{"id":27379,"date":"2022-11-04T14:46:26","date_gmt":"2022-11-04T11:46:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sbs.strathmore.edu\/?p=27379"},"modified":"2022-11-04T14:48:49","modified_gmt":"2022-11-04T11:48:49","slug":"enhancing-internal-communication-flow-within-small-and-medium-enterprises-smes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sbs.strathmore.edu\/en_gb\/enhancing-internal-communication-flow-within-small-and-medium-enterprises-smes\/","title":{"rendered":"Enhancing Internal Communication Flow within Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)"},"content":{"rendered":"

The term \u2018communication\u2019 is derived from the Latin word (Communis) which means \u201cto share.\u201d Communication is a relational process in which two or more parties exchange information, understand and influence each other; it is indispensable to the optimal performance of every organization. Theorists also argue that communication \u2018is the organization.\u2019 Communication involves the transmission, receipt, processing, and use of information. Effective communication involves expressing the content and intention of the transmitter to the receiver. However, if a common understanding is not reached through the transmission of symbols (verbal or non-verbal), there is no communication. Effective communication is imperative to organizational goal achievement.<\/p>\n

In Kenya, SMEs can have 10 or fewer workers and small enterprises have from 11 to 50 workers. All organizations whether big or small require people to undertake various activities in them to prosper and grow. Surviving and thriving in the long term involves getting the right people focused on the right things and engaged in a collective effort. The importance of effective communication in an organization cannot be overemphasized in both strategy formulation and eventually implementation and monitoring organizational performance.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, implementation effectiveness is negatively affected by lack of communication. Execution is carried out by different people at different levels in the organization. Most managers struggle to communicate strategic plans to employees who did not participate in formulating them, yet are expected to implement the plan. In smaller organizations communication structures are not as complex however, regardless of size, if members of an organization are not aware of the same information there will be challenges at the implementation stage.<\/p>\n

Additionally, the quality of communication practices is likely to be associated with role clarity and job satisfaction. Effective communication is critical for the development and maintenance of positive working relationships. Trust is the currency of the modern era. Communication is crucial to trust building between the parties collaborating to implement a strategy. Organizations need to develop mechanisms that send formal and informal messages about a new strategy. Delays in communication can derail coordination and have a negative impact on the business and relationships.<\/p>\n

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Communication in African SMEs can be mostly top down, with the owner manager running the show. In African culture, those in authority are not typically questioned as mark of respect and what they say is final. This breeds an environment where people do not feel comfortable expressing themselves which can introduce barriers to communication flow.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Internal Communication Flow<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If there is no formal structure for how internal communication is conducted, it creates space, and this space can be filled with misunderstandings. Those misunderstandings slow down business processes and create frustration. Inadequate internal corporate communication can lead to issues with confidence, confusion, and disengagement among employees. As the employees find the structure of communication hard to grasp, they will fill in the blanks for themselves which can derail strategy implementation.<\/p>\n

For internal communication in an organization to be considered effective it should be aligned with the company\u2019s vision, objectives, and goals. SMEs can sometimes operate informally especially if they are recently established. However, drafting a communication strategy that encompasses both internal and external communication strategies is a key pillar for growth. This strategy should be a \u2018living\u2019 document that grows with the company. The larger a company becomes, the greater the complexity of the communication structures within the company. However, by defining communication pathways and incorporating best practices at the outset, you can position your company for success in the long-term.<\/p>\n

Internal communication can be distinguished in three key areas. These are;<\/p>\n