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Internal Communication Report
September 1, 2001
Introduction
In May 2001, the Springfield Public Schools Communications Department distributed this survey in order to take a closer look at internal communication within the Springfield School District. This twenty-five question survey looked closely at the use and usefulness of several communication channels that are utilized by the Communications Department to disseminate District information to employees at all levels. It also looked at employee satisfaction with communication within the District. Some basic demographic information was also asked in the survey.
This survey was modeled after the more extensive communication audit conducted by SMSU in 1998. This allowed a solid comparison of data, helping to determine particular areas of strengths and weaknesses.
Information collected in this survey will be used to develop a sound communication plan within the District. Recommendations based on the information here will be presented at the end of June to employees and at the Board Meeting on June 26.
Executive Summary
The findings in the survey are, on the whole, positive. Utilization of communication channels and overall satisfaction among employees has shown improvement from the 1998 levels. However, there is still room for overall improvement in internal communications.
The introduction of a District wide Email system has greatly improved the flow of information. Although some sites are experiencing difficulties on the technical end, the overwhelming majority of employees report that they do use Email. Future recommendations will address this, but will also need to take into account that there is a point of saturation to the amount of Email people are willing to receive.
Besides Email, employees indicated that they receive information from other sources including the web, newsletters and channel 25. Numbers also indicated that there is a desire to receive more information from these sources.
As for satisfaction with communication, the results reflect a fairly positive trend. These questions were similar to several on the 1998 survey. This was done intentionally to provide a comparison. It must be noted that the results from this year's survey are significantly higher than those from 1998. Nevertheless, they do show the need for improvement.
This information will serve as the basis for recommendations that will be made at the end of June to improve the way information is channeled to employees of the Springfield Public Schools.
Response and demographic breakdown
1254 surveys were received that were completely filled out. This represents a return rate of around 40%.
64% of the completed surveys were from teachers, 20% from support staff, 6% from those classified as specialists, 5% from administrators and another 5% who selected other from the position question.
Communication Satisfaction Questions
I know how to access the information I need for my job.
- 4% strongly disagree
- 5% somewhat disagree
- 9% neutral
- 43% somewhat agree
- 39% strongly agree
Mean: 4.08
I consider myself well informed about developments and issues within the District.
- 5% strongly disagree
- 13% somewhat disagree
- 18% neutral
- 51% somewhat agree
- 13% strongly agree
Mean: 3.52
District information I receive is relevant to my needs.
- 3% strongly disagree
- 12% somewhat disagree
- 20% neutral
- 56% somewhat agree
- 9% strongly agree
Mean: 3.55
District information reaches me in a timely manner.
- 6% strongly disagree
- 15% somewhat disagree
- 17% neutral
- 52% somewhat agree
- 10% strongly agree
Mean: 3.45
Overall, employees are adequately informed about changes within the District.
- 12% strongly disagree
- 23% somewhat disagree
- 17% neutral
- 43% somewhat agree
- 5% strongly agree
Mean: 3.07
I receive adequate information about job benefits and personnel matters.
- 7% somewhat disagree
- 18% strongly disagree
- 15% neutral
- 50% somewhat agree
- 10% strongly agree
Mean: 3.36
Communication Channels
How often do you check your District Email?
- 53% At least once a day
- 21% A few times a week
- 8% Once a week
- 8% Once a month
- 10% Never
Mean: 3.99
When do you check your Email, if you check it?
- 28% Morning
- 8% Afternoon
- 3% Evening
- 37% Varies
- 24% No response
How much District information do you receive through Email?
- 4% A very great amount
- 23% A great amount
- 47% Some
- 11% Little
- 15% Very little
Mean: 2.88
How much information would you like to receive through Email?
- 13% Very little
- 7% Little
- 39% Some
- 31% A great amount
- 10% A very great amount
Mean: 3.16
The information I receive through Email is useful to me.
- 9% Strongly disagree
- 7% Somewhat disagree
- 17% Neutral
- 44% Somewhat agree
- 23% Strongly agree
Mean: 3.69
-SPS Today Online Edition
How often do you access the District web site?
- 13% At least once a day
- 16% A few times a week
- 18% Once a week
- 30% Once a month
- 23% Never
Mean: 2.64
How often do you access SPS Today Online Edition?
- 2% At least once a day
- 7% A few times a week
- 11% Once a week
- 22% Once a month
- 58% Never
Mean: 1.71
How much information do you receive through SPS Today Online Edition?
- 61% Very little
- 13% Little
- 24% Some
- 2% A great amount
- 1% A very great amount
Mean: 1.69
How much information would you like to receive through SPS Today Online Edition?
- 38% Very little
- 12% Little
- 37% Some
- 11% A great amount
- 2% A very great amount
Mean: 2.28
The information I receive from SPS Today Online Edition is useful to me.
- 18% Strongly disagree
- 8% Somewhat disagree
- 50% Neutral
- 22% Somewhat agree
- 2% Strongly agree
Mean: 2.83
-Employee Newsletter
How much information do you receive through SPS Today Employee Edition newsletter?
- 19% Very little
- 15% Little
- 53% Some
- 12% A great amount
- 1% A very great amount
Mean: 2.60
How much information would you like to receive from the newsletter?
- 18% Very little
- 8% Little
- 39% Some
- 27% A great amount
- 8% A very great amount
Mean: 2.97
The information I receive in the employee newsletter is useful to me.
- 9% Strongly disagree
- 8% Somewhat disagree
- 31% Neutral
- 44% Somewhat agree
- 8% Strongly agree
Mean: 3.3
-Channel 25
How often do you watch Channel 25?
- 53% Never
- 30% Once a month
- 9% Once a week
- 7% A few times a week
- 1% A least once a day
Mean: 1.76
How much information do you receive through Channel 25?
- 60% Very little
- 13% Little
- 23% Some
- 3% A great amount
- 1% A very great amount
Mean: 1.72
How much information would you like to receive from Channel 25?
- 49% Very little
- 10% Little
- 27% Some
- 11% A great amount
- 2% A very great amount
Mean: 2.07