Managerial communication skills in the public sector: Perception, experience and needs of employees

Abstract

Lack of communication and poor communication skills within organizations can have negative consequences, such as contributing to lower employee productivity, negative work-related stress, and increased employee turnover. It has repeatedly been pointed out by scholars that managerial communication skills are critical factor when it comes to successful management and achieving success within organiza[1]tions. It is important that managers succeed, with good managerial communica[1]tion, to influence employees that moves them in a certain direction which promotes the achievement of goals. The aim of this study is to extend previous literature and to further strengthen previous research regarding the public sector management. The goal is to gain a deep understanding of the experiences, attitudes and needs of the employees of government institutions when it comes to managerial communication. The contribution of the study can be used by managers to examine their communication skills and management style to adapt it even better to the needs of employees. The research is a qualitative case study. Eight interviews were conducted with employees of four governmental institutions. Main findings provide indications that much can be improved in terms of the managerial communication and leadership communication skills in governmental institutions. The flow of information needs to be more targeted and reach all employees, and special attention needs to be given to the information sharing in a change process. Decision-making needs to be more efficient and certain decision-making authority needs to be given to managers at lower management levels. The way managers use the leadership communication part of the management job to monitor employee’s performance, provide restraint, and read and analyze the employees group needs to be improved. In addition, it is possible to improve whether and how managers deal with difficult issues in the employee group. By considering these factors, managers can contribute to increased organizational success.