Communication Satisfaction and its Effects on Organizational Readiness to Change: A Quantitative District-Wide Study of Employees from a Technology Center

Abstract

Although literature establishes the importance of top-level executives’ communication during times of change, there is a lack of empirical research focusing on Communication Satisfaction’s role on Readiness for Organizational Change within a CTE (Career Tech Education) institution. Questions arise on how these two variables function during the change process. Within the context of change, this study demonstrated that Communication Satisfaction contributed to Job Satisfaction and Organizational Commitment by targeting both employees’ attitudes and behaviors. Using Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) as the theoretical framework for the research, this study explored what the relationship of Communication Satisfaction has on Organizational Readiness to Change and how employees’ thoughts and behaviors related to embracing new reforms that can affect the overall effectiveness of planned organizational change. Using several different survey instruments, employees reported on their level of Communication Satisfaction, Job Satisfaction, Organizational Commitment, and Organizational Readiness to Change. Structural equation modeling revealed Communication Satisfaction contributed to changes in both attitudes and behaviors suggesting that CTE institutions should emphasize incorporating various communication methods in their reform efforts to set the foundation for employees embracing change. This study focused on the role of both site/top level supervisors’ communication in creating a high level of job satisfaction and organizational commitment through attitudes and behaviors of employees. The study concludes with implications for theory and practice along with recommendations for further research.