CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background of the Study

Communication is the art of expressing ideas, feelings, knowledge and skills, especially through various media or channels of transmission to the audience whose feedback enables the sender gain knowledge of the receiver’s opinion, and vice-versa for continuous flow of information. It is a process of information exchange within, between, or amongst individuals, groups, associations, organizations and Nations.

            By and large, the process usually follows the source        message          Channels Receiver       Effect model known as the SMCRE. However, professor Harold Lasswell had reduced this process into a five question model that he categorized as follows: Who?; Says What?; In which Chanel?; To Whom?; With what effect?;. The SMCRE model and the Lasswell typology are the same in structure, Des Wilson (2005:p 62-63).

            On the other hand, an organization is a social entity such as an institution or an association that has a collective goal and is linked to an external environment, (Wikipedia).

            Hence, Organizational Communication can be referred to as the process and means through which information is shared within the internal and the external environments of an organization.

            The activities of a social institution are always diverse and also requires correlation and much communication, following patterned routes and forms, McQuail (2005).

            A good communication network is the elixir to the achievement of goals set out by an organization is it large or small.

            From the above assertion, it should be realized that an important factor for the effective and efficient management of an institution is embedded in the strength of its communication system both in its internal and external environment.

            This research work is carried out to examine the role of organizational communication in tertiary institutions of learning, using the University of Benin as a case study.

1.2       Statement of Research Problem

The process of organizing and managing tertiary institutions in Nigeria has posed serious challenges and problem for the administrators, be it private or Government owned tertiary institution.

            Poor communication system seems to have created a series of internal and external misunderstandings which pave way for crisis and contradictions between the various groups and hierarchy that constitute the tertiary institutions which has created a severe dent in the educational system in the Nigerian State.

            This is a glaring problem in the educational system in Nigeria, resulting mostly from their perceived inefficient, ineffective, inappropriate and inadequate communication network in the tertiary institutions.

            Moreover, this has posed a lot of concern to a vast majority of people. The frequent strike actions and protests that have become the order of the day could be attributed to the poor use of communication for the resolution of conflict in institutions. Thus the peaceful and successful management of tertiary institutions for the standardized impartation of knowledge for academic powers and excellence on students, who are the future leaders, appear lost.

            Inadequate communication network in Nigeria has been labeled the major reason for the fall in the academic standard of education in the Country. It is not certain what constitute the barrier to poor organizational communication culture in higher institutions and what systematic procedures that can be adopted for effectiveness.

            It is against this backdrop that the researcher decided to examine the role of organizational communication in tertiary institutions of learning in Nigeria, using the University of Benin as a case study.

1.3       Objectives of the Study

1.   The study is specifically concerned with examining the role of organizational communication in tertiary institutions of learning in Nigeria, using the University of Benin as a case study.

2.   To identify and evaluate the barriers to effective communication in the organizational communication system in tertiary institutions.

3.   To evaluate systematic procedures of achieving a balanced organizational communication system in tertiary institutions of learning.

4.   To do an appraisal and analysis of organizational communication in tertiary institutions in Nigeria in recent times as regards to the role of the Nigerian Students.

1.4       Research Questions

1.   What role does organizational communication play in tertiary institutions of learning in Nigeria, especially in the University of Benin?

2.   What are the basic problems associated with effective organizational communication system in tertiary institutions?

3.   What are the procedures for an effective communication system in enhancing proper management?

4.   Have the Nigerian citizenry been able to adjust to the present educational system in the Country, as regards the organizational communication in the institutions of higher learning?

·         Research Hypotheses

Ho1. Inadequate network of communication enhances poor job performance, control, and                         misinterpretations.

Ho2.   A strong communication network promotes successful management of tertiary institutions

1.6       Significance of the Study

            This research work tends to provide a possible solution to the problem bordering the organizational communication system in tertiary institutions of learning in Nigeria. It is intended that the research, the suggestions and recommendations given will go a long way to possibly solve the problem of poor and inadequate communication system in Nigerian institutions, therefore improving the standard for academic excellence.

1.7 Scope of Study

The researcher limited the study to the University of Benin by examining the role of organizational communication in tertiary institutions of learning in the University for effectiveness and academic improvement, hence the population would include the academic and non-Academic staff as well as students of the institution.

1.8       Definition of Terms

Communication

Communication is a process of sharing information messages, ideas and thoughts between or among individuals, groups, associations, organizations and Nations.

Organization

An organization is a social entity formed by a group of people who come together to set up a business, club, an institution or an association with the sole intention of achieving a collective goal or aim.

Organizational Communication

This is the process through which information is communicated to the internal and external environment of an organization for the purpose of enlightenment for the achievement of the set goals of such entity.

Internal Environment/Publics

These are the individuals and groups within the organization that have direct bearing for the survival of an organization, that is, they are directly or indirectly involved with the daily activities of the organization for its growth and survival.

External Environment/Publics

These are the individuals or groups outside the organization, including the host communities of an organization, whose activities whether directly or indirectly affects the activities of the organization whether positively or negatively.

Tertiary Institution

            This is an institution of learning beyond the level of secondary education. This could include the Colleges, Universities, Polytechnics, Monotechnics and other higher learning centers.

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