Abstract
It is observed in many organizations that there has been the problem
of ineffective language communication. This has adversely affected the
management and subsequent performance level of these organizations.
Opinions expressed by several scholars revealed that effective language
communication played a very important role in the efficient management of
an organization. This fact laid the basic foundation for this research. This
study therefore, investigated the impact of effective management through
language communication using Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku as a
study. The data analyzed revealed that among other barriers to effective
language communication in an organization, semantic distortion was the most
prevalent. Poor communication adversely affected job performance while
effective language communication facilitated the prevention and resolution of
conflict(s) if any arose. Rumour mongering was inimical to good
organizational management and filtering official information created a lot of
problems. Differences in staff members background and orientation affected
effective language communication amidst others. Finally, the researcher
made eight (8) recommendations to help improve the management of Delta
State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku and other organizations at large.
vi
Table of Contents
Page
Title Page i
Approval Page ii
Dedication iii
Acknowledgements iv
Abstract v
Table of Contents vi – vii
List of Tables/Figure viii
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study 1 – 3
1.2 Statement of Problem 3 – 5
1.3 Objectives of the Study 5
1.4 Significance of the Study 5 – 6
1.5 Scope of the Study 6
1.6 Research Questions 6
1.7 Definition of Terms 7
Chapter Two: Review of Literature
2.1 The Concept of Language and Communication 8 – 11
2.2 The Relationship between Language and Communication 11 – 12
2.3 Types of Language Communication 12 – 15
2.4 Language Communication Process 15 -17
2.5 Communication and Organizational Conflict 17 -19
2.6 The Functions of Language Communication in
an Organization 20 -23
vii
2.7 Barriers to Effective Language Communication in an
Organization 23 -28
2.8 Summary of Reviewed Literature 28 -29
Chapter Three: Research Design and Methodology
3.1 Research Design 30
3.2 Population of Study 30
3.3 Sample and Sampling Techniques 31 -32
3.4 Research Instrument 32
3.5 Validation of Instrument 32 -33
3.6 Sources of Data 33
3.7 Procedure for Primary Data Collection 33
3.8 Statistical Tool of Analysis 33
Chapter Four: Presentation and Analysis of Data
4.1 Introduction 34
4.2 Data Tabulation and Analysis of Research Questions 34 -42
Chapter Five: Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations
5.1 Summary 43
5.2 Major Findings 43 -44
5.3 Conclusion 44 -45
5.4 Limitation of the Study 45
5.5 Recommendations 45 -46
5.6 Suggestion for Further Research 47
Appendices 48 -50
Works Cited 51 -52
viii
List of Tables / Figure
Table Description
Page
4.1 Sex Distribution of Respondents 34
4.2 Age Distribution of Respondents 35
4.3 Educational Qualification Distribution of
Respondents 35
4.4 Prevalent Barrier to Effective
Language Communication 36
4.5 Effect of Poor Communication on Job Performance 37
4.6 Conflict Resolution through Effective
Language Communication 38
4.7 Rumour Mongering 39
4.8 Filtering of Official Information 39
4.9 Differences in Staff Background
vis-à-vis Language Communication 40
4.9.1 Message Feedback 41
4.9.2 Training Workshops on Improving
the Written and Oral Communication Skills
for Staff 42
Figure Description Page
2.1 The Language Communication Process 16
1
Chapter One
Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
The researcher is motivated to undertake this study
because of the lack of effective management through language
communication. This indeed has been a major problem in
organizations and a serious cause of concern to researchers,
employers of labour and members of staff. Many analysts have
identified several reasons for the aforementioned trend.
Robbins is of the view that: “words mean different things
to different people” (297). He also notes that though we speak
a common language (i.e English), our use of that language is far
from uniform. He further states that members in an
organization usually do not know how those with whom they
interact have modified the language. Senders tend to assume
that the words and terms they use mean the same to the
receiver as they do to them. This assumption, according to him,
is often incorrect (298).
Elaborating on the above view, Koontz and Weihrich opine:
No matter how clear the idea in the mind of the sender
of communication, it may still be marked by poorly
chosen words, omissions, lack of coherence, poor
organization of ideas, awkward sentence structure,
platitudes, unnecessary jargon and a failure to clarify
the implications of the message (376).
When the above situation occurs, there is bound to be a
problem. Elaborating on this, Nduka summarily states: “A
2
message which is not properly communicated can disorganize
rather than harmonize activities of workers” (9).
From the aforementioned observations, I am of the opinion
that for a message to be effectively communicated, the words
used must mean the same thing to the sender and receiver. In
other words, effective management through language
communication can be seen as an essential tool for the internal
functioning of the organization. Stressing on the importance of
this, Nduka opines:
… effective communication between management
and workers has recently been recognized as an
effective management technique. This is because
proper interpersonal communication has many
purposes to achieve in the work-oriented
organization. Information fulfils workers desires for
awareness of things that affect them (7).
Akpovi expresses a similar view when he explicitly states:
In any organization, communication is an aid to a
successful planning, organizing, staffing, coordinating and controlling of the organizational
resources … Co-ordinated efforts toward common
goals are impossible without effective communication
of information and ideas, attitudes and feelings
among individuals and groups in the department
(92).
