A Study of Upward Bypassing in the Process of Vertical Control of an Organizational Communication System
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Date
1983-09Author
Kuhlmey, E. Sterling
Publisher
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/79858Description
The Purpose of the Study:
This study will examine the nature of the bypassing act, its most
common causes, and the most predictable effects it will have on both the
individuals involved and on the effectiveness of the communication system
of an organization. It will also attempt to examine the possibility
that bypassing can sometimes serve constructive purposes; we must consider
both the positive and negative effects of bypassing. Our main
concern will be the effect of upward vertical bypassing at the lower
levels of all organizations, but with some special attention to military
units. As possible, we shall apply our conclusions to larger units both
in the military and private sector. In a set of summary recommendations
we shall attempt to set forth possible programs or policies which managers
or military commanders can use to control bypassing.
This set of objectives requires that we directly relate the tactic
of bypassing to the main elements of organization communication theory as
commonly found in the literature. Thus, this paper will deal with matters
of vertical control, more specifically, with the processes used in
controlling the spiralling up and down feedback process of vertical communication in which bypassing occurs, and will place that tactic in the context of organization communication structure, function and goals.