The Problems of Ineffective Communication in an Organization
Chapter One
PURPOSE OF STUDY
This research work is embarked upon for the following purposes:
To find out the problems caused by ineffective communication in an organization.
To find out if the strategies the organization adopted to enhance communication were fully utilized.
To determine if Industrial conflict and low productivity in business organization were as a result of ineffective communication.
CHAPTER TWO
Although managers may subscribe to desirable communication imperatives, there is no manager who can be described as infallible. And no manager is free of error when communication is concerned. For instance, failure to read and re-read, check, and re-check a letter or e-mail (only to realize error(s) later) may not only prove embarrassing, but beseeches professionalism and competence. Truly, mistakes in communication can even have more serious consequences. They can tarnish the manager’s reputation, infuriate stake/share holders, or take a bite out of the “bread and butter” of the company or organization, hence loss in revenue. To avert occurrence in any of the examples stated here, the manager must work diligently to avoid communication blunders and misunderstanding that can build confusion. www.mindtools.com has come up with ten common communication mistakes. These are not editing your work; delivering bad news by e-mail; avoiding difficult conversations; not being assertive; reacting, not responding; not preparing thoroughly; using a “one-size fits all” approach to communication; not keeping an open mind when meeting new people; assuming that your message has been understood; and accidentally violating others’ privacy.
It is a given, too, that communication problems are inevitable in workplace environments where humans interact with other humans. Personality differences, cultural backgrounds, ethical issues and their interpretations, goal setting and accountability, are only a few problem areas. The problem, though, is how these communication problems can be quickly identified and addressed so that employees can go to work in order to enhance the organization’s competitiveness and, above all, productivity. It is largely for this reason that Nicole Selley admits communication problems often become apparent when consequences surface. “If a department suffers from high turnover, this can be a sign of poor communication between the supervisor and the team,” says Selley. “If the team doesn’t understand what is expected from them, receive unclear instructions . . . they feel dissatisfied, and this can result in employees leaving the business after a relatively short period.”
Another indicator of communication problems in management is low motivation, productivity, and business performance vis-à-vis competitors. Selley adds that, if employees do not believe they are appreciated, valued, and kept informed, they may not go the “extra mile” for their employer. To make the work environment worse, the employees might become frustrated seeing no point of their services, thus leading to poor performance. Open and regular disagreements between managers and the team, such as open conflict or rejected appraisals, are also indicators of the prevalence of communication problems. While many communication channels are at the disposal of the sender of the message, it is also commonly accepted that interpersonal communication is the most effective channel. It gives the sender a unique opportunity for direct interaction, which includes body language, voice pitch, being personable, facial expression, body language, and to take advantage of immediate feedback. Conversely, there are many reasons why interpersonal communication may fail. And although a skilled communicator may utilize active listening, clarification, and reflection, he/she must be generally aware of barriers to communication. www.skillsyouneed.com takes time to indicate common barriers to effective communication.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Introduction
In this chapter, we would describe how the study was carried out.
Research design
This study is a survey which utilized quantitative approaches. It examined in detail the problems of ineffective communication in business organization, a case study of Vetco Gray Nigeria Limited, Port-Harcourt.
Descriptive studies of the survey nature are used not only for the purpose of description but also for the determination of relationships between variables at the time of study (Babbie, 1973). The survey design was chosen in this case because it enabled the study to cover a larger area thus the findings are applicable to a large area.
Research settings
This study was carried out among the workers of Vetco Gray Nigeria Limited, Port-Harcourt.
Sources of Data
The data for this study were generated from two main sources; Primary sources and secondary sources. The primary sources include questionnaire, interviews and observation. The secondary sources include journals, bulletins, textbooks and the internet.
Population of the study
A study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitute of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description (Prince Udoyen: 2019). In this study the study population constitutes of 200 staffs of Vetco Gray Nigeria Limited, Port-Harcourt.
CHAPTER FOUR
PRESENTATION ANALYSIS INTERPRETATION OF DATA
Introduction
Efforts will be made at this stage to present, analyze and interpret the data collected during the field survey. This presentation will be based on the responses from the completed questionnaires. The result of this exercise will be summarized in tabular forms for easy references and analysis. It will also show answers to questions relating to the research questions for this research study. The researcher employed simple percentage in the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
INTRODUCTION
It is important to reiterate that the objective of this study was the problems of ineffective communication in business organization.
In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in evaluating examine This study is based on the problems of ineffective communication in business organization.
SUMMARY
This study aimed at having a critical analysis of the the problems of ineffective communication in business organization. The study opened with chapter one where the statement of the problem was clearly defined. The study objectives and research hypotheses were defined and formulated respectively. The study reviewed related and relevant literatures. The chapter two gave the conceptual framework, empirical and theoretical studies. The third chapter described the methodology employed by the researcher in collecting both the primary and the secondary data. The research method employed here is the descriptive survey method. The study analyzed and presented the data collected in tables and the hypotheses were tested using the Chi square while the fifth chapter gives the study summary and conclusion.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This research has shown that Industrial conflict and low productivity in business organization were as a result of ineffective communication.
The strategies the organization adopted to enhance communication were fully utilized. Based on our findings we recommend that that management should focus more on participate management and decision making by asking for their opinions and allowing the members of the staff to make meaning contribution on issue concerning the organization. And Management should address the workers properly and formally on issues and decisions made by the company to reduce the problem of misunderstanding and labour stand off also Management should from time-to-time organize training workshops, and seminars to help update the workers on information and to skills.
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