Evaluation and Communication

Abstract

This article identifies a surprising dearth of studies that explicitly link communication and evaluation at substantive, theoretical, and methodological levels. A three-fold typology of evaluation studies referring to communication is proposed and examples given. The importance of organizational communication in program delivery is stressed and illustrative studies reviewed. It is proposed that organizational communication should be considered in all program evaluations and that this should be approached through communication audit. Communication audits are described with particular reference to established survey questionnaire instruments. Two case studies exemplify the use of such instruments in the evaluation of educational and social programs.

Communication and Psychology Audit in Internal Audit Assignment

“…Communication in the audit is very important as the first step for the auditor to be able to communicate his professional duties to the auditee. Well-developed communication by the auditor towards the auditee will encourage the smooth running of the auditor in finding and analyzing the required audit evidence Hogard & Ellis (2006).…”

“…In the audit process, an auditor is always in contact with the party being audited or the auditee. This relationship is directed at good cooperation so that the audit process can run smoothly Hogard & Ellis (2006).…”

“…Such conditions require special skills or expertise of an auditor to take a better psychological and communicative approach Tourish & Hargie (2006). It is intended that auditors can understand and learn the steps and ways that can be taken to be able to establish a good relationship with the party being audited Hogard & Ellis (2006). The auditor must be able to create a comfortable atmosphere for the auditee when carrying out his professional assignments.…”

“…The auditor must also try to understand the behavior of the auditee and also build communication and cooperation with the auditee. Whether we realize it or not, auditors and auditees are individuals who have characteristics, traits, or habits that appear uniquely through their behavior Hogard & Ellis (2006). An understanding of human behavior becomes important for the auditor when the interaction between the auditor and the auditee does not take place harmoniously which can disrupt the smooth running of the audit process.…”

“…Such conditions require special skills or expertise of an auditor to take a better psychological and communicative approach Dewine & James (1988). It is intended that auditors can understand or learn the steps and ways that can be taken to be able to establish a good relationship with the party being audited Hogard & Ellis (2006).…”