Role of communication to employee performances in organisations; Case study: Standard Signs (Uganda) Limited

Abstract

This study sought to examine the role communication plays to influence employee performance in Standard Signs (Uganda) Ltd as the case study. Communication in organizations has not been given the credit it deserves as regard to contributing towards the performance of the employees as well as the organization at large. The study is expected to contribute to the body of knowledge and evidence necessary as regards to underlining the importance of communication as a core contribution factor towards enhancing effectiveness and efficiency in performance. The objectives of this study were; to examine the types of communication in Standard Signs (Uganda) Ltd; to examine the impact of verbal communication on employee performance in Standard Signs (Uganda) Ltd and to ascertain the influence non-verbal communication has on employee performance in Standard Signs (Uganda) Ltd. The study employed quantitative and qualitative approaches of data collection and analysis. A sample of 44 employees from Standard Signs (Uganda) Ltd was studied. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires, interview guides and use observation methods. The researcher found out that effective communication is what keeps organizations performing effectively. this study, the researcher recommended that managers need to attach more value to communication to enable them get the best out of their subordinates. The researcher found out that there were two types of communication used in Standard Signs (Uganda) Ltd namely; verbal and non verbal communication. It was concluded that the functioning of verbal communication is mostly complimented by the existence of non verbal communication. The researcher recommended that the organization does sensitize the employees on how the types of communication complement each other to aid effective employee and organization performance. The researcher in regard to the impact of verbal communication on performance found out that verbal communication through its dimensions of oral and written communication impacts employee performance. Oral forms of communication include face to face interactions, training, meetings while the written communication forms are use of memos, bulletin boards, electronic mail. The researcher concluded that the effective use of these forms of communication has a positive impact on the employee performance. However he recommended the effective flow of communication through upward, downward and sideward communication flow within the organization. The researcher in regard to the impact of non verbal communication on performance found out that non verbal communication occurs within various forms in the organization that is to say; hidden features of speech, facial expressions, visual behaviors, physical contact and territoriality. It was concluded by the researcher that non verbal communication to a large extent indirectly impacts the performance of employees since most employees do not tend to notice it existence and role towards performance. The researcher hence recommended the sensitization of employees about non verbal communication, its importance in the organization and the role it plays towards employee and organization performance .