This book explores how members of an organization or group speak to and with each other. An
expansion of the author's previous research on fallibility in organizations the concept of
communication climate is related to those of voice climate and psychological safety both of
which focus on the risk of speaking up and raising concerns at work. In this book the author
addresses the scope for criticism dissent and disagreement but also for praise and
encouragement. He places friendly friction at the core of what characterizes a healthy
communication climate. Beginning with a clear explanation of how and why communication climate
is important in organizations the author introduces the concept of critical quality moments
i.e. situations where a verbal intervention can crucially change the course of events for the
better. The book then goes on to describe seven elements that characterize well-functioning
communication climates before exploring the concept of communication ethics and the balance
between freedom of speech on the one hand and speech responsibility on the other. Concluding
with suggestions for further research this book addresses issues that are at the core of
establishing collaboration and excellence at work making it highly relevant to executive
students at business schools researchers in organizational behavior and decision-makers in
organizations. This is an open access book.
