ABSTRACT
It is observed in many organizations that
there has been the problem of ineffective language communication. This has
adversely affected the management and subsequent performance level of these
organizations. Opinions expressed by several scholars revealed that effective
language communication played a very important role in the efficient management
of an organization. This fact laid the basic foundation for this research. This
study therefore, investigated the impact of effective management through
language communication using Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku as a study.
The data analyzed revealed that among other barriers to effective language
communication in an organization, semantic distortion was the most prevalent.
Poor communication adversely affected job performance while effective language
communication facilitated the prevention and resolution of conflict(s) if any
arose. Rumour mongering was inimical to good organizational management and
filtering official information created a lot of problems. Differences in staff
members background and orientation affected effective language communication
amidst others. Finally, the researcher made eight (8) recommendations to help
improve the management of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku and other
organizations at large.
Chapter One
Introduction
1.1 Background of
the Study
The researcher is motivated to undertake this study because
of the lack of effective management through language communication. This indeed
has been a major problem in organizations and a serious cause of concern to
researchers, employers of labour and members of staff. Many analysts have
identified several reasons for the aforementioned trend.
Robbins is of the view that: “words mean different things to
different people” (297). He also notes that though we speak a common language
(i.e English), our use of that language is far from uniform. He further states
that members in an organization usually do not know how those with whom they
interact have modified the language. Senders tend to assume that the words and
terms they use mean the same to the receiver as they do to them. This
assumption, according to him, is often incorrect (298).
Elaborating on the above view, Koontz and Weihrich opine:
No matter how clear the idea in the mind of the sender of
communication, it may still be marked by poorly chosen words, omissions, lack
of coherence, poor organization of ideas, awkward sentence structure,
platitudes, unnecessary jargon and a failure to clarify the implications of the
message (376).
When the above situation occurs, there is bound to be a
problem. Elaborating on this, Nduka summarily states: “A message which is not properly
communicated can disorganize rather than harmonize activities of workers” (9).
From the aforementioned observations, I am of the opinion that for a message to be effectively communicated, the words used must mean the same thing to the sender and receiver. In other words, effective management through language communication can be seen as an essential tool for the
internal functioning of the organization. Stressing on the importance of this, Nduka opines:
... effective communication between management and workers
has recently been recognized as an effective management technique. This is
because proper interpersonal communication has many purposes to achieve in the
work-oriented organization. Information fulfils workers desires for awareness
of things that affect them (7).
Akpovi expresses a similar view when he explicitly states:
In any organization, communication is an aid to a successful
planning, organizing, staffing, co-ordinating and controlling of the
organizational resources … Co-ordinated efforts toward common goals are
impossible without effective communication of information and ideas, attitudes
and feelings among individuals and groups in the department (92).
From the above, as seen by Koontz and Weihrich, effective
management through language communication is needed for the following reasons:
To establish and disseminate goals of an enterprise. Develop
plan for their achievement. Organize human and other resources in the most
effective and efficient way. Select, develop and appraise members of the
organization. To lead, direct, motivate and create a climate in which people
will want to contribute (367).
Effective management through language
communication therefore is a sine qua non in organizations since it is through
it daily organizational activities are carried out. It is of public opinion
that the administrative process in any organization will fail, unless there is
effective language communication in the system. Notwithstanding the
difficulties involved, this study examines the impact of effective management
through language communication in an organization.
1.2 Statement of
Problem
Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku with three (3) distant
campuses had since inception faced the problem of ineffective management. This
has promoted the existence of rumour in the Institution.
In my own view, rumour mongering in the Polytechnic is a
clear indication that there is ineffective management through language
communication. This ugly trend has slowed down the Institution’s growth since
nobody seems to be “carried along”.
