Communication: HS Engineering - Essay Example

?COMMUNICATION: HS ENGINEERING Sanchez and McCann (2005, p. 10) assert that researchers in management reveal that it is through effective communication within the organization that efficiency and effectiveness of business operations are attained and thus the success of the organization or company to meet its goals and objectives. HS Engineering is case of a company which has faced challenges in communication especially after the restructuring of its operations and expansion of its business activities into the international market. Additionally, the significant growth which the company has achieved in attributed to the communication problems. Atufunwa (2009) explains that growth of a company must be followed by implementation of more elaborate and effective communication systems. This is due to the fact that growth leads to more information needs and thus collaboration of company units must be practiced through effective communication so that subsystems can be allowed to work towards a common goal and mission. DeSanctis and Jackson (1994, p. 85) point out that effective communication is a business strategy which helps organizations to be more competitive in the market. This is illustrated by the hiring of specialist managers by the executives of HS Engineering to coordinate the operations of the company. This was motivated by the need to ensure that the relocation of the company activities does not impact negatively on their coordination through communication. The company needs to beat its competitors from the Far East and as a result, plans for collaboration and coordination have been prioritized. Harrison (2005) emphasizes that proper communication within an internationalized company is specifically significant for the management of the company because of the complexity in company control which emanate from expansion. Moreover, it is through proper communication that executives are able to monitor and evaluate the activities of its branches of subsidiaries to ensure that they operate according to the policies and culture of the company. According to Sanchez and McCann (2005, p. 11), bureaucracy is one of the greatest barriers of effective communication within a company. Bureaucracy in HS Engineering is demonstrated by the hierarchical organization structure which is characterized by a slowed decision making process especially for the factory operations in Leeds. Harrison (2005) adds that the problem with bureaucracy is that there is limited communication between the subordinates and the top management because decisions have to be approved in stages. This process causes an ineffective and inefficient communication process within a company or organization. In the HS Engineering case, the large number of middle level managers reveals a slowed communication process. A slowed communication process within a company demonstrates that feedback takes a long process and time to be attained and thus execution of operations is slowed significantly. Such a situation would in return lead to reduced productivity in production. To overcome problems which emanate from poor communication, employees must be motivated. Michalski (2000, p. 85) reveals that employee motivation is achieved by involving them in company decisions. It is through transformational approach to leadership and management that employees can be involved in decision making McGoon (1996, p. 30). The closure of Wolverhampton and Oldham factories by HS Engineering without involving the employees illustrates how executive decisions would kill the morale of employees. Transformational approach to leadership enables executives to open a two way communication with employees and thus encourage collaboration between the management and subordinates especially in sharing creative ideas (Berzok, 1993). Moreover, a democratic approach in management allows employees to be more communicative about their needs and thus allow the management to include the desires of their subordinates in decision making. This will eventually lead to a motivated and more productive workforce especially when employee needs as communicated are met by the top management with due consideration of all factors. DeSanctis and Jackson (1994, p. 85) describe collaborative or group decision making as the most effective managerial approach in solving problems within organizations or companies. In this regard, it is recommended for the management team of HS Engineering to implement collaborative decision making as a way of solving the problems in the company which are leading to the poor communication and coordination. The necessity for collaborative decision making as a viable solution to the company’s communication problem is demonstrated by the feedback approach which characterizes group decisions. This means that employees will be given feedback to justify executive decisions. Furthermore, decisions which are made within a group are more likely to be based on the sharing of creative ideas within the group and thus reaching informed decisions as opposed to the risks involved in letting a single individual to make decisions which would be erroneous. In the light of these arguments, open communication and group decision making are recommended for HS Engineering. The plan of HS Engineering to expand to Malaysia is likely to lead to challenges in communication. This is explained by the fact that cultural differences will cause inevitable problems in communication. Atufunwa (2009) reveals that the internationalization of a company leads to communication problems because new markets illustrate new social and professional interaction and communication approaches. These mandate managers to acquire knowledge and skills which would promote communication with new partners or stakeholders. Michalski (2000, p. 87) adds that the cultural values within new markets must be respected so that healthy business and personal relationships can be enhanced. Malaysia for example is a country where the society values close interpersonal relations. Managerial skills within HS Engineering would be improved through training to enable proper communication and coordination of the business activities within Malaysia. Smith (1995, p. 33) clearly demonstrates that information and communication technology is the prerequisite to an enhanced communication and collaboration within a company or organization. The fact that HS Engineering has spread its wings to the international market means that it requires adopting and implementing technological application within all of its business functions. This would lead to enhanced communication, collaboration and management of all of the company’s branches and factories. Smith (1995, p. 33) further reveals that information systems serve to improve communication within a company in addition to enhancing productivity. Human resource management information system is an example of technology which would be implemented by HS Engineering for effective management of its work force who comprise of the most important stakeholders of the company in ensuring that it achieves its goals and objectives. References Atufunwa, B. 2009, The Art of Effective Communication, New York, United States, New York Berzok, R.M. 1993, "Recipe for effective communication: Substitute emotion for B.S", Communication World, vol. 10, no. 9, p. 22. DeSanctis, G. and Jackson, B.M. 1994, "Coordination of information technology management: Team-based structures and computer-based communication systems", Journal of Management Information Systems, vol. 10, no. 4, p. 85. Harrison, G.A. 2005, Communication strategies as a basis for crisis management including use of the Internet as a delivery platform, Georgia State University. McGoon, C. 1996, "Bookmark: Company Policy Manual: Special report, effective communication strategies", Communication World, vol. 13, no. 3, p. 30. Michalski, L. 2000, "Effective communication equals successful project management", Pharmaceutical Technology, Vol. 24, no. 5, pp. 84-88. Sanchez, P. and McCann, B. 2005, "How to be effective in the five major areas of CEO communication", The Business Communicator, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 10-11. Smith, W.J. 1995, "Technology + communication = targeted information", Communication World, vol. 12, no. 10, pp. 33 Read More