Strategic Ambiguity

This video looks at strategic ambiguity, an important organizational communication concept that contrasts with most models of communication that emphasize the importance of the clarity of a message. The video is based on the work of Eric Eisenberg.

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[DaGeneralPatton]

I enjoyed this. I am a student at USC Annenberg. After reading an Eisenberg article, I was not clear on this concept. Thank you.

[RezaMoussavi]

Very useful. I always had the struggle for increasing clarification but now I see the benefits of not being precise in some cases. That takes effort to apply but it definitely worths it’s utility. Thanks for sharing.

[PrakashJyotisa]

Great one! thanks, Alex. with respects, Prakash

[kathiannlittle]

Strategic HR professional here and omg love this explanation 👏🏽

[TheFBIorange]

Another potential dimension of ambiguity I see commonly is goal ambiguity. I often see unclear goals set when faced with uncertainty about how to solve a problem. When the goal is ambiguous, it has poorly defined goal criteria and/or timelines. Without these, it is difficult to determine when the problem is failing to be addressed. Goal ambiguity can even allow for problems to be falsely presented as solved or on time.

[kingvdarkness]

Please can you do a video on Elton Mayo's Human Relations Theory?

[willemf]

I would appreciate learning which source I should reference (in a scientific article) for the definition of strategic ambiguity, provided in this excellent talk, as "the way people may communicate unclearly but still accomplish their goals"). It is not in Eisenberg (1984).

[MiaAmorr]

In addition, there are no gray areas to the truth. Either it’s truth or a lie, there is no in between.

[kavinanil]

Is there a strategic ambiguity by the FMCG industry, electronic industry players in addressing the implications of waste generation in countries around the world....???

[MiaAmorr]

Ambiguity’s definition is inexactness which means deviation from the truth. Therefore, Strategic ambiguity is premeditated deviation from the truth which equals deception.

[TheMjuane]

Ambiguity makes me feel insulted. And people who like ambiguity, tends to be unorganized

[inuwooddog]

Let's call it what is it. It's Strategic Dishonesty.

[teddyroxbury]

Its a control tool.

Pretty sad humans are led and controlled by a person who gets to decide how/when to ride the line of honesty even though they are human as well. A power, if mastered, that can control crowds.

Imagine a person wanting to control crowds. What kind of person does it take to desire to be a crowd controller?

Is it possible that same ego will struggle ethically with maintaining balance given the ego required to control how people receive communication?

Stick ethics last lol.

[KMR]

I don't buy that kind of manipulation