Effective communication is one of the factors that determine the success of any organization. It is through effective communication that an organization can address various issues that it faces. Thus, it is important for organization leaders and managers to have effective communication skills ( Beckett, 2004) . Therefore, as the CEO of ABC Aviation company, I would use effective and ethical communication to address the problem that was caused by Procurement VP after he purchased engine parts that were not approved, which also had poor quality. I would like to communicate to the company’s main stakeholders, especially employees, customers, and shareholders, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The communication strategies will mainly be based on honesty and determination to address the needs of the specific stakeholders.
Organizational Ethics and Communication
Involving organization ethics during communication is not only beneficial to managers, but also other stakeholders and the company at large because it leads to ethical communication. Ethical communication is essential because it gives managers the opportunity to face an unpredictable future, particularly due to increased certainty ( Beckett, 2004) . Also, Beckett (2004) points out that by incorporating organizational ethics in communication, leaders can act with integrity while ensuring that every stakeholder understands communication. Ethical communication, therefore, should be embraced, primarily when the company is facing problems or crisis. Incorporating ethics in communication is important because it helps in building or regaining trust.
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A company should use factual communication strategy when it is facing some problems or issues that affect various stakeholders. Honesty should be exercised when communication is issued to any stakeholder. The factual strategy is beneficial because it can result in rational argument among the affected parties or stakeholders ( Johansson, 2007) . At the same time, the messages should be in line with environmental and situational realities. Particularly, the messages should be sensitive to the values and ethical belief of the target audience. Besides, the communication strategies and messages should be in addressing the emotional needs of the employees, customers, and shareholders of ABC Aviation. Also, the ECO of ABC Aviation should choose the appropriate communication channel. Interpersonal communication, for instance, is important in conveying sensitive information to stakeholders like employees when they are informed of a change in the retirement plan. Companies that face environmental uncertainties should embrace a decentralized type of communication ( Johansson, 2007) . Effective and ethical communication requires the use of appropriate strategies and tactics, and the same should apply to ABC Aviation Company.
Application and Reflection
Based on the above information, I will use factual communication strategy when communicating with all stakeholders. Importantly, I will exercise a high level of honesty and empathy in my communication strategies. First, while communicating with employees, I will make them know exactly what was done by the Procurement VP and how it will affect them directly or indirectly. I will let them know that the VP’s misconduct would result in some financial losses, which will end up affecting their retirement plan as well as sticker prices. However, to reduce emotional stress among employees, I will assure them that none of the workers will be fired as a result of the misconduct.
Secondly, I will use face-to-face and honest communication strategies when communicating with shareholders. For instance, I will organize meetings with stakeholders to share with them the effects of the Procurement VP’s misconduct. Shareholders have a lot of interest in how VP’s misconduct will affect the revenue and profits of the company. As a result, I will use specific financial figures or statistics to explain the impact of the misconduct on the financial future of the company. The financial data will be retrieved from credible sources to gain the trust of shareholders. Nevertheless, I will emphasize that ABC Aviation is still financially stable to reduce emotional distress among shareholders.
Thirdly, when communicating with customers, I will use open communication strategies. Customers will be informed about what happened and the measures that the company has taken to address the problem. Specifically, customers will be notified that the company will refurbish the affected engines. Honesty will help ABC aviation to retain its reputation and image in the market. Besides, FAA will be informed about the problem is faced by the company after Procurement VP bought unapproved and substandard engines. Besides, it will be informed of the possible impact of the misconduct on the aviation sector. Being factual, honest, and open will help in regaining the trust of stakeholders.
Organizational Culture and Communicating Change
Organizational change is common in many organizations, yet it is one of the most complex issues to address. As a result, ABC Aviation needs to adjust strategies to gain a competitive advantage in the market after VP’s conduct that may adversely affect its operations. However, the success of organizational change at ABC Aviation is influenced by the existing culture in an organization. Organizational culture determines how a company plans and implements the change process ( Pieterse et al ., 2012) . An organization that is characterized by elements such as top-down, conservative, and risk-averse culture may find it challenging to implement a change. On the contrary, decentralized and participatory organizations can easily implement a change because of reduced resistances ( Zafar & Naveed, 2014) . ABC seems to be a centralized company because it is the CEO who communicates to shareholders in case there is an issue to be addressed. Hence, ABC needs appropriate culture to implement a change successfully. It is important for the company to adopt a decentralized structure to effectively and successfully implement the change after the Procurement VP’s misconduct.
Communicating a change is equally important, and it is also influenced by organizational culture. Rich, honest, and open communication is essential when implementing a change. The manager should clearly and honestly answer or address the questions or concerns raised by stakeholders ( Hasanaj, 2017) . A change in ABC Aviation will result in a high level of uncertainty. Therefore, the communication strategy used by the company’s CEO should be aimed at providing detailed and accurate information to employees, shareholders, customers. Also, communication should help in reducing miscommunication or misunderstanding that can lead to confusion and resistance among stakeholders.
Application and Reflection
The Procurement VP’s misconduct will force ABC Aviation to introduce some changes. Specifically, there will be a change in employee procurement plan and sticker prices. To successfully implement the change, I will strive to create an open and honest culture in the company to reduce or eliminate potential resistance from employees. To enhance openness and honesty, I will give employees an opportunity to freely share their thought and opinion without the fear of being victimized. I will also strive to provide accurate and timely feedback to questions and concerns raised by stakeholders. The primary objective of the communication strategy during the change process is to reduce the uncertainty that can lead to resistance. The change process will be participatory.
Conclusion
Employees are always encouraged to maintain legal and ethical behaviors to enhance the productivity and positive reputation and image of the company. However, some employees like Procurement VP at ABC Aviation may engage in unethical practices that can result in significant effects. However, to reduce the adverse impact of unethical behaviors or conducts, companies should always use effective and ethical communication strategies that address the concerns of all stakeholders. Effective communication is also essential in the successful implementation of organizational changes. Companies like ABC Aviation should ensure that their communication strategies are effective to gain a competitive advantage in the market.
References
Beckett, R. (2004). Communication ethics: Principle and practice. Journal of Communication Management , 8 (1), 41-52.
Hasanaj, R. (2017). Importance of communication during change: A case of the municipality of Vlora. European Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies , 4 (1), 15-19.
Johansson, C. (2007). Research on organizational communication. Nordicom Review , 28 (1), 93- 110.
Pieterse, J. H., Caniëls, M. C., & Homan, T. (2012). Professional discourses and resistance to change. Journal of Organizational Change Management , 25 (6), 798-818.
Zafar, F., & Naveed, K. (2014). Organizational Change and Dealing with Employees' Resistance. International Journal of Management Excellence , 2 (3), 237-246.
