The role of organizational communication in linking research to economic policy formulation in Kenya

Abstract

The absence of vibrant communication strategies in most organizations in Kenya, and in particular government departments has significantly compromised the research-to-policy mechanism. Perception and explanations of science vary in different societies; however, it is still imperative to recognize that policy formulation is a complex political process anywhere in the world. Today’s policy making takes place in a turbulent political, social and economic environment, consequently emerging trends, issues and events impose significant threats that unprepared organizational providers can only react to. Factors that would explain the gap between research and policy are diverse, and to an extent remain contested, although the dearth of information and communication plays a key role. Data for this study were collected from 308 units using self-administered questionnaires and interviews. This included a sample of 69 economic researchers and 135 policy-makers in Kenya. Views from seven research institutes and 87 beneficiaries of public policies were also taken into consideration. A focus group discussion that involved ten persons drawn from the research, policy, civil society, donor community, beneficiary and the media concluded the data collection phase. A descriptive study research design was adopted, where the qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed by the use of descriptive statistics. Content analysis was used to analyze data collected from open ended questions of qualitative nature. The presentation is done using frequency and percentage scores in a tabular format. The interpretative framework for this work is derived from Weick’s (2004) Organizational Information Theory that emphasizes the importance of human interaction as central to processing information. This study focused on how the research and policy interface needs to be fashioned to provide a realistic role, relevance and contribution of the two most important stakeholders; that is researchers and policymakers. The results indicate that the research and policy communities are worlds apart, and that stakeholders need to come together to try and bridge this communication gap at the local organizational and national policy levels. The conclusion drawn from the study is that there is very limited communication (information sharing) between the two communities at high levels; therefore a major strategic objective that ought to be pursued is to strengthen and formalize communication among researchers, planners and policy-makers. The recommendation is that all this warrants the design of an effective communication strategy at all levels of policymaking. Such a strategy would include all stakeholders who need to work together to understand the role, contribution and potential of each, and find ways and means of working for the improved welfare of the public. Details of the findings of the study are shared in Chapter four of this thesis.