Organizational Communication through the lens of Ubuntu Philosophy

Every teacher leader needs effective communication skills to succeed. Success entails getting things done through people by communicating to them what needs to be done, how, when, where, and why, in a manner that is clear and acceptable to them. The people with whom a teacher-leader needs to communicate include teachers, students, administrative staff, members of the public, and regulators of education and training. Within the school, the consequences of ineffective organizational communication include resentment, inertia, absenteeism, and a toxic workplace environment. This could lead to a high rate of teacher turnover, a phenomenon that can be very costly. Ineffective communication with external stakeholders such as the public, potential clients, and regulators of education and training can have an adverse impact on the institution’s mission, reputation, and survival This presentation suggests that in addition to the strategies that have traditionally been used to enhance organizational communication, teacher-leaders should consider adopting the African philosophy of Ubuntu that teaches traits which promote interpersonal harmony.