Excellence in Employee Communication in Small Companies as Compared With Large Companies

Date of Degree

12-2006

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Administration

Program

Business Administration

Advisor

Valerie Greenburg

Advisor

Daniel Dominguez

Advisor

Mark Teachout

Abstract

Companies thrive when employees establish supportive relationships on the job and learn how their work furthers business goals. Employee communication is one organizational factor that contributes to a sense of connection and achievement. This thesis builds on prior research about excellent communication in large companies. Can small companies without a structured function or professional staff as found in large corporations ever rate as excellent in employee communication? Qualitative analysis documents winners in the Malcolm Baldrigs awards program small-business category. They excel at symmetrical communication by embedding dialogue into operations instead of relying on formal communication programs, an unanticipated finding. Another breakthrough—though logical—finding emerges. Excellent employee communication practices vary by number of employees. Micro small businesses are strong in conversation that starts with the CEO. Mid-sized small businesses make communication the responsibility of managers and employees. Large companies excel at communicating strategy though internal media for consistency and timing.

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