ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on some of the research undertaken by the European Centre for Business Excellence. Technological advances and variation in demand for products and services worldwide since the turn of the century has created relative instability, cyclic hiring and downsizing in many organizations. However, during these times the way in which people are managed and developed at work has become recognized as one of the primary keys to improved and sustained organizational performance. Effective communication emerges from the research as an essential facet of people management – be it communication of the organization’s goals, vision, strategy and policies or the communication of facts, information and data. Quality steering or review committees, people surveys, appraisal and company-wide self-assessment are used to review the effectiveness of the communications process. To encourage employee commitment and involvement, successful organizations place great importance on empowering their employees.
