Scorecard: Translating Strategy into Action. Harvard Business School Press.
• Katz, D., & Kahn, R. L. (1966). The Social Psychology of Organizations. Wiley.