Strategic determinants of effective internal communication in selected four leading hospitals in Nairobi

Abstract

Lack of knowledge on the status of internal communication in African institutions is a major research gap that needs to be addressed. Most studies and available literature on internal organizational communication have been conducted in western institutions. Studies on internal communication in African medical institutions have been rare or lacking in many situations. Few African institutions have been shown to undertake communication audits or prepare internal communication plans. Literature review suggests that effective communication in hospitals between various internal actors including patients is a challenge globally. The purpose of this study is to determine whether or not there is an internal communication gap that exists between managers and employees of an organization undergoing change, in selected hospitals in Nairobi, Kenya. Studies on communication in the health industry have generally concentrated on the briefing process and the health process, thereby largely ignoring communication with its human capital. Thus, there is need for studies of effective internal communication, particularly between employees and management. A random sample of various hospital staff categories will be conducted and questionnaires will be used to gather data. A descriptive research method in selected hospitals in Nairobi with self-administered questionnaires on the target respondents will be used. Data will be analyzed using SPSS statistics analysis tools. The study is necessary because it will lead to better understanding of internal communication in African medical institutions undergoing change, which is poorly studied or rarely documented.