Utilization of Media in Internal Communication : Case: Konecranes Heavy Lifting Ltd, Electrics Factory
Mäentausta, Kirsi (2009)
Mäentausta, Kirsi
Laurea-ammattikorkeakoulu
2009
All rights reserved
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-200904202081
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-200904202081
Tiivistelmä
Information distribution is an important part of internal communication. The media used to distribute information is as vital as the information itself. Effective internal communication is essential in order to increase awareness and trust between a company’s management and its employees, and thus reflect to the company’s results.
The object of this thesis was to understand the benefits of different media used in information distribution; to identify and benchmark the best practices in different communicational settings; and to utilize these findings in order to improve internal communication within the Electrics Factory of Konecranes Heavy Lifting Ltd.
The theoretical framework of the thesis was built around internal communication, the utilization of different media in internal communication and the significance of target group analysis. Focus was placed on the division of communication into direct and mediated information distribution and the importance of media richness. In order to receive information about the target group in the Electrics Factory, a mainly quantitative survey was conducted. The survey was distributed to 82 of the 101 personnel currently working in the case company. The response rate of the survey was 89 percent (73 percent of all personnel), and therefore the results could be classed as applicable. The survey results were analyzed statistically using Microsoft Excel.
The survey results revealed that most of the target group place e-mail, face-to-face communication and information screens as their preferred communication media. Less people were found to use bulletin boards and the intranet in order to search for information. Among the people without access to the company’s e-mail, the preferred media were still verbal communication and information screens; however bulletin boards were also among the preferred media. Although e-mail and information screens were generally placed among the most preferred media, their main problem was found to be excess information. In order to ensure effective internal communication within the case company, all communication media should be utilized. However, information screens and e-mail should be used to provide short informative bulletins, while bulletin boards and the intranet should only be used to provide background information for these bulletins. Face-to-face communication should be used whenever necessary, but at least when communicating complex messages with high levels of importance.
The object of this thesis was to understand the benefits of different media used in information distribution; to identify and benchmark the best practices in different communicational settings; and to utilize these findings in order to improve internal communication within the Electrics Factory of Konecranes Heavy Lifting Ltd.
The theoretical framework of the thesis was built around internal communication, the utilization of different media in internal communication and the significance of target group analysis. Focus was placed on the division of communication into direct and mediated information distribution and the importance of media richness. In order to receive information about the target group in the Electrics Factory, a mainly quantitative survey was conducted. The survey was distributed to 82 of the 101 personnel currently working in the case company. The response rate of the survey was 89 percent (73 percent of all personnel), and therefore the results could be classed as applicable. The survey results were analyzed statistically using Microsoft Excel.
The survey results revealed that most of the target group place e-mail, face-to-face communication and information screens as their preferred communication media. Less people were found to use bulletin boards and the intranet in order to search for information. Among the people without access to the company’s e-mail, the preferred media were still verbal communication and information screens; however bulletin boards were also among the preferred media. Although e-mail and information screens were generally placed among the most preferred media, their main problem was found to be excess information. In order to ensure effective internal communication within the case company, all communication media should be utilized. However, information screens and e-mail should be used to provide short informative bulletins, while bulletin boards and the intranet should only be used to provide background information for these bulletins. Face-to-face communication should be used whenever necessary, but at least when communicating complex messages with high levels of importance.