EMPLOYEE COMMUNICATION PRACTICE AND COMMUNICATION CLIMATE OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA
Authors:
Daniel Calixtus Akarika, PhD, Philomena Effiong Umoren, PhD & Aniekeme O. Ikon, PhD
Abstract:
The major concern of this study was to assess comparatively the employee communication practice and communication climate of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua and Heritage Polytechnic, Eket in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The research design used for data collection was an opinion survey, with questionnaires and personal interviews as research instruments. The researcher adopted two sampling procedures for selecting samples for the study, namely; census and purposive. The data collected from the questionnaire were analyzed in simple percentages and the personal interview were analyzed qualitatively using explanation building based on the research questions. The major findings indicate that the functional roles of the policies and objectives of employee communication in the two polytechnics are similar. The policies and objectives, involve the free flow of information on job instructions, maintaining rules and regulations, effective human relations and promotion of innovation. This similar practice has impacted positively on the communication climate of the two polytechnics. It is recommended that periodic communication audits should be carried out, followed by communication training to maintain a cordial and supportive communication climate in the polytechnics.