THE ROLE OF ORGANISATIONAL COMMUNICATION IN TERTIARY INSTITUTION OF LEARNING IN NIGERIA
CHAPTER
ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Communication is the art of expressing
ideas, feelings, knowledge and skills, especially through various media or
channels of transmission to the audience whose feedback enables the sender gain
knowledge of the receiver’s opinion, and vice-versa for continuous flow of
information. It is a process of information exchange within, between, or
amongst individuals, groups, associations, organizations and Nations.
By and large, the process usually
follows the source message Channels Receiver Effect
model known as the SMCRE. However, professor Harold Lasswell had reduced this
process into a five question model that he categorized as follows: Who?; Says
What?; In which Chanel?; To Whom?; With what effect?;. The SMCRE model and the
Lasswell typology are the same in structure, Des Wilson (2005:p 62-63).
On
the other hand, an organization is a social entity such as an institution or an
association that has a collective goal and is linked to an external
environment, (Wikipedia).
Hence,
Organizational Communication can be referred to as the process and means
through which information is shared within the internal and the external
environments of an organization.
The
activities of a social institution are always diverse and also requires
correlation and much communication, following patterned routes and forms,
McQuail (2005).
A
good communication network is the elixir to the achievement of goals set out by
an organization is it large or small.
From
the above assertion, it should be realized that an important factor for the
effective and efficient management of an institution is embedded in the
strength of its communication system both in its internal and external
environment.
This
research work is carried out to examine the role of organizational
communication in tertiary institutions of learning, using the University of
Benin as a case study.
1.2 Statement of Research Problem
The process of
organizing and managing tertiary institutions in Nigeria has posed serious
challenges and problem for the administrators, be it private or Government
owned tertiary institution.
Poor
communication system seems to have created a series of internal and external
misunderstandings which pave way for crisis and contradictions between the
various groups and hierarchy that constitute the tertiary institutions which
has created a severe dent in the educational system in the Nigerian State.
This
is a glaring problem in the educational system in Nigeria, resulting mostly from
their perceived inefficient, ineffective, inappropriate and inadequate
communication network in the tertiary institutions.
Moreover,
this has posed a lot of concern to a vast majority of people. The frequent strike
actions and protests that have become the order of the day could be attributed
to the poor use of communication for the resolution of conflict in
institutions. Thus the peaceful and successful management of tertiary
institutions for the standardized impartation of knowledge for academic powers
and excellence on students, who are the future leaders, appear lost.
Inadequate
communication network in Nigeria has been labeled the major reason for the fall
in the academic standard of education in the Country. It is not certain what
constitute the barrier to poor organizational communication culture in higher
institutions and what systematic procedures that can be adopted for
effectiveness.
It
is against this backdrop that the researcher decided to examine the role of
organizational communication in tertiary institutions of learning in Nigeria,
using the University of Benin as a case study.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
1.
The study is specifically concerned with
examining the role of organizational communication in tertiary institutions of
learning in Nigeria, using the University of Benin as a case study.
2.
To identify and evaluate the barriers to
effective communication in the organizational communication system in tertiary
institutions.
3.
To evaluate systematic procedures of
achieving a balanced organizational communication system in tertiary
institutions of learning.
4.
To do an appraisal and analysis of
organizational communication in tertiary institutions in Nigeria in recent
times as regards to the role of the Nigerian Students.
1.4 Research Questions
1.
What role does organizational
communication play in tertiary institutions of learning in Nigeria, especially
in the University of Benin?
2.
What are the basic problems associated
with effective organizational communication system in tertiary institutions?
3.
What are the procedures for an effective
communication system in enhancing proper management?
4.
Have the Nigerian citizenry been able to
adjust to the present educational system in the Country, as regards the
organizational communication in the institutions of higher learning?
1.5 Research
Hypotheses
Ho1. Inadequate network of communication
enhances poor job performance, control, and misinterpretations.
Ho2.
A strong communication network does not promote successful management of
tertiary institutions.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This
research work tends to provide a possible solution to the problem bordering the
organizational communication system in tertiary institutions of learning in
Nigeria. It is intended that the research, the suggestions and recommendations
given will go a long way to possibly solve the problem of poor and inadequate
communication system in Nigerian institutions, therefore improving the standard
for academic excellence.
1.7
Scope of Study
The researcher
limited the study to the University of Benin by examining the role of
organizational communication in tertiary institutions of learning in the
University for effectiveness and academic improvement, hence the population
would include the academic and non-Academic staff as well as students of the
institution.
1.8 Definition of Terms
Communication
Communication is a process of sharing information
messages, ideas and thoughts between or among individuals, groups,
associations, organizations and Nations.
Organization
An organization
is a social entity formed by a group of people who come together to set up a
business, club, an institution or an association with the sole intention of
achieving a collective goal or aim.
Organizational
Communication
This is the
process through which information is communicated to the internal and external
environment of an organization for the purpose of enlightenment for the
achievement of the set goals of such entity.
Internal
Environment/Publics
These are the
individuals and groups within the organization that have direct bearing for the
survival of an organization, that is, they are directly or indirectly involved
with the daily activities of the organization for its growth and survival.
External
Environment/Publics
These are the
individuals or groups outside the organization, including the host communities
of an organization, whose activities whether directly or indirectly affects the
activities of the organization whether positively or negatively.
Tertiary
Institution
This
is an institution of learning beyond the level of secondary education. This
could include the Colleges, Universities, Polytechnics, Monotechnics and other
higher learning centers.