Communication and organisational performance in courier companies in Uganda: a case study of Posta Uganda

Abstract

This study examined the effect of communication on organisational performance in courier companies in Uganda basing on a case study of Posta Uganda. This study was conducted using three objectives, namely: to examine the effect of interpersonal communication on organisational performance in Posta Uganda, to assess the effect of verbal communication on organisational performance in Posta Uganda, and finally to examine the effect of written communication on organisational performance in Posta Uganda. This study followed a mixed method approach. The target population for this study was the employees in categories of office of the managing director, human resource, business service, express mail and audit with a target population number of 95 and a sample size of 76 respondents selected using purposive, convenient and simple random sampling techniques. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires and interview guide for the quantitative and qualitative aspects respectively. The results of the study indicated that there is a statistically significant and positive relationship between Communication and organisational performance at Posta Uganda which was represented by (r (76) = .816, P<0.05) and as such the null hypothesis was rejected. The study concludes that communication is inevitable within an organization; no matter what the situation is, superiors will give information or instructions to their subordinates, one department will supply another with information to do their job, and subordinates will give their superiors reports. It was also concluded that the formal channel is predominantly used; however, an achievement-oriented organization is aware that all the channels have to be combined adequately in order to arrive at the best communication. The study recommends that a bottom-up approach to communication is adopted within Posta Uganda to enhance communication between management and their subordinates and thereby enhancing employee performance. The study also suggests that Posta Uganda should adopt a policy of reviewing and obtaining feedback on the strategies that are used in their operations.