A communication system links together the constituent parts of an organization and provides for the creation, distribution, interpretation and execution of instructions.
The purpose of the study was to investigate employees’ perception of the effectiveness of communication patterns used in organizations, establish employee use, evaluating and rating of the known patterns of communication, and how the known patterns are effective in service delivery.
This study was guided by the kite orientation model (1973), which focuses on interpersonal communication on communication that is two-way and emphasizes on the dynamics of communication situations. Related literature on this model, Human Resource Management and relationship between communication patterns and Human Resource Management was reviewed.
Survey research design was used and was carried out at Kenya Seed Company. There are over 300 employees from the departments of Human Resource, Public Relations, research and development, auditing and field, Marketing and Finance. Out of this, a sample of 180 which represented 60% from the whole population was selected using purposive and stratified sampling. Data was collected using questionnaires, observation and interview schedules. The data collected was then classified, presented, analyzed and interpreted through descriptive statistical techniques. The data was presented in the form of percentages and frequency tables.
The findings were that employees perceived the use of communication patterns as ineffective, and the study further suggested that organizations should put in place structures that will improve communication between employees and management.
The findings of the study will be useful to management of Kenya Seed Company as information will be provided as a benchmark to evaluate its communication patterns to enhance effectiveness in service delivery. The study will serve as an additional reference material for scholars interested in exploring the communication patterns as a broad aspect in the world and specifically in such organizations as Kenya Seed Company.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
1.2 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
1.3 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1.6 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES
1.7 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
1.8 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
1.9 ASSUMPTIONS OF THE STUDY
1.10 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
1.11 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.0 INTRODUCTION
2.1 HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
2.2 MEDIA OF COMMUNICATION
2.2.1 Written communication
2.2.2 Oral communication
2.2.3 Non-verbal communication
2.2.4 Audio-visual media
2.2.5 Effective communication
2.2.6 Communication and organizational structure
2.3 DIRECTION OF COMMUNICATION FLOW
2.3.1 Downward Communication
2.3.2 Upward Communication
2.3.3 Horizontal Communication
2.3.4 The Grapevine
2.4 EMPLOYEE RELATIONS IN COMMUNICATION
2.5 COMMUNICATION AND THE ACHIEVEMENT OF OBJECTIVES
2.6 CONSULTATION AND COMMUNICATION
2.7 SUMMARY
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY
3.0 INTRODUCTION
3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN
3.2 STUDY AREA
3.3 STUDY POPULATION
3.4 SAMPLING PROCEDURES
3.5 DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENTS
3.5.1 Questionnaires
3.5.2 Observation Schedule
3.5.3. Interviews
3.6. VALIDITY
3.7 RELIABILITY
3.8 PILOTING
3.9 PROCESS OF DATA COLLECTION
3.10 DATA ANALYSIS
3.11. SUMMARY
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
4.0 INTRODUCTION
4.1 DATA OF THE STUDY POPULATION
4.2 AWARENESS OF COMMUNICATION PATTERNS
4.3 PATTERNS OF COMMUNICATION
4.3.1 The patterns commonly Used
4.3.2 Employee involvement in Communication
4.3.3 The rating of communication patterns in the organization
4.3.4 Flow of information in the organization
4.4 DOWNWARD COMMUNICATION
4.4.1. Oral communication
4.4.2 Written communication
4.4.3 Audio-visual communication
4.4.4 Upward Communication modes
4.4.5 Horizontal communication
4.4.6 Various modes of horizontal communication and grapevine
The graph below shows the responses regarding horizontal communication;
4.5 DATA ANALYSIS ON THE VARIOUS STUDY HYPOTHESES
4.5.1 Hypothesis one
4.5.1a Perception of communication patterns against employee participation
4.5.2 Hypothesis two
4.5.2a Rating of communication patterns against awareness
4.5.3 Hypothesis three
4.5.3a Perception of communication patterns against service delivery
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.0 INTRODUCTION
5.1 TO ESTABLISH THE PATTERNS OF COMMUNICATION USED IN THE ORGANIZATION
5.2 TO DETERMINE EMPLOYEE AWARENESS OF COMMUNICATION PATTERNS AND THE EVALUATION OF ITS EFFECTS ON SERVICE DELIVERY.
5.3 CONCLUSIONS
5.4 RECOMMENDATIONS
5.5 SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH
Research Objectives & Topics
The research investigates the employee perception regarding the effectiveness of communication patterns within the Kenya Seed Company, focusing on how these patterns influence service delivery and organizational performance.