The researcher has equally noticed that in the Institution,
entirely different meanings can be assigned to words depending on the sender
and receiver’s respective perceptions. When meanings are not truly reflected,
there are bound to be distortions in the messages passed. The Institution tends
to have problems in such situations. Stoner et al further illustrate:
Suppose that different departments of a company receive a
memo stating that a new product is to be developed in “a short time”. To people
in Research and Development, “a short time” might mean two or three years. To
people in the Finance Department, “a short time” might be three to six
months, whereas the Sales Department might think of “a short time” as a few
weeks (555).
From the above, it is observed that different meanings have
been assigned to the phrase “a short time” thus making communication
ineffective.
In a similar vein is the instance where people who have
different backgrounds of knowledge and experience often perceive the same
phenomenon from different perspectives. Let us consider a case where the Dean
of the School of Business in Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku compliments a
Lecturer III in his School for his efficiency and high quality style of
lecturing. Actually, the Dean genuinely appreciates the Lecturer’s efforts and
at the same time wants to encourage the other Lecturers to emulate his example.
His colleagues however, may regard his being singled out for praise as a sign
that he has been “buttering up” the Dean. They may even react by teasing or
being openly hostile. Thus, individual perceptions of the same communication
differ radically.
It has been observed also that in the aforementioned
Polytechnic, there exists a great gap between the Principal Officers and the
other staff members. For example, in the Registry, where we have the Registrar
as the Chief Administrative Officer, the next most Senior Administrative Staff
happens to be a Senior Assistant Registrar, (no Principal Assistant Registrar,
no Deputy Registrar in between).
The above situations already
described, usually result in conflicts and even hinder individual job
performance in the Polytechnic. When such situations arise, there are clear
indications that communication will be ineffective.
1.3 Objectives of
the Study
This research has been embarked upon with the following
objectives in mind:
To ascertain the role effective language communication plays
in promoting efficient management of an organization.
To find out the role of language communication in the
motivation of staff.
To find out the factors hindering effective language
communication in an organization.
To investigate the role of effective language communication
in resolving organizational conflicts.
1.4 Significance
of the Study
The research work will be of importance and beneficial in the
following ways:
It will help the Management of Delta State Polytechnic,
Ogwashi-Uku and other similar organizations in improving her communication with
a view to enhancing management efficiency. It will help improve relationship
between staff and Management as well as interpersonal relationship among
members of staff.
It will aid in the control of industrial conflict and its
resolution in the organization.
The study will suggest the most suitable means to preventing
communication breakdown in an organization.
1.5 Scope of the
Study
This study in
terms of subject
covers only effective management through language communication. Geographically, it
is restricted to Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku. The choice was based on
the researcher’s accessibility and proximity to the Institution.
1.6 Research
Questions
In trying to address the problem of ineffective management
through language communication in an organization, the researcher postulated
the following questions:
What is the most prevalent barrier to language communication?
What is the role of language communication in superior/subordinate
relationship?
Does effective language communication help in resolving
conflict?
What is the role of language communication in enhancing job
performance?
This research will attempt to provide valid answers to these
and other questions.
For clarity and easy understanding, some of the terms used in
the context are defined below.
Management
This refers to the practice of designing, maintaining,
regulating, planning, organizing, leading and controlling the work of
organization members and of using all available organizational resources to
achieve stated organizational aims or goals. In other words, it involves a
conscious and continual shaping of the organization, which is only attainable
with the aid of effective language communication.
Effective Communication
This refers to the proper encoding and decoding of a message
usually done with symbols that are familiar to the sender and the receiver of
the message. In other words, communication is said to be effective if the
message or information passed is properly understood by the receiver as
perceived by the sender.
Organization
This is a consciously co-ordinated social unit, composed of
two or more people that function on a relatively continuous basis to achieve a
common goal or set of goals.
Idiosyncrasy
This reflects a peculiar way or manner by which a language
user is distinctively different from any other user of the language in terms of
reasoning, behaviour, speaking etc.
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Item Type: Project Material | Size: 55 pages | Chapters: 1-5
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