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Perceptions of internal communication, as experienced by employees within an Aruban Healthcare Organization
Van Loon, Kimberly
Van Loon, Kimberly
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Keyword
Communication
Multi-culturalism
Organization
Strategic apex
Operating core and communication theories.
Multi-culturalism
Organization
Strategic apex
Operating core and communication theories.
Location research
Date
2015
Language
English
ISSN
ISBN
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Abstract
This thesis presents a qualitative research on the perceptions that employees of both the strategic apex and the operational core have regarding their experience with internal communication within a healthcare organization in Aruba. This thesis categorizes internal communication specifically as vertical and horizontal communication. The research instrument this thesis applies is a semi-structured interview, based on a topic list. The findings have been analyzed through selective coding (Baarda et al., 2012). A total of
twenty-nine respondents from the strategic apex and the operational core of the Dr. Horacio E. Oduber Hospital, hereafter abbreviated as HOH, willingly participated in this thesis. Furthermore, the sample size was chosen as a request by the HOH to approach specific units for participation in the research. The central research question of this thesis states: How is internal communication (vertical and horizontal) within the Aruban healthcare organization perceived by employees of the strategic apex and employees of the operational core? The main findings of the research are that vertical communication within the HOH is generally perceived as more challenging than horizontal communication, as a result of bureaucracy, ineffective use of communication instruments and differences in culture of employees. Both strategic apex and operational level respondents mentioned experiencing untimely information, lack of communication and contact with upper management, members of the strategic apex. Horizontal communication is generally perceived positively, with the exception of certain challenges predominantly regarding culture such as linguistics, mannerism like how to address colleagues and how employees communicate with each other. Respondents strongly feel challenges to express their opinions or give constructive feedback to colleagues, because they often times experience that Aruban employees interpret constructive feedback as a personal attack and get offended. Employees feel the need for open communication with colleagues in order to make progress and improve communication within their department and the organization as a whole.
Citation
Van Loon, K. (2015). Perceptions of internal communication, as experienced by employees within an Aruban Healthcare Organization. Bachelor dissertation. University of Aruba. 42 pp.
Sponsorship
Publisher
University of Aruba
Journal
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URI
https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14473/848