A Communication Model for Administration

Abstract

Although concepts derived from communications engineering have begun to influence social science, students of administration have not attempted to apply such concepts. The author suggests some possibilities for adapting communication theory. Administration is defined as decision making, and decisions are viewed essentially as communication phenomena. Organization is posited as an elaborate communication system, which suggests the possibility of a learning net type of model for studying organization. The concepts of feedback and homeostasis give such a model a dynamic quality. Finally, the elements of such a model and some uses to which it might be put are outlined. The author is assistant professor of political science in Michigan State University.