Week 2, Blog #4

The notions of processes and feedback (Chapter 4) carry much relevance in my work experience as they relate to organizational communication. My employer recently instituted a quality and environmental management system consistent with standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Under this type of system, processes for typical work practices are established. In an ideal workplace setting, such work processes would be used primarily as reference documents because staff would already know precisely what needs to be done. If, however, these processes are not effective, ISO allows for (more accurately, requires) a mechanism for making changes. Any employee can submit a corrective or preventive action request (CPAR) to request improvements to a workflow process. This virtual feedback loop allows for continuous improvement within the organization and ultimately, enhances organizational communication therein.