ABSTRACT
Effective systems of internal organisation communication have been described as akin to the nervous system in the human body; that is, an essential and wide reaching two-way feedback system that directly influences performance and learnings (Baskin, 2012). Effective internal communication systems are fundamental to the core functioning of an organisation and are directly associated with both organisational leadership practices and the organisational culture. Many organisations with a hierarchical structure experience communication problems, and these commonly consist of more one-way than dual two-way communication flows. Information is often equated with power, and thus the withholding of information and communications is built into most bureaucratic systems, including criminal justice workplaces. In this chapter we discuss how communication systems are commonly structured within criminal justice workplaces and the reasons why these communication systems are often a source of dissatisfaction amongst rank-and-file employees. The chapter also describes common communication problems within criminal justice workplaces including wilful blindness and whistleblowing, and discusses some of the key implications of these problems.
