ABSTRACT

 Effective information flow is an essential aspect of organizational functioning. When information flow is ineffective, it can lead to gaps in organizational effectiveness. This study aims to investigate the influence of organizational communication on employee efficiency at HTTTC Bambili. Specifically, the study examines the impact of written communication, verbal communication, and grapevine communication on employee efficiency. The correlational research design was employed, with a target/sample population of 73 employees from HTTTC Bamenda who were conveniently selected to participate in the study. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire consisting mainly of closed-ended questions. Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, and percentages were used to analyze the data using SPSS version 20, and the Pearson product-moment correlation was utilized to verify the hypothesis at a significance level of 0.05.

The findings of the study indicate the significant importance of written communication in an organization. Respondents highlighted that written communication helps establish clear principles, policies, and rules, thereby influencing effectiveness. Verbal communication was perceived as more flexible compared to written communication, enabling quicker decision-making, promoting employee morale, and maintaining energy and enthusiasm within teams. However, the study revealed that most respondents held negative views on the effectiveness of grapevine communication within an organization.

Based on the findings, it is recommended that institutions focus on effectively managing various forms of communication to reap benefits such as addressing employee queries, generating a sense of community spirit, building trust, motivating employees, fostering employee commitment, and reducing uncertainty.

CHAPTER ONE GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background of the Study

Organizational communication is an essential aspect of organizational functioning, as it influences employee commitment and effectiveness. In today’s complex organizational structures, the flow of information is crucial for achieving organizational objectives. In the past, many organizations operated without formal information guidelines, which had a negative impact on productivity. Sufficient information flow is necessary for managers to make informed decisions and achieve organizational goals. Researchers have emphasized the importance of communication in achieving employee effectiveness, regardless of the nature of the organization. Information is considered a vital control system for determining employee effectiveness, which is why organizations strive to improve their communication structures to facilitate the easy access and flow of information. Effective communication enables leaders to lead, fosters trust, understanding, and inspiration, and allows employees to effectively follow (Barrett, 2006).

However, organizations often struggle to enhance effective communication, which affects productivity and performance. High levels of communication increase coordination and visibility, particularly in the upward flow of information. Managers can make informed judgments and successfully pursue organizational goals when communication flows throughout the organization. When communication is widespread, it creates a sense of relief among employees and ensures stability and greater conformity.

To achieve effective organizational communication, sufficient information resources are necessary to facilitate the transmission of messages. The availability of these resources is a key aspect of efficiency since result-based and time management are concepts used in large organizational structures to boost productivity. This research aims to determine the significance and extent to which communication impacts employee efficiency. The findings will provide insights and policy options for managers, business experts, and researchers to address these challenges.

Organizational communication is a subset of effective business communication, emphasizing that communication is a dialogue rather than a monologue. It is a dual listening process involving employees and employers. However, the role of communication in building corporate brands has received less attention in academic literature compared to external publics. This study seeks to address this gap and shed light on the role of communication in enhancing employee efficiency at HTTTC Bambili.