CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1   BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

“Communication” is derived from a latin word “communicare” which means to “to share”, consult or to discuss with one another (Obamiro, 2008). Obamiro (2008), also defines communication as the exchange of information between a sender (source) and a receiver (destination) so that it is received, understood and acted upon. Folarin (2003), defines communication as “any means by which a thought is transferred from one person to another” or the process by which any person or a group shares and imparts information with another person (or group) so that both people (or groups) clearly understood one another well as an overt behaviour.”

But effective communication is any message sent, received, understood and acted upon accordingly. Messages which are not properly understood and acted upon in the manner intended by the sender is not effective communication. There is effective communication when instructions given by the boss is properly understood and carried out accordingly by the subordinate.

The significance of effective communication cannot be overemphasized because it is a very vital element for the survival of any office or organization. Effective communication in essence is the cornerstone of any given organization if its goal or aims is to be achieved. Hence, effective communication enables worker to listen, understand and the attainment of organizational goals in a desirable manner to meet a specific goal within an organization

Effective communication can help it employers to establish clear objectives for employees and, perhaps customers as well. It builds strong relationships. Trust and loyalty are key factors in any relationship and both are boosted by communication that is focused on meeting individual needs, providing positive and constructive feedback. Strong relationships with external audiences also build strong communication about products, services and company culture and values. Open channels of communication can lead to new ideas and innovation in a number of areas. Effective organizational communication leads to teamwork among employees at all levels of organizations.

Effective communication problems can cause low organizational productivity. Without effective communication, the organization will be unable to exchange information essential to daily operations and create a communication network to carry responsibilities. The problems of effective communication in the office are delay in job execution, hearing impairment, message not clearly expressed, noise, bad relationship between superior and subordinate confused organizational structure etc.

Many researchers have examined the problem of communication but none had studies the problem and remedies to effective communication in business organizations. This is the gap the study will fill.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Many organizations have developed formal communication channels to enhance effective communication in organizations. But little did we know that the communicate channel hardly meet the goal of organizations. This due to undue delay and inefficiency in handling information by officials.

Some organization despite the possession of formal communication, poorly expressed ideas or thoughts create confusion in the minds of subordinates. Higher superior officers use unclear terms to express their views, opinions or thoughts, the subordinate will misunderstand the deviation of his superiors.

Many organizations today have experienced communication problems that caused by inadequate planning before communication superior who write without planning are bound to convey wrong information. This causes delay work execution or wild handling of jobs.

1.3 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this study is to identify the problems and remedies to effective communication in business organizations. The specific objectives of the study are

1. To find out the aims and objectives of effective communication in an organization.
2. To examine how effective communication assist workers to achieve organizational goals.
3. To identify the problems associated with effective communication in business organizations.
4. To offer remedies to the problems of effective communication in business organization

1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Every research is undertaken to produce awareness and provide answers or solution to problems. It is therefore believed that when the result of this investigation is concluded recommendation will be made that will help improve the level of communication between managers and employees within an organization.

The research will be enable managers of the public organization to arrest the in incessant problem associate inefficient effective communication within an outside the organizational environment.

This study will help the teachers in the institution to understand the problem and the possible solution that is involve in the study of effective communication in the institution.

This study helps the scholars to know the tremendous importance of effective communication in the environment where they may carry out research work at. This study may also serve as a reference point to scholars for further research on the subject.

More importantly, this research work is expected to acquaint the government with necessary information for the formulation and implementation of public police especially as it affect public utilities which Power Holding Company of Nigeria is one.

1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

In an attempt to pursue the objectives of this study, the following research questions will be answered.

1. What are the aims of effective communication in business organizations?
2. To what extent does effective communication assist workers to achieve organizational goals?
3. What are the problems of effective communication in the management of business organizations?
4. What are the remedies to the problems of effective communication in business organizations?

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study examines problems and remedies of effective communications in business organizations in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The study is limited to workers of First Bank, Union Bank, Fidelity Bank, Diamond Bank, Eco Bank and Sky Bank.

1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Problems:  A problem is a situation that is unsatisfactory and causes difficulties for people.

Remedy: A way of dealing with a problem or making a bad situation better solution.

Effective Communication:     An Effective communication is a key interpersonal skill and learning how we can improve communication.

Business Organization:   A business organization is an individual or group of people that collaborate to achieve certain commercial goals.

Organization: An organized body of people with a particular purpose, especially a business, society, association, etc

Business: A business (also known as an enterprise, a company, or a firm) is an organizational entity and legal entity made up of an association of people, be they natural, legal, or a mixture of both who share a common purpose and unite in order to focus their various talents and organize their collectively available skills or resources to achieve specific declared goals and are involved in the provision of goods and services to consumers.