COM4807
ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE: 14 JULY 2026
SEMESTER 1 2026
, COM4807 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE 17 JULY 2026
a) Distinguishing Between the Positivist, Interpretivist, and Critical Perspectives
on Organisational Communication
Organisational communication can be understood through various theoretical lenses,
each offering a distinct view on the nature of reality, the role of communication, and the
function of power within organisations. This section distinguishes between the positivist
(sometimes postpositivist), interpretivist, and critical perspectives, examining their impact
on communication and their views on reality.
The Positivist Perspective
The positivist perspective views organisations as objective, concrete structures that exist
independently of their members. Rooted in the functionalist tradition, this approach seeks
to identify universal laws and causal relationships that can predict and control
organisational behaviour.
Ontology and Epistemology:
From a positivist ontology, reality is singular, tangible, and external to the individual. The
epistemological stance holds that knowledge can be gained through objective
observation and empirical measurement, mirroring the methods of the natural sciences.
The goal is to discover "truth" through value-free inquiry.
Impact on Communication:
In this view, communication is a transmission process a conduit for sending and
receiving information. The focus is on clarity, accuracy, and efficiency. Communication is
seen as a tool that can be managed to achieve organisational goals, such as increasing
productivity or reducing message distortion. Researchers operating from this perspective
ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE: 14 JULY 2026
SEMESTER 1 2026
, COM4807 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE 17 JULY 2026
a) Distinguishing Between the Positivist, Interpretivist, and Critical Perspectives
on Organisational Communication
Organisational communication can be understood through various theoretical lenses,
each offering a distinct view on the nature of reality, the role of communication, and the
function of power within organisations. This section distinguishes between the positivist
(sometimes postpositivist), interpretivist, and critical perspectives, examining their impact
on communication and their views on reality.
The Positivist Perspective
The positivist perspective views organisations as objective, concrete structures that exist
independently of their members. Rooted in the functionalist tradition, this approach seeks
to identify universal laws and causal relationships that can predict and control
organisational behaviour.
Ontology and Epistemology:
From a positivist ontology, reality is singular, tangible, and external to the individual. The
epistemological stance holds that knowledge can be gained through objective
observation and empirical measurement, mirroring the methods of the natural sciences.
The goal is to discover "truth" through value-free inquiry.
Impact on Communication:
In this view, communication is a transmission process a conduit for sending and
receiving information. The focus is on clarity, accuracy, and efficiency. Communication is
seen as a tool that can be managed to achieve organisational goals, such as increasing
productivity or reducing message distortion. Researchers operating from this perspective
