Instructor Resource
Dainton, Applying Communication Theory for Professional Life 4e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
Case Notes
Chapter 9: Organizational Communication
Answer to Case Study 9: Losing Hope
Question 1. Compare and contrast the culture of Hope Medical Center (before the merger) with
that of GVHA. Make sure to describe the artifacts, values, and assumptions apparent in both
organizations. Using Deal and Kennedy’s four cultures, which type of culture has Hope
historically had? Based on Schein’s theory, can the cultures of Hope and GVHA coexist? Why or
why not?
SAMPLE STUDENT ANSWER: Hope Medical Center was a warm, welcoming place
before the merger. The employees had a system down where they would discuss issues
with each other before any decisions were made. They had helped create the Beacon of
Hope statement and motto that reflected their values. They were proud of the banner
Question 2. Using organizational assimilation theory, describe the stages of Stella’s adjustment
(or failure to adjust) to the “new” hospital after the GVHA merger. Do you believe
metamorphosis will occur? Why or why not?
Question 3. What types of control did Hope Medical Center use before the partnership?
Compare this with the types of control GVHA uses to manage its hospital network.
SAMPLE STUDENT ANSWER: Hope originally used unobtrusive control, where
Question 4. Using organizing theory, what evidence is there of the use of double interacts? What
might sociocultural evolution predict will happen to Hope?
Question 5. What ethical issues arise with the merger? Do any of the theories provide insight
into helping manage these ethical tensions?
Instructor Resource
Dainton, Applying Communication Theory for Professional Life 4e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
SAMPLE STUDENT ANSWER: Employees at Hope were concerned about the
merger; however, they believed the assurances GVHA gave them that their everyday
Question 6. Do any of the theories emerge as “better” than the others? Why do you believe this
to be the case? How could the story be altered so as to make a different theory or combination of
theories better at explaining the situation?
SAMPLE STUDENT ANSWER: As currently presented, organizational assimilation
theory seems to be a better explanation than the other theories. It focuses on the premise