Aga Khan University Employee Communication Channels and Their Relevance To Campus Growth

Abstract

The subject of employee communication has gained interest among corporate communication scholars in the recent years. Leaders and managers in private and public sectors across the globe have also recognized the value of effective employee communication to organizational growth and success, staff motivation and commitment. However, employee communication channels are rather neglected management instruments in employee communication. Given the need to foster good communication between the employer and the employee in any institution for organizational growth, the purpose of the study was to find out Aga Khan University employee communication channels and their relevance to campus growth using stakeholder and systems theory as a theoretical framework. Being descriptive, the study employed survey method of collecting data. The researcher received 93% response rate, namely out of the 75 sampled participants, only 70 questionnaires were received back. The data collection instruments were questionnaires and an interview protocol. The study found that AKU frequently utilized Electronic mail, the telephone and face-to-face as its channels of communication. The study also revealed that staff required feedback from supervisors on issues raised as well as channels that would collect their suggestions. The study also noted that the current channels convey employee needs as E-mail and face-to-face were the choices of channels in raising issues plus 71% of respondents gave their overall satisfaction of the channels. Accordingly, the study found that the channels were relevant for campus growth and respondents gave examples such as staff forums. The study recommended introduction of suggestion boxes to collect employees’ views, and also engagement of staff in outdoor activities to enhance team building. Furthermore, a communication policy should be available to all staff for operational guidelines on how to access campus information and the protocols to observe.