| Summary: | Thesis (MTech (Business Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2008 === The purpose of this study is to evaluate the organisational communication and infonnation
flow at the SA Cultural History Museum (SACHM) and its decentralised sites with particular
reference to its role in decision making and, where necessary, to recommend remedial
measures.
An extensive literature review was undertaken on organisational communication, infornation
and decision making in organisations, with particular reference to the SACHM. The literature
review facilitated the development of the research instruments, to assess best practices in
terms of the identified key drivers. The research questions are:
• The existence of communication practices and processes at SACHM, and
• The effective dissemination of information necessary for effective decision making.
The statistical results of the empirical study reveal conclusively that the organisational
communication, information dissemination and decision making at the SACHM was indeed
ineffective. The results indicate the following:
• The lack of adherence to shared values and common purpose between managers and staff
regarding equity, lack of participation in decision-making, lack of service delivery to
local, regional and national communities, lack of mutual respect, lack of dedication, lack
of a people centered approach, and finally a lack of interpersonal communication and
negotiation;
• The lack of application of basic communication fundamentals namely the bottom-up and
top-down approaches;
• The lack of access to timeous and accurate information to make effective decisions; and
• The non-existence of communication processes and practices.
Dysfunctional organisational communication and inadequate information flow to both
employees and managers, has been identified as having an impact on effective decision
making. Arising from the findings of the research, a communication audit is recommended to
facilitate the establishment of an effective communication and information framework for the museum.
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