Introduction
In this problem-based learning project, attention is paid to a lack of communication as a common workplace issue in modern organizations. The goal is to analyze the situation and clarify which solutions may be offered to employees. Project relevance to organizational behavior is evident because this course promotes the development of practical solutions.
The statement of the problem is as follows: “A lack of communication might affect job performance, behaviors, and interpersonal relationships.” Thus, it is necessary to answer one straightforward question: “How does the lack of communication affect employee relationships?”. Several research objectives should be achieved, namely identifying a problem, finding a solution, developing a measurement plan, and sharing recommendations to improve communication in the workplace.
Problem Statement
The problem for analysis in this project is a lack of communication in the workplace. Employees might face challenges because of their rush about decision-making, lack of clarification, or poor time management. As a result, poor team-building, misunderstandings, personal frustration, and organizational failures can be observed. Regarding these outcomes, the problem remains significant and relevant to organizational behavior because people should understand how to improve their experience, cooperate, and listen to each other actively. The examples that illustrate this issue are the lack of attention to the offered recommendation, the inability to end a blame game, and the low competitive advantage when employees perform poorly and lose their clients compared to other organizations.
Solution Plan
Communication Strategy
The current solution plan consists of several steps. The first is to provide an organization with a communication strategy, which should be implemented in two days. Its main idea is to concentrate on active listening, clear writing activities, and the importance of using body language. People can be heard and listened to when they understand how to talk and what movements to use to strengthen their messages. In addition, all team members are encouraged to talk to ensure a better understanding of all topics and tasks.
Open-Door Policy
Another important step in solving the problem is implementing an open-door policy. This idea covers the possibility of asking questions and discussing concerns openly. Employees should be able to remove all physical barriers and cooperate following trust and respect principles. Developing fair relationships is possible in this case because people can add their opinions and analyze each situation personally.
Communication Rules
The third element of the solution plan is the creation of specific communication rules in the workplace and following them during the following months. The main aspects that should be covered in a new organizational guideline include open communication and a feedback system, which allows information exchange and shared decision-making. Consistency and transparency play a crucial role in communication as well.
Consistent communication means following the existing policies and achieving the established goals. Transparency communication increases collaboration because positive and negative issues are equally discussed so as not to lose the essence behind the words. Finally, organizational relationships and communication must be based on trust. Only when people trust each other can they solve problems and find the most effective solutions.
Regular Meetings
In addition, organizing regular meetings may solve the problem of poor communication. Despite the presence or absence of problems or current goals, the same participants should join a meeting and observe the achievements at the moment. Open- and close-ended questions can be posed to promote free discussions. People need a chance to share their opinions and give recommendations for a company or employee. This intervention is recommended at least once a week for one month.
Role Distribution
A final part of the solution plan is the distribution of roles for each team member to learn what functions and responsibilities must be considered. In most organizations, there have to be four key people. A leader examines a situation and organizes meetings during which communication is possible. A resource manager should learn team needs and make provisions to ensure safe and well-prepared communication. There should also be an information consultant who analyzes current news and shares critical data within a team. Finally, having a team clerk who makes notes, underlines conclusions, and keeps all participants updated is better.
Measurement Plan
A measurement plan is necessary to ensure that each solution has its worth and impact on employees and their communication processes. There are five steps to solve the problem of lack of communication, each based on the same measurement tools: questionnaires, e-mail, feedback, and quizzes. The primary measurement purpose is to gather employees’ opinions, enhance personal observations, and make them 100% involved in every discussion. Ultimately, 100% agreement and satisfaction with the strategies and communication processes offered are expected.
Analysis Results
The results of this project analysis are relatively positive because of evident similarities between what was planned and what was found. Poor communication might affect and challenge people in different ways. This project strengthens this understanding of the statement because the chosen problem is dangerous for employees, a company, and its leaders.
Despite an expectation that all organizations want to improve their communication strategies, not all participants share the same positive attitude toward innovations. Finally, an existing variety of solutions cannot be ignored, but one should remember that not all solutions are equally effective. Individualized approaches are required to promote changes that may not be immediate but require more time to achieve the desired outcomes.
Implications
The implications of the findings for organizational behavior are critical because communication predetermines people’s choices and decisions. Employees and leaders need to cooperate and talk to each other to ensure fair communication is promoted and organizational success is achieved. In various approaches to communicating effectively at the workplace, team members should never lose the right track and follow their strategies, rules, and principles. Not only do leaders and employees contribute to better communication, but the impact of freelancers and novel workers is also significant.
Recommendations
After taking all the steps in this project, several critical recommendations should be identified. First, all companies should have several strategies and corporate rules to ensure they follow the exact directions and purposes. An open-door policy is a good way to help people start cooperating and supporting each other. In addition, role distribution contributes to a mutual understanding of the established tasks and available resources. Finally, assessment, cooperation, and feedback play an important role because people should never be afraid to ask questions and share their opinions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this paper reveals that a single organizational behavioral problem (like a lack of communication in a team) may have multiple solutions. It is not enough to create one rule or strategy and expect all negative consequences to disappear in a minute. Employees and leaders must cooperate and support each other, recognize their roles, and exchange information. Measuring an organization’s success includes feedback, personal opinions, and questionnaires in which people evaluate their challenges and successes. There are three main lessons learned in this project: employees have a chance to change their work environment; there is always a solution for the lack of communication problem; and organizational performance can be improved with high-quality communication.