An investigation of the impact of communication strategies used on the operational efficiency of public universities in Kenya. The case of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology

Abstract

Communication is the means by which people in an organization relate to each other. Communication with its channels constitutes a vital aspect of organizational culture. It permeates all the activities in an organization and is a thread that holds the various interdependent parts of an institution together. Effective communication strategies within an organization are crucial because they enable staff to contribute positively to its success. Without effective communication strategies organizations can accomplish very little. Ineffective communication is an issue that many social organizations have grappled with for a long time. Its effects are far reaching and have caused great concern to many stakeholders in social organizations. For a social organization to function like a well oiled machine it must put in place effective communication strategies. This ensures that the right information is transmitted to the right people at the right time. This study therefore sought to investigate the impact of communication strategies on the operational efficiency of public universities in Kenya: The case of Masinde Muliro University. !\n attempt was made to determine the existing processes of communication and their role in promoting efficient operations. The study utilized the descriptive research desigfir The target population included academic and administrative staff at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. Sampling was by simple random and purposive techniques. Questionnaires and interviews were used in data collection. Use of descriptive statistics was employed in the analysis or data. Findings show that communication within public universities needs to be enhanced. These findings are of importance to policy makers and management to improve communication within public universities and other educational institutions.