Internal Communication Strategies In The Oil Industry: A Study Of Tullow Oil Ghana Limited

Abstract

This study was to explore how employees of Tullow Oil Ghana communicated and exchanged information within the organization. The channels used, the exact strategies employed to achieve effective internal communication as well as the role it played in accomplishing goals and objectives of the organization were particularly focused on. Open-ended interviews with six employees from six different departments sought answers from informants while allowing useful insights. The majority of the respondents preferred face-to-face communication because interpersonal, dialogue communication remains important to employees at every level of the organization. They reasoned that though face-to-face meetings were time consuming, efficient face-to-face interaction with managers targeted at the internal audience give employees at all levels of the organization an understanding of the brand image and hence project this externally. The study also noted that informants considered internal communication to be very important within the oil industry because it is risky; hence the need for continuos communication. It was also noted that the flow of information within Tullow Oil was effective; consequently respondents were satisfied with the communication strategies of Tullow Oil Ghana. Further, the study found that internal communication contributed greatly to the achievement of the organizational goals and objectives within Tullow Oil. The regular temporary breakdown of the internet server is one major problem faced and the study recommends that a lasting solution must be found.