- Analysis of existing communication patterns (downward, upward, horizontal, diagonal).
- Evaluation of employee awareness and usage of communication channels.
- Assessment of the link between communication patterns and service delivery effectiveness.
- Identification of barriers to effective communication within the organization.
- Proposals for structural improvements to enhance two-way communication.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Background of the Study
Every managerial function and activity involves some form of direct or indirect communication. Communication is used for planning, organizing, directing, evaluating and controlling personnel and activities in organizations. There has to be communication between subordinates and managers and vice versa to enhance effectiveness. The communication process in organizations is a complicated one; complicated by the fact that individuals have idiosyncrasies, biases, and abilities, and complicated by organizational characteristics such as hierarchy or specialization (Smeltzer, 1996). However, communication is the process most central to the success or failure of an organization (Hargie et al., 1999). It is through communication of one kind or another that employees learn what is expected of them, find out how to do their jobs, and become aware of what others think of their work.
According to Rosenbloom (1991), Communication is a vehicle for all interactions among the organizational members whether such interactions are co-operative or conflicting. Communication binds the people of an organization and helps them attain the understanding that is essential for their cooperation in the accomplishment of organizational objectives.
In Kenya today, at least all organizations are engaged in communication initiatives. There are many organizations that exist in Kenya, some are governmental, others non-governmental, Parastatals, profit and non-profit.
Communication is very important in any organization; it aids the process of flow of material, information, perceptions and understanding between various parts and members of an organization. All Organizations in Kenya today have internal communication structures; Kenya seed company inclusive. However, the communication structures that ideally should be the nerve centre for communication continues to play a second fiddle in as far as communication is concerned.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE: Introduces the research topic, background of the study, the specific problem at Kenya Seed Company, and the research objectives and hypotheses.
CHAPTER TWO: Reviews literature regarding human resource management and media of communication, exploring how different patterns and directions of information flow impact organizational success.
CHAPTER THREE: Details the research methodology, including the descriptive survey design, sampling procedures, and data collection instruments like questionnaires and observation.
CHAPTER FOUR: Presents the analysis of collected data, including the evaluation of specific communication patterns and the testing of the study's hypotheses using statistical techniques.
CHAPTER FIVE: Summarizes the findings, draws conclusions regarding the effectiveness of communication within the organization, and provides recommendations for management and future research.
Keywords
Communication Patterns, Organizational Communication, Human Resource Management, Service Delivery, Employee Perception, Downward Communication, Upward Communication, Horizontal Communication, Feedback, Organizational Structure, Employee Participation, Kenya Seed Company, Communication Effectiveness, Management Relations, Information Flow
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research examines the effectiveness of organizational communication patterns at the Kenya Seed Company, specifically how employees perceive these patterns and their impact on service delivery.
What are the primary themes discussed in the study?
The study centers on human resource management, communication media (written, oral, non-verbal), communication flow directions, and the role of organizational structure in facilitating effective message exchange.
What is the main objective of the thesis?
The primary objective is to investigate employee perceptions of the existing communication practices and to determine how these patterns influence organizational effectiveness.
Which research methodology was applied?
The study utilized a descriptive survey design, employing quantitative data collection through questionnaires and qualitative insights via observation and interview schedules.
What does the main body of the work cover?
It covers theoretical frameworks, a review of existing literature on communication, the specific research design used, and an empirical analysis of communication patterns found within the Kenya Seed Company.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include Communication Patterns, Human Resource Management, Service Delivery, Employee Perception, and Organizational Communication.
How does the "kite orientation model" influence the study?
It acts as the theoretical framework, emphasizing two-way, interactive communication and the importance of maintaining an equilibrium within the organizational environment through effective information sharing.
What conclusion does the author reach regarding the communication at Kenya Seed Company?
The author concludes that despite the existence of formal channels, the current communication is largely perceived as ineffective and one-way, often functioning primarily as instructions rather than true dialogue.
- Quote paper
- James Wanyama (Author), 2016, Employee perception of the effectiveness of communication patterns in organizations, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/338222
