Control through Communication: The Rise of System in American Management Book

A. Her book is a study of the role of communication, particurally the technology of written communication, in systematic management
B. Introduction
1. Past Studies
a) In the past the evolution of communication has recieved little attention from historians
b) Business historians have studied specific business functions like accounting
c) Historians of technology have studied the invention of communication technologies like the telegraph
2. Thesis
a) This book focuses on the evolution of the communication system as an integrated whole in the American workplace in the 19th and 20th
b) The integrated whole includes functions, technologies, and genres that influence communication
3. Control through Communication
a) Control through communication is the main theme of the book
b) Control according to Yates means: Managerial control over employees (both workers and managers) , & control of processes, and flows of material. Control is the mechanism by which the managers can achieve their goals.
c) The 3 levels of this control are
(1) Downward flows: Conveyed informational procedures from management to the supervisors and workers
(2) Upward flows: Sent data up to the managers to serve as the basis for the analysis of operational efficiency
(3) Lateral flows: This was internal communication among middle levels of management to document and coordinate interactions
4. Outline of the Book
a) The book is divided into 2 parts
b) Part 1 examines the components of internal communication -functions, genres, and technology.
c) Part 2 examines specific case studies of communication systems for the Illinois Central Railroad, Scovill Manufacturing Company, & E. I. du Pont Company