The thesis is focused on the evaluation of internal communication channels in implementing lean concepts in the production company . As part of the assessment of the current situation and a proposal to eliminate or critical bottlenecks . It contains basic concepts of lean concepts and characteristics of internal communication. In the analytical part , on the basis of theoretical knowledge described the current situation in society, both in the administrative as well as in the manufacturing sector . In the final part are suggested solutions to improve internal communications when implementing a lean approach .

Developing internal communication in fast-changing organizations is a current topic, which seems to exercise the minds of corporate people in different positions. Well-functioning internal communication and business success seem to be strongly linked. It motivates people, and only people who are motivated and enthusiastic about their work are able to perform well in their jobs and to secure the success of their employers. The purpose of this study was to increase the understanding of internal communications and how employees perceive it in fast-changing organizations. An understanding of internal communication and its development was searched by concentrating in selected essential internal communication areas in organizations, internal corporate communication function and internal communication channels. The focus was on fast-changing organizations due to the fact that the development of internal communication does not usually go hand in hand with other organization development and business growth but tends to drag behind. The theoretical framework was formed of internal communication in general, internal communication development, internal communication in fast-changing organizations, internal communication in different organizational areas, internal corporate communicationas a function and internal communication channels. The most valid internal communication areas were selected to be management communication, team and supervisor communication and interdepartmental communication. The theoretical framework presented the dilemmas and characteristics that can occur among the issue of internal communication development. In order to achieve the determined objectives, a quantitative study was conducted. The survey named “Internal communications at the company x” with three different forms of questions was carried out in the case company. The topic was scrutinized from theperspective of a case company and aimed to find out employees’ perceptions. The web-based survey focused on the selected issues concerning internal communication and its development. Questionnaires were sent out to the employees of the case company’s European organization and 94 responses were received. The collected data was analyzed against the theoretical framework, and with the help of analysis conclusions and managerial implications regarding this study were drawn. It was discovered that by developing these internal communication areas together, fast-changing organizations succeed better in internal communication and consequently in other operations. In fast-changing organizations, careful attention needs to be paid especially to the amount of management, supervisor and interdepartmental communication. Communication especially about company situation and financial and sales situation should be increased. Employees value open, systematic, clear and well-organized communication. Development of interdepartmental communication processes is vital in order to improve knowledge sharing across the company and consequently business performance. It is essential that all members of work community understand their responsibility to communicate. Internal corporate communications function should teach that and provide good communication tools for all employees, especially intranet, e-mail and possibilities to face to face meetings and versatile feedback sessions. Efforts to equalize communication between locations, departments and teams need to be taken.

In order to engage employees effectively, organisations need to practice two-way communication within a symmetrical worldview. This will encourage employees to feel valued, to participate in decision-making and contribute to obtaining organisational goals. Practising two-way communication will help to build stronger relationships between employees and managers, leading to increased employee engagement. Thus, the better the communication between managers and employees, the more engaged employees will be. Furthermore, the selection of communication channels can impact on the success of the message that is sent. Research has shown that if the inappropriate communication channel is selected when communicating with employees, the message might not be effectively received and understood. New technology, specifically Facebook can be introduced to provide an open and transparent channel for communication. Facebook can also facilitate two-way communication, which can lead to increased employee engagement. The literature study conducted informed the interview schedules that were developed and used to conduct semi-structured interviews with managers and focus group interviews with employees within two organisations in the South African financial sector. This was done in order to understand their expectations regarding the use of Facebook as an internal communication channel to enhance employee engagement. In terms of the conclusions derived from the empirical research, it seems evident that Facebook could be used as an additional internal communication channel to enhance employee engagement. Trust remains a very important factor in that managers should trust employees to use the channel in an ethical manner and employees should trust the organisation and its managers that they may voice their opinion freely, without the fear of victimisation. Facebook can be used to promote engagement on a social level to build relationships inside the organisation. However, managers and employees can together create a contract of understanding that will form the outline for a policy that will govern the use of Facebook. The parties involved can then negotiate the terms of this contract of understanding to ensure that all expectations regarding the use Facebook are met. / MA (Communication Studies), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

