Throughout my career I have seen many positive and negative examples of organizational communication. The best example that I can think of is a recent one since I just started a new job. The company is committed to safety and as a new hire I have taken live classes on safety, web-based training, and there are signs all around the building reminding employees to carefully assess the safety risks of any action that they might take. My manager also has reviewed safety and emergency procedures with me on a one-on-one basis. I think that by passing this message through multiple modes of communication and clearly describing how to prevent safety incidents, there is little chance that any employees will miss the point.
The worst example that I can think of is from my military experience. I can think of countless occasions when a new policy or procedure is announced only by sending out a mass email from headquarters. Often the information is not clearly presented and the new policy usually generates numerous questions that are not answered in the email. Supervisors are not given any advance notice or training on how to implement the policies so there is mass confusion. I think it would be much more effective to have someone give a live or virtual class to supervisors so that they can teach their subordinates the new policy. The class should have a question and answer session at the end so that the issues can be clarified.
I totally understand what you're talking about. I really hate those unclear mass email. That happens constantly in my company and we get them usually a day or two before a major event and everyone is clueless about how to approach these procedures.
ReplyDeleteGood examples, Alan. I particularly agree with your best case. When it comes to organizational communication, using every possible channel helps.
ReplyDeleteI think you make a strong argument when you state that a live or virtual class would further help management learn how to implement and educate others about new company policies. I also feel as if training sessions are crucial when new software and programs are introduced to companies. Reebok recently had all of their computers upgraded to Microsoft 2010 and all employees could sign up for a training session that taught employees how to use the new software. Not only did it make employees feel more comfortable about the change, but it also decreased the amount of time that would be lost on projects if employees had to learn how to operate the software themselves.
ReplyDeleteI have had similar experiences with your example about good organizational communication Alan. In my organization whenever a new policy or procedure is implemented it is communicated in multiple forms, including e-mail, inter-office mail, and postings in the appropriate locations. As you stated, when multiple channels of communication are utilized more effective communication is likely to result.
ReplyDeleteOne-on-one communication also demonstrates a commitment to what is being communicated. A mass email just has an "I don't really care" attitude about it. Interestingly email seems to have replaced direct communication. It seems disrespectful, like the boss can't be bothered to step out of his office. My ex-boss spent all of his time plucking away at his mobile device. That way he never really had to look anyone in the eye. Hard to trust a guy if you can't look them in the eye.
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