Interpersonal Communication of Nurse Managers and its influence on Nurses’ performance in Private Hospitals in Nairobi, Kenya: a case study of MP Shah Hospital

Abstract

Commitment level of employees, their work performance and engagement is affected by their relationship with their employer. One key factor in influencing employee performance is interpersonal communication. In recent years, interpersonal communication has consistently been regarded as a requirement for successful employee performance in organizations. This study purposed to examine the influence of interpersonal communication of nurse managers on nurses’ performance in private hospital in Nairobi. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: to establish the forms of interpersonal communication of nurse managers on nurses’ performance in private hospitals in Nairobi, to examine the patterns of interpersonal communication between nurse managers and nurses in hospitals in Nairobi, to evaluate interpersonal communication skills competence of nurse managers and its influence on their communication with nurses in hospitals in Nairobi, and to find out hindrances to interpersonal communication between nurse managers and nurses in hospitals in Nairobi. The study was guided by the relational patterns of interaction theory and the social penetration theory. The study used a mixed methods research design where qualitative and quantitative methods were be used. A sample size of 90 nurses and 6 nurse managers was drawn from a total population of 300 nurses at MP Shah Hospital. Selected data collection tool was questionnaire and interview guides. Descriptive statistics was used in analysing quantitative data obtained from the field while qualitative data which was obtained from interviews was analysed using content analysis. The study found that interpersonal communication positively relate with nurses’ performance in private hospitals in Nairobi; patterns of interpersonal communication positively related with nurses’ performance in private hospitals in Nairobi; communication skills competence had a positive relationship with nurses’ performance in private hospitals in Nairobi and hindrances to effective interpersonal communication had a negative relationship with nurses’ performance in private hospitals in Nairobi. The study therefore recommends that management of the hospitals to have an organizational structure that favors interpersonal communication. Nurse Managers should be trained more often on communication skills. Improved communication skills by managers will ensure that they are able to deal and handle those employees who have different personalities and attitudes; therefore improving work environment. It is the responsibility of the management of the organization to ensure that the technology used is up to date and is user friendly. Some of the nurse’s fear communicating their mind because they fear being victimized; it is therefore important for the hospitals management to ensure that information confidentiality and anonymity is maintained.