Students’ Perception of Internal Communication Channels and Students’ Future Intention for the Ghana Institute 0f Journalism: A Case Study of the 2021 Master of Arts in Development Communication Students

Abstract

This study investigated the perception of students of Master of Arts in Development Communication (Devecom) class of the 2021 cohort of the School of Graduate Studies and Research (SoGSaR), Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) on the internal communication channels utilized by tertiary institutions in general but GIJ in particular, to communicate with staff and students and future intentions of the students for the Institute after graduation. This study employed a quantitative approach through the use of questionnaire as well as peer reviewed articles selected from reputable journals and internal newsletters and networking /websites to ascertain and analyse Devecom students’ perception of the internal communication mechanisms of the GIJ. The study further assessed the future intentions of students of the Ghana Institute of Journalism towards the school upon graduation. Findings revealed however, that there is very little data on the perception students have of such channels and students and that although the Institute had several channels for communication, the students utilised the internet based ones more regularly xii and frequently compared to the traditional ones as the traditional ones were seen to be one way with little room for feedback and continuous reaction. Consequently, with regards to students’ perception about the future intentions, there was no clear indication of whether graduated students would actively contribute as alumni to the Ghana Institute of Journalism or not. In conclusion, though findings supported the view that internal communication channels provided by the Ghana Institute of Journalism were not rich enough, this was contrary to the students’ future intentions for the University after graduation. It recommends that GIJ should work hard in ensuring that modern channels of communication are utilised by the students to effectively improve communication at GIJ. Key words: Internal communication channels, Traditional channels; Master of Arts in Development Communication; perception of students; Future intentions, Rich, Ghana Institute of Journalism; School of Graduate Studies and Research; graduation.