hello fellows,
well, i know i have been quite absent these days. well, after the CFL exhibition at the local college, we still had much to prepare for coming events to be able to implement the CFL project successfully.
However, i decided to look around the internal communication process at the Central Electricity Board (CEB). First, the CEB does not have a properly set up communication or Public relations department. Their communication department is known as the 'correspondence' section, which under the supervision of the communication officer,Mr. Jeewon.
Since 2 days, i had been trying to have an interview with the officer but it seems that he was busy. Finally, i managed to meet him on the third day. Below is a excerpt from the interview i had with Mr.Jeewon:
Y.D : can you tell me about the internal communication system at the CEB?
Mr.Jeewon: well, the CEB has an internal email system. We have been using this system since 3 years now.
Y.D: Have you noticed any differences with the traditional communication system and with the one you are using now?
Mr.Jeewon: Definitely. communication is much more easier now. instant communication, more control on what has been said or not and so on..
Y.D: As a communication officer, would you be willing to welcome new forms of communication, be it in the form of a web site or a blog?
Mr.Jeewon: Yes, we really need to work on our website. I think, next year, this is our main priority in this department.
The above is only a excerpt of the interview. What i learned from the communication officer, is that they have been using a internal mailing system since 3 years and they are ready to welcome new ideas and forms of communication.
Usually, the correspondence department has to liaise between management and the Workers Union and also the Industry Relations department. However, it seems that since some years, there are some disagreement between the management and the other departments. Probably, a lack of communication. I have suggested that we work on a newsletter, putting emphasis on the Workers Union and the IR department and distribute copies in all CEB offices. Mr. Jeewon approved of the idea and asked me to start designing the newsletter.
The very same day, when i went to interview some field and technical workers, i noticed that many of them were not aware of the CFL project. As soon as i returned to my department, i communicated this information to my supervisor. We then had to distribute more posters to the different offices and departments, so that we can reach to a maximum of people.
So far, everything has been going on smoothly...
best regards,
yosh
2 comments:
Hello Yosh,
the facts you have mentioned in your post concerning the set up of the communications department and the internal communication at CEB can be applicable to many other companies in Mauritius. There are very few companies in Mauritius which have a well organised and set up communication department. The department responsible for the communication in companies are often given other names, as you mentioned at CEB it is named the "correspondence section". In other companies in Mauritius, the department which is responsible for the communication activities is the marketing department and marketing and communication are not well distinguished from one another.
Another interesting point you mentioned is the problems with the internal communication which CEB faces. This also can be applicable to many other companies in Mauritius. Few companies have a well established and successful internal communication. I worked at one of the biggest companies in Mauritius for a survey and I realised that there was almost internal communication within the company. There was no newsletter to inform the staff about the ongoing activities and changes in the company and the company's website has very limited information. I think that this is a real problem in Mauritius, as it is vital for a company to have a good internal communication and a well established communications department.
Wishing you good luck for your report.
Cheers,
Angela
hi yosh
as i was reading your blog, i came across to what you said about internal communication. i noticed the same thing during my placement, that there was a lack of communication between the different departments. your idea of a newsletter is very nice and i did the same together with the help of another trainee, and let me tell you that the director was really pleased and decided to go forward with the idea.
keep up the good work
cheers
Post a Comment