Staff perceptions on organizational communication: a case study of Kenya Forestry Research Institute

Abstract

Organizational communication is essential and critical to the success of any enterprise. Further, businesses all over the world depends on effective communication and employee perception towards the organization for its success.. Empirical evidence on employee perception on organizational communication is not clear hence the need for the study. The general objective of this study was therefore to determine the staff perceptions on organizational communication at Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI). The study was guided by the following three research questions: What is the nature of organizational communication at KEFRI?? How do employees at KEFRI perceive to organizational communication? And Which challenges of organizational communication do employees of KEFRI face? The research study was mainly informed by the communication accommodation theory. The study employed qualitative approach through the use of a case study method. The target population was the entire population of KEFRI which is 800 employees. Out of this, a sample of 20 participants from the population was selected using stratified and purposive sampling method. The participants included 5 top managers, 9 middle managers and 6 low level cadre. Data was generated through in- depth interviews, analysed thematically and presented in narratives. The study found out that the nature of communication pattern at KEFRI is downwards type of communication pattern. Another finding was that there were variations at the three levels of management on their perception on organizational communication. This was mainly attributed to their cadre, level of exposure, knowledge and skills. The top managers emerged comfortable with the pattern of communication in place. The middle managers believed that the patterns of communication need to well understood for better flow of communication, while the lower level preferred a more flexible pattern such as horizontal which favours their ranks. Another finding of the study indicated that there were several challenges facing employees in communication at KEFRI including; inadequate information communication technology skills and lack of awareness of the Institute‘s organogram especially by the lower cadre. In conclusion, employee perception has a direct bearing on how efficient and effective the communication process in an organization can be achieved. The study recommended interactive forums to combat incompatible differences that disrupt effectiveness in communication