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Communication Audit

 

The purpose of a communication audit is to determine the quality of communication and information flow in an organisation. The Communication Effectiveness model depicted  is used as point of departure for the audit.

Several research instruments are used when conducting a communication audit. An in-depth manual or electronic questionnaire forms the basis of the research. Focus group discussions are conducted with employees not able to complete the questionnaire and individual interviews with key role players to determine their concerns and expectations regarding internal communication. A qualitative content analysis is conducted on all the media being used as well as meetings.

An audit opinion is be given on each of the six main as well as the secondary areas. The strengths that could be capitalised on and areas of concern that ought to be addressed are be identified and very specific recommendations are made.

 

A Communication Audit assesses the:

  • Satisfaction of the information needs of internal stakeholders
  • Quality of the messages received
  • Effectiveness and efficiency of communication media
  • Quality of the communication network
  • The communication climate and
  • The impact communication is having on organisational outcomes.

 

 


 


 

 

Four research instruments are used:

  • A communication audit questionnaire customised according to the business environment of the organisation. The questionnaire can be either telephonic, electronic or print
  • Individual interviews with key role players in the organisation
  •  Focus group discussions with employees who would find it hard to participate by means of a questionnaire
  • Content analysis of media used in the organisation.

 

The data is processed according to:

  • functional groups
  • position in the organisation and
  • up to three other groupings relevant to the organisation.

 

As a result of the audit, the client will:

  • Know what the strengths and the weaknesses are with regard to communication in the organisation
  • Be able develop a communication strategy and implementation plans to leverage the strengths and address the areas of concern
  • Have a detailed set of findings, conclusions and recommendations for the different divisions, job levels, sites, etc included on the coding page.

The turnaround time of a project is between six and sixteen weeks – depending on the size of the organisation.