Communication - Action Issues
Communication assesses the strength of an organization's focus on the following Action Issues:
Action Issues #12
Vertical and horizontal communication are open and unfiltered.
DESCRIPTION:
Managers often refer to “silos” where information is carefully guarded and not readily made available. This is a key action issue where a high score demonstrates employees are able to get information needed to be effective. It provides feedback on how information moves between departments as well as up and down the company. This issue forms an important foundation for enabling change to take place. As change requires processes to be adjusted between departments this measure becomes more important.
Efforts to create change in work practices often fail when low scores are achieved in the action issues
Action Issues #13
The right information is shaped with those who need to have it.
DESCRIPTION:
Communication breakdowns are a regular feature of organizational life which cost many millions of dollars in waste. This action issue speaks to the effectiveness of the information shared. Often companies have almost too much data but not enough information. Understanding what information is critical is important. A high score here recognizes the importance of quality information rather than the quantity of information.
Action Issues #14
Employees and their managers communicate effectively.
DESCRIPTION:
Another important action issue for ensuring the right message is shared with the right people. A high score for this issue means the organization is capable of quickly making change when needed as managers and workers have developed the ability to get important information circulated promptly. In low score companies, the reasons for poor performance rarely come to light as the communication systems for uncovering problems is not working. Another issue to watch improve as an organization invests in good supervisory development.
Work Systems Associates Canada 