In workplaces poor communication is a serious problem and can be costly to an organization. The impact can be devastating to the parties involved. Some of the results include: Loss of business, customers, products, goods, services, employee turnover, loss of productivity, absenteeism, sabotage, injury and accidents, sick leave and so on. The main purpose of this study is to identify the effects of poor communication on organizational performance and to find out the strategies for improving on communication at the workplace so that employee motivation can be enhanced. The specific objectives of the study included finding out the factors, levels, types and effects of poor communication at the workplace.
The study was guided by the writings of Elashmawi and Harris, (1993) who have argued that a fuller understanding of organizations is a vital ingredient at every forward step of the career process, and that communication is a primary element for understanding how organizations function and how members of the organization should, even must, behave in organizations if they are to advance their careers. The study was carried out at the Kenya Seed Company Limited. A sample of 300 respondents was involved in the research and they were picked through random stratified sampling save for seven heads of departments who were purposefully selected by virtue of their positions and possession of key information. This sample was deemed representative enough as the total number of workers is 3000. The research used both questionnaires and interviews schedules.
Data was analyzed and presented using descriptive statistics methods. Excel was used to come up with this analysis. To analyze and determine the magnitude of poor communication and good channels of proper communication, the findings of the study will help KSC Ltd and other organizations to improve on communication. This in turn will improve the employee motivation and general organizational performance.
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
1.2 Theoretical framework
1.3 Statement of the Problem
1.4 Purpose of the Study
1.5 Research Objectives.
1.6 Research Questions
1.7 Significance of the Study
1.8 Scope of the Study
1.9 Assumptions of the Study
1.10 Definition of terms
2.0 Literature review
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Business Communication
2.3 Role and functions of communication
2.4 Communication Levels
2.5 Direction of communication
2.6 Grapevine Communication
2.7 Communication Channels.
2.8 Barriers
2.8.1 Physical barriers in the workplace include:
2.8.2 Perceptual barriers
2.8.3 Emotional Barriers
2.8.4 Cultural Barriers
2.8.5 Language Barriers
2.8.6 Gender Barriers
2.8.7 Interpersonal Barriers
2.9 Effects of Communication
2.9.1 Employee Morale
2.9.2 Decreased Innovation
2.9.3 Other Effects
2.10 Motivation
2.10.1 Relationship between Motivation and Communication
2.11 Link between communication and productivity
3.0 Research Methodology
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Study Area – The Kenya Seed Company
3.3 The Research Design
3.4 Target Population
3.5 Sampling and Sampling Technique
3.6 Data Collection Instruments
3.7 Data Collection Procedure
3.8 Data Analysis
4.0 Analysis and Interpretation of Data
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Questionnaire Return Rate
4.3 Discussion of findings
5.0 Discussion of Results
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Summary
5.3 Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary aim of this research is to evaluate how communication efficacy influences employee motivation and overall organizational performance within the Kenya Seed Company. The study addresses the critical challenge of identifying how communication barriers negatively impact productivity and morale, and it seeks to formulate strategies for organizational improvement.
- Identification of factors contributing to poor communication
- Analysis of communication channels and their effectiveness
- Evaluation of the correlation between communication and employee motivation
- Development of strategies to enhance workplace communication
Excerpt from the Book
2.8.2 Perceptual barriers
The problem with communicating with others is that people see the world differently. If we didn't, we would have no need to communicate. People possess varying levels of communication skills. People use different frames of reference and experiences to interpret the world around them. The level of interpersonal trust between people can either be a barrier or enabler of effective communication. Communications are likely to be distorted when people do not trust each other. Stereotypes and prejudices can powerfully distort what we perceive about others. Egos are a powerful barrier. They can influence how people treat each other as well as our receptiveness to being influenced by others. Poor listening skills are the sixth barrier. (Scully, 1995). Listening with understanding reduces defensiveness and improves accuracy in perceiving messages.
Summary of Chapters
1.0 Introduction: This chapter introduces the study's background, the role of communication in organizational success, and the specific research objectives and questions.
2.0 Literature review: This section examines theoretical frameworks, including Shannon and Weaver's model, and discusses the relationship between business communication, employee motivation, and productivity.
3.0 Research Methodology: This chapter outlines the research design, target population at Kenya Seed Company, sampling techniques, and data collection instruments used.
4.0 Analysis and Interpretation of Data: This chapter presents the findings derived from questionnaires, highlighting employee dissatisfaction with current communication strategies and management practices.
5.0 Discussion of Results: This chapter summarizes the study's findings, draws final conclusions, and emphasizes the need for improved communication to boost organizational performance.
Keywords
Communication, Organizational Performance, Kenya Seed Company, Employee Motivation, Communication Barriers, Productivity, Management, Workplace, Interpersonal Communication, Job Satisfaction, Employee Morale, Business Communication, Decision Making, Participatory Management
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The study focuses on the effects of poor communication within the Kenya Seed Company and how these impacts relate to employee motivation and organizational productivity.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
Key themes include communication barriers (such as physical, emotional, and perceptual), the link between communication and productivity, and the importance of leadership communication in employee management.
What is the primary objective of this study?
The primary objective is to investigate how effective communication affects employee motivation at the Kenya Seed Company and to identify specific strategies to mitigate poor communication.
Which research methodology was utilized?
The study employed a survey research design, collecting quantitative data through structured questionnaires distributed to both employees and management, analyzed using descriptive statistics.
What does the main body cover?
The main body covers a comprehensive literature review, the theoretical framework (Osgood and Schramm’s model), research methodology, and a detailed analysis of survey findings regarding current communication practices.
How are the key terms defined for this study?
The study defines key terms such as 'Poor communication', 'Employee motivation', and 'Organizational Performance' in the context of the Kenya Seed Company's specific work environment.
What specific barriers to communication were identified in the study?
The study identifies physical, perceptual, emotional, cultural, language, gender, and interpersonal barriers as significant obstacles to effective organizational communication.
What conclusion does the author reach regarding management?
The author concludes that there is widespread discontent among lower-cadre employees regarding management's communication approach, suggesting a critical need for induction into modern, participatory management techniques.
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- Thomas Muema (Autor:in), 2012, Effects of poor communication in an organization: Case of Kenya Seed Company, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/186895
