Philippine E-Journals

Exploring the Organizational Communication Barriers of a State University: An Internal Communication Audit

Ruthy Mae Valdez | Ismael N. Talili

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

Ineffective internal communication can hinder organizational success, particularly in higher education institutions where information sharing is crucial. It is often underestimated due to the misconception that it does not directly impact financial performance. Additionally, various barriers can hinder effective internal communication. Corollary to this, an internal communication audit was conducted in a higher education institution to examine existing communication barriers. A mixedmethods design was used in this study, in which quantitative data were first obtained from 260 employees of the institution through a survey questionnaire. Qualitative data were then collected through a series of focus group discussions and leadership interviews to validate the quantitative findings. The quantitative data, supported by the qualitative findings, reveal that policies and information are not consistently sent and received by the relevant employees, leading them to rely on the grapevine for information. The internal communication barriers identified in the study include information overload, lack of feedback, lack of job orientation, absence of a notification system, lack of timeliness, absence of a communication policy, and unclear identification of communication recipients. The findings of this study underscore the critical role of a well-defined internal communication system in fostering clear, effective, and consistent communication within the organization. By addressing the identified communication barriers and implementing a well-designed communication plan, higher education institutions can create a more collaborative, informed, and productive work environment.