I have keenly observed how organisations in Kenya, including government ministries and institutions, have blundered in their communication strategies thus critically compromising the achievement of their goals and objectives.
Communication is the root of all relationships, whether personal or professional. Thus, one can't do without effective communication. Indeed, in order to build better relationship within organisations, corporate leaders must hone their communication skills.
We have examples of organisations in Kenya that have experienced serious management woes because of wrong strategic decisions. To make matters worse, mismanagement of such critical information in most cases grinds these institutions into shells.
It is important to note that communication is the means by which the functions of management are accomplished. In any organisation, effective communication leads to effective management, which aids the attainment of organisational goals.
Poor communication is, therefore, at the centre of failed management. Effective personnel management is a function of effective communication as management involves working with and through others to achieve corporate goals. The realisation of the goals of an organisation hinges on effective communication among its various facets.
Still, in most organisations that have gone under, communication within and without is scanty. Information on the challenges organisations are facing, from financial to staff unrests, must be shared with the relevant decision-makers and stakeholders at the right time in order to salvage the situation at the earliest opportunity. Organisations should share the issues they are facing with the relevant stakeholders at the appropriate time to avoid complicating conditions even further.
Establishments must recognise that communication is essential for decision-making and planning. It enables the management to receive critical information without which it may not be possible to take any decision. The quality of critical strategic decisions depends upon the quality of communication, especially from management.
Without effective communication, it may not be possible to issue instructions to others or even alter a plan/strategy that is going wrong. Effective communication helps organisations to alter or amend implementation of plans and policies in order to avoid a situation where things move from bad to worse.
The fact that an organisation can continue to make huge losses year in year out exemplifies a failed communication system. Further, it is important for corporate leaders to appreciate that effective communication fosters effective control. This implies that, the extent of actual performance, comparing it with standards set by plans and taking corrective actions of nonconformities, if any, to ensure attainment of company objectives and goals.
Therefore, communication acts as a tool of effective control. All this cannot be achieved without an efficient system of communication.
Communication has incredible implication on management processes such as planning, organising, directing and controlling. Accordingly, as mentioned above, ignoring the role of effective communication can have serious ramifications on an organisation’s desire to achieve its goals.
Effective communication is critical as it serves as a bridge between corporate leadership and the subordinates. It has been argued that effective communication creates collective understanding and trust among employees. It encourages co-operation between the employer and the employees. Consequently, without communication, there cannot be sound industrial relations and industrial peace.
From the foregoing, organisations, government ministries and institutions must appreciate the role of effective communication in achieving their objectives and or goals as well as mitigating wrong management plans and strategies. It is important, therefore, to enhance and encourage effective communication within institutions.
Communication specialist and certified public relations analyst
