Organizational communication strategies on health and safety awarenes in associated battery manufacturers (East African) limited company

Abstract

This study sought to research on the organizational communication strategies and their effectiveness on health and safety awareness in Associated Battery Manufacturers (East African) Limited company. The company manufactures motor-vehicle batteries, solar panels and other lead-metal and sulphuric-acid products. The research hence purposefully sought to find out; from the analysis of the interview responses; if the company has effective organizational communication strategies and the strategies’ effectiveness. To achieve the research objectives, the study was guided by the Framing Theory and the Uses and Gratification Theory. Framing theory helped emphasize on the conceptualization of ideas and the attitudes formed; on a message; by individuals whilst in Uses and gratification theory it emphasized more on the choices of media and strategies used to communicate various messages for fulfillment of a particular purpose. The study opted for a qualitative research as the researcher conducted studies through structured interviews schedules on the laborers, supervisors and managers (twenty respondents out of the one hundred) that work in the factory. The researcher administered the data collection tools after a prior visit that assisted in refining timings of the respondents on duty. This study made use of the primary data responses from structured interviews which were held privately for every individual interviewee as hand-written notes were taken and the conversations were put on record. The structured interviews allowed respondents to offer their own interpretations. This approach enabled the researcher to understand, explain and interpret phenomenon under investigation from the perspective of the people being studied. Data was presented, analyzed, findings interpreted and conclusions made then recommendations made based on the data collected. The key finding was that management has not been keen on the development of a standard checklist of indicators for monitoring and evaluating the role of strategic communication in the organizational growth. Equally the study concluded that organizational communication strategies are important to the organizational transformation. Finally the key recommendation made as a result of the key findings is that constant monitoring and evaluating of the organizational communication strategies need to be done and made effective for the safety of the workers.