Interpersonal Communication Patterns Between Field Workers and Destitute Children of St. Nicholas Community Development Center

Abstract

This study explored interpersonal communication patterns used by field work- ers caring for the children at St. Nicholas Community Development Center, Karen, Nairobi (Kenya) in order to make recommendations for better meeting children's interpersonal needs. In order to investigate the field worker's interpersonal communication skills, the study was guided by the following questions: (1) What are the field worker's patterns of interpersonal communication? (2) To what extent have field workers' communication skills satisfied the children's interpersonal needs? (3) What are the areas in which field workers need training in order to improve their communication skills to enable them to effectively meet the children's interpersonal needs? The instruments used included three questionnaires, an observation checklist, and an interview schedule. These tools were administered at St. Nicholas Com- munity Development Center to eight workers (66.6%), and (68%). The study revealed that the workers tended sometimes to care for the children's affection, inclusion, and control needs. It was found that the older children received less care than the younger children. Boys also received less care than girls. Inclusion needs were less cared for than the other aspects of interpersonal care. There was no statistical difference when comparing the means of the respondents' communication behaviours. Implications for improving interpersonal communication between workers and children were drawn.