Publication Date

4-1-1995

Degree Program

Department of Communication

Degree Type

Master of Arts

Abstract

A total of 69 employees in various job positions working in cubicles in an open-office space plan, of a large organization, completed a questionnaire investigating the impact of microenvironmental space on communication and job satisfaction. Data was analyzed using quantitative research methods. The results showed that a distinct lack of conversational privacy existed in this office. Also, when the level of noise decreased, the perceived level of privacy and job satisfaction increased. Excessive interaction, distraction, and communication with colleagues resulted in decreased level of communication privacy and job Satisfaction. In conclusion, the results of this study suggested two options for the decreased communication and job satisfaction: converting some space in the midst of all the cubicles into a gathering room to solve the problems such as lack of conversational privacy, distractions, and colleagues dropping in for a chat, or telecommuting. The researcher designed a model depicting communication as the threading tool for various components of microenvironmental space leading to job satisfaction. Several areas for future research in microenvironmental space are briefly discussed.

Disciplines

Communication

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Communication Commons

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