From the above, as seen by Koontz and Weihrich, effective
management through language communication is needed for the
following reasons:
To establish and disseminate goals of an enterprise.
Develop plan for their achievement. Organize
human and other resources in the most effective and
efficient way. Select, develop and appraise members
of the organization. To lead, direct, motivate and
create a climate in which people will want to
contribute (367).
3
Effective management through language communication
therefore is a sine qua non in organizations since it is through it
daily organizational activities are carried out. It is of public
opinion that the administrative process in any organization will
fail, unless there is effective language communication in the
system. Notwithstanding the difficulties involved, this study
examines the impact of effective management through language
communication in an organization.
1.2 Statement of Problem
Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku with three (3)
distant campuses had since inception faced the problem of
ineffective management. This has promoted the existence of
rumour in the Institution.
In my own view, rumour mongering in the Polytechnic is a
clear indication that there is ineffective management through
language communication. This ugly trend has slowed down the
Institution’s growth since nobody seems to be “carried along”.
The researcher has equally noticed that in the Institution,
entirely different meanings can be assigned to words depending
on the sender and receiver’s respective perceptions. When
meanings are not truly reflected, there are bound to be
distortions in the messages passed. The Institution tends to have
problems in such situations. Stoner et al further illustrate:
Suppose that different departments of a company
receive a memo stating that a new product is to be
developed in “a short time”. To people in Research
and Development, “a short time” might mean two or
three years. To people in the Finance Department,
4
“a short time” might be three to six months, whereas
the Sales Department might think of “a short time”
as a few weeks (555).
From the above, it is observed that different meanings
have been assigned to the phrase “a short time” thus making
communication ineffective.
In a similar vein is the instance where people who have
different backgrounds of knowledge and experience often
perceive the same phenomenon from different perspectives. Let
us consider a case where the Dean of the School of Business in
Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku compliments a Lecturer III
in his School for his efficiency and high quality style of lecturing.
Actually, the Dean genuinely appreciates the Lecturer’s efforts
and at the same time wants to encourage the other Lecturers to
emulate his example. His colleagues however, may regard his
being singled out for praise as a sign that he has been “buttering
up” the Dean. They may even react by teasing or being openly
hostile. Thus, individual perceptions of the same communication
differ radically.
It has been observed also that in the aforementioned
Polytechnic, there exists a great gap between the Principal
Officers and the other staff members. For example, in the
Registry, where we have the Registrar as the Chief
Administrative Officer, the next most Senior Administrative Staff
happens to be a Senior Assistant Registrar, (no Principal
Assistant Registrar, no Deputy Registrar in between).
5
The above situations already described, usually result in
conflicts and even hinder individual job performance in the
Polytechnic. When such situations arise, there are clear
indications that communication will be ineffective.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
This research has been embarked upon with the following
objectives in mind:
To ascertain the role effective language communication plays in
promoting efficient management of an organization.
To find out the role of language communication in the motivation
of staff.
To find out the factors hindering effective language
communication in an organization.
To investigate the role of effective language communication in
resolving organizational conflicts.
1.4 Significance of the Study
The research work will be of importance and beneficial in
the following ways:
It will help the Management of Delta State Polytechnic, OgwashiUku and other similar organizations in improving her
communication with a view to enhancing management efficiency.
It will help improve relationship between staff and Management
as well as interpersonal relationship among members of staff.
It will aid in the control of industrial conflict and its resolution in
the organization.
6
It will significantly enhance job performance through positive
motivation.
The study will suggest the most suitable means to
preventing communication breakdown in an organization.
1.5 Scope of the Study
This study in terms of subject covers only effective
management through language communication.
Geographically, it is restricted to Delta State Polytechnic,
Ogwashi-Uku. The choice was based on the researcher’s
accessibility and proximity to the Institution.
1.6 Research Questions
In trying to address the problem of ineffective
management through language communication in an
organization, the researcher postulated the following questions:
What is the most prevalent barrier to language communication?
What is the role of language communication in
superior/subordinate relationship?
Does effective language communication help in resolving
conflict?
What is the role of language communication in enhancing job
performance?
This research will attempt to provide valid answers to
these and other questions.
7
1.7 Definition of Terms
For clarity and easy understanding, some of the terms
used in the context are defined below.
Management
This refers to the practice of designing, maintaining,
regulating, planning, organizing, leading and controlling the work
of organization members and of using all available organizational
resources to achieve stated organizational aims or goals. In
other words, it involves a conscious and continual shaping of the
organization, which is only attainable with the aid of effective
language communication.
Effective Communication
This refers to the proper encoding and decoding of a
message usually done with symbols that are familiar to the
sender and the receiver of the message. In other words,
communication is said to be effective if the message or
information passed is properly understood by the receiver as
perceived by the sender.
Organization
This is a consciously co-ordinated social unit, composed of
two or more people that function on a relatively continuous basis
to achieve a common goal or set of goals.
Idiosyncrasy
This reflects a peculiar way or manner by which a language
user is distinctively different from any other user of the language
in terms of reasoning, behaviour, speaking etc.
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