Communication as a management function with specific reference to University of Venda

Abstract

This study investigates Communication as a management function with specific reference to University of Venda. The study was carried out at the University of Venda in South Africa and it covered a cross section of personnel grouped into six main categories which are the academic and non-academic staff. Communication is vital for academic and non-academic functions in that it facilitates external and internal activities within an organization. In a computerized society in which we live, communication is vital because it brings in all aspects of our everyday lives in facilitating dissemination of information from one point to another thereby facilitating innovation. Communication enables the generation of ideas among individuals and institutions, for example, the University of Venda, among its employees and stakeholders (internal and external). The study used a mixed research methodology in which both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used. Mixed method is used because it can be combined in such a way that quantitative and qualitative methods retain their original structures and procedures. Nonprobability sampling and its sub-type; purposive sampling method were used for the researcher to apply own judgement in selecting the sample. For data collection, the study used two data collection methods namely; questionnaire and interview. The information collected through questionnaire was analysed using statistical analysis in the computer software called: International Business Machinery (IBM): Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) version 25.0 and the information was presented using graphical tabular form, frequencies and percentages. Data collected through interview was analysed through thematic analysis and presented in a narrative form. The study found that majority of the respondents, 46 (51%) respondents strongly agreed that effective communication promotes morale to the University community to execute their tasks. The study findings revealed significant number of the respondents who took part in this study strongly agreed that difference in home languages promotes communication at the University. Most participants pointed out that awareness of the university business by all stakeholders is the positive outcome of effective communication system at the University of Venda. Most participants indicated that training of staff members on how to use technology such as WIFI, social media, computers, networks are the possible strategy to enhance effective communication at the University of Venda. The study recommends that effective communication should be fostered to promote morale to the University community to execute their tasks, and also recommends that use of different languages must be available to promote communication at the University. The study further recommends that there should be a good employer – employee relationships in the University, and also recommends that the University should have policies that promote communication.