Talking business

Measuring Business Excellence

ISSN: 1368-3047

Article publication date: 1 September 2003

49

Citation

(2003), "Talking business", Measuring Business Excellence, Vol. 7 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/mbe.2003.26707cae.008

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2003, MCB UP Limited


Talking business

Talking business

Clutterbuck, D. and Hirst, S.Butterworth-Heinemann2002£25.00 (UK)

Points to two main reasons why there should be more emphasis on the value of effective employee communication: the growth of information available through the Internet, and the parallel growth in employee's expectations, both to be kept informed and to have a way of contributing their ideas to the development and direction of their organizations' plans and activities. Argues that effective communication involves focusing on what is important and consists of information, discussion and dialogue. Analyses why and how companies that wish to develop effective communication fail to do so. Suggests that this stems from myths, such as assuming that good communication is something the organization does to people, or that it is best left to a specialist communication function. Criticizes the degree of reliance many organizations place on team briefings. Forms a valuable book for managers and specialists, providing practical advice within a well-researched conceptual framework and written in a style refreshingly free from the half-baked psychology of some more popular management texts on this subject.

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