Phenomenology and organizational communication

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present ways for managers to attain the phenomenological attitude. Achieving effective communication in organizations like libraries and information agencies is a difficult challenge. The business literature offers some suggestions, but those fall short. Application of phenomenological methods by managers can help meet the challenge and bring people together around the intended messages. Design/methodology/approach – Of utmost importance to effective communication is transcending what can be called the “natural attitude” in favor of the “phenomenological attitude”. This requires recognition by managers of the unique relationship of self and other, plus the realization that action is intentional (meaning that being conscious means being conscious of something). This paper presents ways for managers to attain the phenomenological attitude. Findings – Phenomenological methods of communicating have the potential to engage and involve everyone in the organization by enabling all to comprehend fully the nature of what is communicated and what is to be accomplished. Originality/value – Phenomenology is seldom applied to organizational communication; this paper demonstrates that it presented the wherewithal to help managers improve the effectiveness of libraries and information agencies.

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