2011 Industrial & Organisational Psychology Conference - Practice Forum

Communication in Organisations

Best practice case studies and recommendations to improve engagement and performance.

Abstract:

In the high pressure of fast-paced delivery of goods and services, communicating rarely feels like the highest priority. However, in a context of rapid change, if communication is not happening, both engagement and performance will suffer. Communication meets an extensive range of human needs - to remind people of their purpose and importance, to make them feel involved, to help them feel part of a group, to recognise their efforts and achievements, to develop knowledge, to increase awareness of opportunities, to make them aware of progress, to demonstrate their feedback is heard, to express empathy and show they are understood. Communication also facilitates sharing of information and knowledge to coordinate and direct efforts towards organisational goals, problem solving capacity, organisational learning, innovation and cross-fertilisation of ideas.

Based on Langford's (2009) "7P's model" of work practices and outcomes, Voice Project hosted a Practice Forum at the recent Industrial and Organisational Psychology Conference, focused on the empirically derived, higher order system of work practices labelled Participation. These practices all contribute to giving staff a sense of connection, involvement, belonging, and recognition, building on earlier research into high-involvement organisations (Lawler, 1986). Compared to other systems of work practices, the Participation system has been shown to be the strongest driver of both employee engagement and perceived organisational performance (Langford, Parkes & Metcalf, 2006).

In particular, the focus was on four practices that facilitate communication and connection at organisational, work group and interpersonal levels: 1) how to build staff trust in senior management through better communication, 2) how to involve staff in organisational decision-making, 3) how to break down silos and build cooperation between work groups within organisations, and 4) how to communicate individual performance feedback in a way that is perceived as fair and results in improvement. Grounded in evidence-based research and experience, the presentations include case studies, video interviews, and practical recommendations. Discussion was invited and facilitated to share challenges and successes in improving vertical, horizontal, inter-group and inter-personal communication within organisations.

Presentation Materials

Voice Project consultants delivered a practice forum at the 2011 IOP Conference. Please refer to the following for a copy of the presentation materials and associated media case studies.