In order to engage employees effectively, organisations need to practice two-way communication within a symmetrical worldview. This will encourage employees to feel valued, to participate in decision-making and contribute to obtaining organisational goals. Practising two-way communication will help to build stronger relationships between employees and managers, leading to increased employee engagement. Thus, the better the communication between managers and employees, the more engaged employees will be. Furthermore, the selection of communication channels can impact on the success of the message that is sent. Research has shown that if the inappropriate communication channel is selected when communicating with employees, the message might not be effectively received and understood. New technology, specifically Facebook can be introduced to provide an open and transparent channel for communication. Facebook can also facilitate two-way communication, which can lead to increased employee engagement. The literature study conducted informed the interview schedules that were developed and used to conduct semi-structured interviews with managers and focus group interviews with employees within two organisations in the South African financial sector. This was done in order to understand their expectations regarding the use of Facebook as an internal communication channel to enhance employee engagement. In terms of the conclusions derived from the empirical research, it seems evident that Facebook could be used as an additional internal communication channel to enhance employee engagement. Trust remains a very important factor in that managers should trust employees to use the channel in an ethical manner and employees should trust the organisation and its managers that they may voice their opinion freely, without the fear of victimisation. Facebook can be used to promote engagement on a social level to build relationships inside the organisation. However, managers and employees can together create a contract of understanding that will form the outline for a policy that will govern the use of Facebook. The parties involved can then negotiate the terms of this contract of understanding to ensure that all expectations regarding the use Facebook are met. / MA (Communication Studies), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

The purpose of this study is to gain understanding of how the communicative ability affects creativity in an organization. Qualitive research with semi-structured questions with a purpose of collecting material from four respondents. Research Question -How do large organizations work with the communicative ability? -How should organizations work with the communicative ability to increase the creativity among their employees? Conclusion: -Organisations should work with a communication strategy that allows the staff to be a part of the communication ability. -The organisation's staff should have an awareness of how the communication ability work and how to use it by example education. -Clear goals and visions where the staff knows its importance and feel an involvement in the organisation. -Organisations should have an open environment that allows the staffs ideas and creative suggestions. -Using various communication channels as individuals absorb information differently. -A creative channel, a digital tool where the staff can help with creative suggestions. -A leadership that will help the staff to engage in the communication ability. / Syftet med studien är att få en förståelse om hur den kommunikativa förmågan påverkar kreativiteten i stora organisationer.  En kvalitativ forskningsmetod med deduktiv ansats och semi-strukturerade intervjumetoder har använts i uppsatsen. Forskningsfrågor -Hur arbetar stora organisationer med den kommunikativa förmågan? -Hur ska organisationer arbeta med den kommunikativa förmågan för att öka kreativiteten? Slutsats: -Organisationer ska arbeta med en kommunikationsstrategi som tillåter personalen att vara en del av den kommunikativa förmågan. -Organisationens personal ska ha en medvetenhet om hur den kommunikativa förmågan fungerar samt hur den ska användas genom exempelvis utbildningar. -Tydliga mål och visioner där personalen vet sin betydelse och kännner en delaktighet i organisationen. -Organisationer ska ha ett öppet klimat som tillåter personalens idéer och kreativa förslag. -Att använda varierande kommunikationskanaler eftersom individer tar åt sig information olika. -En kreativitetskanal, ett digitalt verktyg där personalen kan bidra med kreativa förslag. -Ett ledarskap som hjälper personalen att engagera sig i den kommunikativa förmågan.

The success of an organisation in what is now a dynamic and increasingly competitive business environment relies on an engaged workforce, achieved through internal communication. Engaged employees are generally more productive, resulting in better-performing organisations. This indicates that engaged employees do not only provide organisations with substantial benefits but can also be valuable assets to their organisations. Additionally, internal communication, which influences employee engagement behaviours, has been shown to provide numerous benefits to organisations, namely advocacy, ambassadorship, commitment, competitive advantage, decreased turnover, innovation, satisfaction, and trust. Therefore, it can be argued that a crucial link exists between internal communication and employee engagement. The purpose of this study was to develop an internal communication conceptual framework that contributes to employee engagement. This conceptual framework was customised for the South African banking sector. Qualitative data was collected through a review of available literature in the internal communication and employee engagement fields, and face-to-face interviews with four senior internal communications managers. Quantitative data was collected through a web-based self-administered survey questionnaire hosted on SurveyMonkey. Therefore, a mixed-methods research approach was used for this study. The findings of the study confirmed the link between internal communication and employee engagement. Thus, internal communication is an important determinant of employee engagement. It was also found that South Africa’s “big four” banks use traditional and innovative internal communication channels to effectively communicate with their targeted audience. Lastly, the internal communication elements that make up the conceptual framework of employee engagement were developed, namely Collaboration/ Cross-Functional Planning, Partner with Human Resources Function, Communication Channels, Two-Way Communication with Leaders, Counsel, and Measure Internal Communication Effectiveness. It is argued that the proposed v conceptual framework adequately addresses the role of internal communication and its key function within an organisation. The study is particularly significant because it extends current literature on internal communication and employee engagement in the South African banking sector and confirms that internal communication is indeed important for employee engagement. Academically, the study added to the current body of knowledge in the field of communication. The findings of this study can be used by South African banks and other businesses as a guide to conduct their internal communication to achieve employee engagement. / Communication Science / D. Lit. Phil. ( Communication)