Did you ever feel this way while going through college orientation? Believe me, you are not alone. Often times, as we join a new organization, we are filled with copious amounts of stress and anxiety. There is so much we don't know! What is our role here? Where we do belong? DO we even belong?! Most of these questions related directly to the communication theory of uncertainty reduction, or uncertainty management. The basis of uncertainty management theory (UMT) is simple: what are the things we do in order to not feel stressed; what actions can we take to help transition into a new organization? UMT can be broken down into a simple three categories: relational, role, and organizational uncertainties. Relational uncertainties are the anxiety about the relationships you form. Role uncertainties are the anxiety and stress about your actual job. What are you actually supposed to be doing? Organizational uncertainties are the general misconceptions and confusion about the org...
Welcome to the class blog for Organizational Communication at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN.