Thesis (MTech (Public Relations Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, 2004 / This research paper is aimed at formulating a corporate communication strategy for a medium- sized organisation, Highbury Solutions, operating in the computer software ' industry. Highbury Solutions consists of a Managing Director and four managers who, together with fifteen operational staff, make up a total staff complement of twenty. Highbury Solutions had a tumover of approximately R25 million over the past financial year (2004). The organisation enjoys a partnership with the computer conglomerate IBM in which the branding of Highbury Solutions products carries the computer giants' endorsement. This relationship has been in existence since 2001. The relationship, however, according to preliminary research, indicates no communication strategy or formal communication channels in place between the two organisations. The aim of this research paper will thus be to transform theoretical perspectives into a practical approach and design of a suitable corporate communication strategy for Highbury Solutions. This strategy will be based on sound research principles of both the organisation and its stakeholders and will be based on the model for Corporate Communication Strategy in Steyn & Puth (2002: 62). This research paper will aim to formulate a corporate communication strategy that will nurture and grow the relationship between the two organisations for the next three to five years. Chapter one consists of an introduction to the research issue, including the aim of the research, the stating of the research problem as well as identifying subproblems and possible assumptions.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / The assessment of internal communication at PetroSA was conducted with the view to obtaining guidance on how to improve communication within the organisation. The study looked at both upward and downward communication content and flow. A representative sample was selected from the core groups of highly-trained professional employees in Levels 2, 3 and 4 (of nine levels). Employees in this sample were asked to respond electronically to a questionnaire designed by the researcher with input from colleagues. The questionnaire had 60 statements in seven concept areas. The statements were wide enough to capture the most important aspects of internal communication. It used a Likert-type scale. Responses were averaged and the averages were tested by t-tests to see whether employees agreed or disagreed with the statements. The sample of employees could also respond if they wished to a qualitative question. Results were analysed, conclusions were drawn, and recommendations were made about ways the company can improve its internal communication. The timing of the study is important for the organisation as the company plans to grow by more than 30 000 employees after the building of a new refinery in Port Elizabeth. What became clear in the study was that much satisfactory downward communication is happening in the company through CEO road shows, the in-house Yiza Sithethe magazine and the daily newsletter PetroSA Today, but employees want more. They want more specific information on where the company is going as well as on its financial status. Despite some disengagement, they would like to be free to engage with management on issues without running a huge risk (more upward communication). They indicate strongly that management does not listen to their ideas and suggestions. They want more explanation for some of management’s decisions, more discussions over causes and prevention of breakdowns in production, and clearer ideas of how they fit into the larger company. Despite some lack of alignment with the company goals, they do want to work for the larger good. More efficient budgeting processes, clearer career paths, and better understanding of their capabilities by their own managers seem to be needed. The company management needs to deal with some mistrust by employees, and this will not be achieved overnight. Immediate actions include a communication management plan to achieve better alignment of its workforce, as well as communication skills development for its levels of managers. Communication keeps any organisation together. There is good potential for PetroSA to attain its vision to be a leading petrochemical company in Africa. But first, it has to improve its internal communication.

Thesis (D. Tech)--Central University of Technology, Free State, 2008 / The global, one-world economy has arrived and South Africa is part of it. Business needs to understand the challenge of global competitiveness. This study reflected the prominence of managing diversity in establishing service excellence and performance management for professionals in the mediumsize chicken breeder/broiler industry in South Africa, following the increased importance of the breeder/broiler industry in providing an affordable nutriment/commodity to the poor and needy South African population. The ongoing variables in the political, social, cultural and technology domains in South Africa also affect the chicken breeder/broiler industry. It necessitates the scientific evaluation of the effect of the external political and socio-political environment; internal training and development, leadership styles, literacy levels, employment equity, resistance to change, reverse discrimination and cultural diversity on service excellence and performance. Country Bird (Pty) Ltd., a significant role-player in the food production industry, was thus selected as the object of this study. The role of management and the workers was examined to determine the level of impact in attaining service excellence and organisational performance. Attention was also focused on the development of a service excellence and organisational performance management model that can be used in the chicken breeder/broiler industry to improve organisational performance and sustainable profits.

Thesis (MPhil (Afrikaans and Dutch))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / This study investigates the role of that which the style concept people‐orientation plays with regard to image formation and image projection in documentation, with specific reference to the Stellenbosch University’s registration forms. The goal of this study was firstly to determine how the concept people‐orientation could be operationalized within this specific case study. Regarding image formation and image projection, the researcher aimed to determine (a) what students’ current image of the University Stellenbosch is, (b) if students regard peopleorientation as an important style aspect within communication and (c) if the presence or absence of people‐orientation has an effect on the image of an institution. The Integrated Model for Image Formation and Projection (IFP‐model), whereupon this study is based, suggests that different messages in a document can have an effect on the image of an institution. These messages can however be manipulated in order to determine or adjust the image of an institution. In reference to this, this study investigated the effects of a presence or lack of people‐orientation as an aspect of style in communication. The researcher defines people‐orientation as a concept that bears reference to those aspects which directly or indirectly writes the human role player (including the writer and the reader) into the text. In other words, it refers to communication that puts the role of the person in the foreground of the communication situation. The concept of people‐orientation is however very complex in the sense that it can be created by a number of document design aspects. Thus the best way to test people‐orientation was to identify a number of operationalizeable design aspects. The researcher selected five style aspects which at core has relevance to people‐orientation. These five aspects were forms of address, reference to self, the use of passive or active voice, the use of politeness and empathy markers and the use of graphical illustration, which for the purpose of this study also classifies as a stylistic signal. Thirty‐two respondents from the Humaniora faculties were selected to participate in this study. Although the faculty of Economical and Management Sciences and the Faculty of Law traditionally fall under this division, only the Faculty of Theology, the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Education were used. Gender and race were incorporated as independent variables of this study. Respondents’ attitudes were tested using interviews as the primary methodology, aided by informal questionnaires as secondary methodology. Questionnaire results were however not processed by use of the traditional statistical methods, mainly because the sample of the study was too small. These results were only functional as a basis from which tendencies could be identified. Interview results had a very multi‐dimensional quality and the researcher therefore decided that it would be best to discuss these results in a thematic order rather than listing responses in tables. The results clearly demonstrate that students have a preference for forms which contain people‐orientation and that they dislike forms which lack people‐orientation. Their responses indicate that style aspects which promote people‐orientation have a relative to high probability to positively effect an institution’s image . Thus, Afrikaans‐speaking students from the Humanioria‐faculties regard people‐orientation as an important component in the management of effective communication, especially that of a positive image.

Thesis (MPhil)--University of Stellenbosch, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The communication of the financial services group Sanlam was investigated to determine whether good communication plays a role in a company's successes. Communication in the company is fairly complex because Sanlam consists of various businesses that operate independently. Communication in Sanlam is nevertheless important, and the holding company as well as the businesses realise this. Sanlam's comprehensive communication with one of its most important target groups, namely shareholders and institutional investors, is proof of this. As Sanlam did not have shareholders until its listing in November 1998, communication with this group was not required before this date. Today it is extremely important to inform both the shareholders and analysts in detail about the company's financial results, activities and achievements to ensure success. Based on this information, analysts make deductions about the company and recommendations as to whether or not Sanlam shares are a good investment. Shareholders who have not been properly informed can therefore have a significant effect on the company's financial successes. There are a number of ways in which communication takes place with the various target groups inside and outside the company. Internal communication is regarded as important and internal newsletters, e-mail, television broadcasts and the Intranet are some of the tools used to inform staff. External communication also plays an important role. This includes, among other things, communication with shareholders and institutional investors, policyholders, the government and the general public. External communication mediums include, among other things, the main stream media as well as community press, the Sanlam Club magazine, letters, television broadcasts, the Internet, functions, corporate social involvement projects and sponsorships. As already mentioned, Sanlam consists of various businesses, of which Sanlam Personal Finance (SPF) is the largest. Communication in this business is discussed. SPF is responsible for its own internal as well as external communication and is mostly independent as far as this is concerned. SPF's means of communication and target market also differ from those of the Corporate Affairs department. From the study it is clear that Sanlam's communication plays a role in the company's successes. Although there is not always the required co-operation between the businesses and the holding company as far as communication is concerned, there is definitely the feeling that communication is important and that an effort should be made to ensure it is used to the company's advantage. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die finansiëledienstegroep, Sanlam, se kommunikasie is ondersoek om vas te stelof goeie kommunikasie 'n rol in 'n maatskappy se sukses speel. Kommunikasie in die maatskappy is taamlik kompleks aangesien Sanlam uit verskillende besighede bestaan wat onafhanklik opereer. Kommunikasie is egter belangrik en die houermaatskappy sowel as die besighede besef dit. Sanlam se uitgebreide kommunikasie met een van sy belangrikste teikengroepe, naamlik aandeelhouers en institusionele beleggers, is 'n bewys hiervan. Tot en met die notering van die maatskappy in November 1998 het Sanlam nie aandeelhouers gehad nie en was kommunikasie met dié groep dus nie nodig nie. Vandag is dit uiters belangrik om aandeelhouers en analiste baie goed oor die maatskappy se finansiële resultate, sy doen en late en prestasies in te lig om sukses te verseker. Analiste maak na aanleiding van dié inligting afleidings oor die maatskappy en doen aanbevelings aan potensiële beleggers of dit 'n goeie belegging is om in Sanlam-aandele te belê of nie. Swak ingeligte aandeelhouers en analiste kan dus 'n wesenlike invloed op die maatskappy se finansiële suksesse hê. Daar is talle manier waarop met die verskillende teikengroepe binne en buite die maatskappy gekommunikeer word. Interne kommunikasie word as belangrik beskou en interne nuusbriewe, e-pos, televisie-uitsendings en die Intranet word onder meer gebruik om personeel in te lig. Eksterne kommunikasie speelook 'n belangrike rol. Dit sluit onder meer kommunikasie met aandeelhouers en institusionele beleggers, polishouers, die owerheid en die breë publiek in. Eksterne kommunikasiemediums sluit onder meer die hoofstroommedia sowel as die gemeenskapspers, die Sanlamklub-tydskrif, briewe, televisie-uitsendings, die Internet, onthale, korporatiewe maatskaplike betrokkenheidsprojekte en borgskappe in. Sanlam bestaan uit verskillende besighede waarvan Sanlam Persoonlike Finansies (SPF) die grootste is. Kommunikasie in dié besigheid word bespreek. SPF is verantwoordelik vir sy eie interne sowel as eksterne kommunikasie en tree in 'n groot mate onafhanklik op. Hulle manier van kommunikeer en hul teikenmark verskilook van dié van die afdeling Korporatiewe Aangeleenthede. Uit die studie is dit duidelik dat Sanlam se kommunikasie 'n rol speel in die maatskappy se suksesse. Hoewel daar nie altyd die nodige samewerking tussen die besighede en die houermaatskappy bestaan wat kommunikasie betref nie, is daar beslis 'n gevoel dat kommunikasie belangrik is en dat moeite gedoen moet word om te verseker dat dit tot die maatskappy se voordeel aangewend word.

Thesis (MTech (Public Relations Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015. / This study was conducted to determine the extent to which strategic employee communication existed in Parliament of the Republic of South Africa during the period of transition. Its objectives were to test the communication skills of the parliamentary supervisors in various divisions; to investigate communication satisfaction amongst employees; to establish communication channels to get the message through, and to discover how often feedback was provided. This study sought to achieve the research objectives by using a quantitative research methodology in order to measure the level of communication skills. The researcher collected data using questionnaires as a measuring instrument in order to determine the levels of communication satisfaction. Questionnaires were distributed to 45 participants in all divisions irrespective of race, gender or age. The results of the study revealed that communication at Parliament needed to be aligned. It was also revealed that employees and supervisors were not familiar with the vision of the institution. It was recommended that Parliament needed to conduct SWOT analysis before bringing about any changes. Employees should be provided with communication skills training. Managers should pay serious attention to internal communication. There should be constant feedback regarding progress when a process of change is embarked upon. It was also recommended that Parliament, as the highest democratic institution in the country, should lead in putting strategic internal communication in place in order to set an example for other institutions.

The study is set out to analyze organizational communication at South African Port Operations (SAPO), Port Elizabeth. The analysis was based on the four formal flows of communication in an organization, which are upward communication, downward communication, horizontal communication and diagonal communication. The study was also meant to provide suggestions on how to improve communication at SAPO, Port Elizabeth especially with regard to the above mentioned flows. The literature review looked at the four different flows of communication which occurs in the organization. From the review, one can conclude that in order for an organization to function properly communication is needed to co-ordinate all the activities towards an organization’s goals. The empirical research was carried out using mainly qualitative methods of data collection. Focus group interviews were used as a method of gathering information. The sample was drawn from employees who are working for SAPO, the sample was drawn from various levels of authority within the company. The findings have revealed that there are various flows of communication at SAPO, but there needs to be improvement particularly with upward, horizontal and diagonal communication. The research also revealed that downward communication has more formal channels.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In this study the focus is on the yearbooks of the Stellenbosch University with spesific reference to the consumer friendliness thereof. The researcher focused on the General Yearbook as well as an extract from the Humanities Yearbook of the Stellenbosch University. The goals of this study is to firstly determine (a) what is the present image that prospective students have of the Stellenbosch University, (b) if the SU Yearbooks have any impact on the image formation of these prospective students and (c) if so, what is the exact impact of the yearbooks on the image formation process of these students and how can it be improved. There are five important factors that measure the consumer friendliness of a document. These factors refer to the physical access to a document, the external structure, the ergonomy of a document, the style of writing and the cognitive access (understanding) of the text. These factors are closely tied to each other, but for the sake of this study, the researcher decided to focus only on the factors that directly influence the consumer friendliness of a document. The researcher decided on four stylistic aspects that influence the consumer friendliness of a document. These refer, firstly, to the external structure of a document with specific reference to the margins, headings and paragraphs in the chosen document. Secondly, the focus is on the information distribution of the document, i.e. the organisation and representation of information. The third aspect refers to forms of address in the document including both references to the writer as well as to the reader. The last aspect that is researched in this study is the style concept of formality. The researcher primarily focuses on difficult words and phrases in the text as well as the use of passive and active sentence constructions. The researcher also tests the concept of consumer-friendliness with a usability test based on an extract taken out of the Yearbook of Humanities. The researcher’s hypothesis claimes that the yearbooks of the Stellenbosch University are not consumer-friendly and that this can have a negative influence on the image that the prospective student forms of the SU. By determining this perception under the prospective students in the study, the researcher could find a suitable solution from the results to improve the image that the current documentation reflects and also to help the yearbooks of the SU fulfill its purpose which is to serve as an accessible information guide that is consumer-friendly. The Integrated Model for Formation and Projection, the IFP-model, on which this study is based, determines that different messages in a document can have an effect on the image of an institution. These messages can however be manipulated in order to determine or adjust the image of an institution. 123 respondents from the Paarl Gymnasium High School and Luckhoff High took part in this study. Gender and race were incorporated as independent variables in the study. These respondents’ attitudes were measured by means of questionnaires as the primary methodology. Statistical methods were used in order to determine the results from the questionnaires and to identify certain tendencies from the research. The results show that prospective students show a preference for yearbooks that are more consumer-friendly. As the hypothesis predicted, prospective students have a very positive image of the Stellenbosch University. After the introduction to the yearbooks, these images changed to a more neutral, and even in some cases to a more negative image of the University. By means of testing the different style aspects in this study, the researcher also concluede that the respondents preferred a more people-oriented and consumer-friendly yearbook. The respondents in this study had a definite preference for a yearbook which is more consumer-friendly en that therefore have a more positive influence on the image of the University. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In hierdie studie word daar gefokus op die jaarboeke van die Universiteit Stellenbosch met spesifieke verwysing na die gebruikersvriendelikheid daarvan. Die navorser het gefokus op die Algemene Jaarboek en ’n uittreksel uit die Jaarboek Lettere en Wysbegeerte van die Universiteit Stellenbosch. Die doelwitte van hierdie studie is om te bepaal wat is (a) voornemende studente se huidige beeld van die Universiteit Stellenbosch, (b) of die US-jaarboeke enige invloed het op die beeldvormingsproses (van die US) van hierdie voornemende studente en (c) indien wel, wat is die uitwerking van die jaarboeke op die beeldvormingsprosesse en hoe kan dit verbeter word? Daar is vyf belangrike faktore waaraan die gebruikersvriendelikheid van ‘n teks gemeet kan word. Hierdie faktore verwys na die fisiese toegang tot die dokument, die uiterlike struktuur, die ergonomie van die dokument, die skryfstyl en laastens die kognitiewe toegang (verstaanbaarheid) van die teks. Die faktore hou sterk verband met mekaar, maar vir die doeleindes van hierdie studie het die navorser haar studie beperk tot slegs die faktore wat die gebruikersvriendelikheid van die teks beïnvloed, sowel as die faktore wat ‘n invloed het op die beeldvormingswaarde van ‘n teks. Die navorser het vier stilistiese aspekte gekies wat met die gebruikersvriendelikheid van ’n dokument verband hou. Hierdie vier aspekte verwys eerstens na die uiterlike struktuur van ’n teks met spesifieke verwysing na die kantlyne, opskrifte en paragrawe van die betrokke dokument. Die tweede aspek verwys na die inligtingsverspreiding van die dokument en dit behels die organisering en voorstelling van inligting in die betrokke dokument. Die derde aspek verwys na die aanspreekvorme in die dokument met spesiale fokus op die aanspreekvorme wat verwys na die leser asook dié wat verwys na die skrywer. Laastens, word die stylaspek formaliteit ook in hierdie studie bespreek deur te fokus op moeilike woorde en frases asook passief- en aktiefkonstruksies in die dokument. Die aspek gebruikersvriendelikheid word in geheel getoets deur die respondente bloot te stel aan ’n tipe begripstoets en sodoende te bepaal of die dokument gebruikersvriendelik is vir voornemende studente. Die navorser se hipotese in die studie was dat die jaarboeke van die US nie so gebruikersvriendelik is nie en dat dit ‘n negatiewe impak kan hê op die beeld wat die voornemende student van die US vorm. Deur hierdie persepsie te kon vasstel onder voornemende studente, kon die navorser uit die resultate ‘n werkbare oplossing kry om die beeld wat die dokumentasie tans skep te verbeter en ook om die US-jaarboek in sy doel te laat slaag – om ‘n toeganklike inligtingsgids te wees wat gebruikersvriendelik is. Die studie word gegrond op die Geïntegreerde Kommunikasiemodel vir Beeldvorming en -projeksie (Integrated Model for Formation and Projection, kortweg die IFP-model genoem). Hierdie model beweer dat verskillende deelboodskappe in ’n dokument ’n effek het op die beeld van die instansie. Hierdie boodskappe kan egter deur middel van dokumentontwerp-aspekte gemanipuleer word ten einde die beeld van die instansie te bepaal of te verstel. 123 respondente uit twee skole, naamlik Hoërskool Paarl Gimnasium en Hoërskool Luckhoff, het in hierdie studie deelgeneem. Geslag en ras is as onafhanklike veranderlikes in die studie in berekening gebring. Respondente se houdings is getoets met vraelyste as die primêre metodologie. Statistiese metodes is aangewend om die resultate van die vraelyste te verwerk en op grond daarvan is sekere tendense geïdentifiseer. Die resultate toon dat voornemende studente ’n voorkeur het vir ’n Jaarboek wat meer gebruikersvriendelik is. Soos die hipotese bepaal het, was voornemende studente se houdings teenoor die US baie positief. Na kennismaking met die US Jaarboeke, het hierdie beeld meer neutraal en in somminge gevalle meer negatief geword. Deur die verskillende stylaspekte te toets, kon die navorser ook bepaal dat die respondente ’n meer mensgerigte en gebruikersvriendelike Jaarboek verkies. Die respondente wat aan hierdie studie deelgeneem het verkies dus ’n Jaarboek wat meer gebruikersvriendelik is en wat sodoende ’n meer positiewe invloed sal hê op die beeld van die Universiteit Stellenbosch.

Thesis (M.Com. (Development Theory and Policy))--University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, School of Economic and Business Sciences, 2016. / Many ICT projects continue to fail despite the use of established projects methods and techniques as the proper communication systems required for successful project outcomes have been lacking. It is generally believed that the adoption and diffusion of information and communication technologies (ICTs) makes a contribution to a nation‟s economic and sustainable development. The explosion of social media is changing the way we communicate and therefore the processes involving project management information systems. Research shows that as technology usage lags, so does per capita income, skills development and productivity. Despite much global literature that relates to the failure of ICT projects, what is absent from the literature is knowledge of the relative contribution of different factors to ICT project success in the South African context. This study sought to address this absence. From a review of the literature on social media tools and knowledge sharing and reuse, four propositions relating the use of social media and adoption of certain knowledge management practices to the success of ICT projects were generated about the likely impact of these variables on ICT project performance. The research study was conducted over twenty-month effort. Both qualitative and quantitative data were obtained. The qualitative study based on a grounded theory analysis of ICT professionals, derived propositions that were tested empirically. Bivariate correlation analysis, multiple linear regressions and multiple hierarchical regression analyses were applied. Results indicated that knowledge management adoption mediates the relationship between social media usage and ICT project cost performance. Additionally project type was found to play a moderating role in the relationship between knowledge management and project performance. Implications for practice and theory are discussed.

This research aims to provide a theory of enterprise social networking that generates and/or sustains a culture of employee engagement within a chosen South African private sector company. Based on an extensive review of interesting literature and the application of a grounded theory process in a chosen case, this research work provides a theory of enterprise social networking sustaining and growing employee engagement together with an explanatory theoretical framework that makes the theory more practical. Employee engagement is defined as “the harnessing of organisation member’s selves to their work roles; in engagement people employ and express themselves physically, cognitively, and emotionally during role performances.” This research regards employee engagement as a three part concept composed of a trait (personality/cognitive) aspect, a state (emotional) aspect, and a behavioural aspect. Research has shown that employee engagement has an unequivocal positive impact on business outcomes, such as profitability, business performance, employee retention and productivity. Employee engagement can be regarded as a culture if it is abundant within the organization’s employee population. Gatenby et al. (2009) propose that employee engagement is fostered by creating the desire and opportunity for employees to connect with colleagues, managers and the wider organisation. This standpoint is supported by Kular et al. (2008) who state that the “key drivers of employee engagement identified include communication, opportunities for employees to feed their views upward and thinking that their managers are committed to the organisation.” Further indicators of employee engagement include strong leadership (particularly in the form of servant leadership), accountability, a positive and open organisational culture, autonomy, and opportunities for development. One of the key facets of employee engagement is connection. A complementary definition of social media, an umbrella under which enterprise social networks fall, is that “(it) is more of a relationship channel, a connection channel. Each and every tweet, update, video, post, is a connection point to another human being. And it’s the other human being who will determine your worth to them.” Social media provides participants with access to a larger pool of resources and relationships than they would normally have access to. This enlarged relationship/resource pool is a result of expanding human and social capital enabled through social media tools. In order to produce a theory of enterprise social networking sustaining and growing a culture of employee engagement a rigorous grounded theory methodology coupled with a case study methodology was applied. The case study methodology was used to identify a suitable research site and interesting participants within the site while the grounded theory process was used to produce both qualitative and quantitative data sets in a suitability rigorous fashion. The corroborative data was then used to discover and define the emergent theory.