A communication audit of the internal publics of privately owned secondary schools : The case of Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to conduct a communication audit of the internal publics of privately owned Secondary Schools (POSSs) in Nairobi County, Kenya. Methodology: The study used a descriptive research design engaging both the qualitative and quantitative approaches. A sample size of 18 schools with a total of 162 individuals was selected consisting School Managers (SMs), Heads of Departments (HODs) and Presidents of the Students’ Councils (POSCO) - categories using stratified and purposive sampling methods. The preferred data collection tools were questionnaires and an interview guide. Data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics Results: Findings from the study indicated that POSSs use all the communication channels; oral, written and electronic identified in the study even though some of the channels are given greater emphasis in transmitting school information than others. The findings also pointed to loopholes in feedback mechanisms since effective feedback was not always obtained in Privately Owned Secondary Schools (POSSs).The findings also pointed towards an existing communication gap in the area of key communication indicators such as the non-existence of organization charts, communication plans, clarity of responsibilities and reporting lines Policy recommendation: The study recommended that future studies can then investigate whether this status quo had changed. In addition, the study had contributed to communication audit methodology because of its rigorous and methodical approach in verifying the existence and effectiveness of communication in POSSs promote idealized influence, intellectual stimulation, inspiration motivation and individualized consideration as they influence performance positively.