Historical Analysis of Organizational Structure: The Case Of Ethiopian Radio and Television Agency’s News Center
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Date
2009-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The Ethiopian Radio and Television Agency redesigns its organizational structure in different times however it is criticized by all stakeholders including the government for its allegedly in efficient and ineffective services. Thus the aim of this paper is to look at the implementation of organizational structure of the Agency and it examines the causes of the over all changes of the structures, the decision making process in the news center , and the influences of the news center’s activity with a focus on the news center management of the Agency. The qualitative research paradigm has been used as a method of study. Since qualitative research is more appropriate to examining words and ideas it is helpful to explaining complex social phenomena. Accordingly, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and participant observations were conducted to explore employees and management views to the operation of the organizational structure. It is known that triangulation helps to avoid a limitation in one method by using another method that is strong in the areas that the first is weak. The researcher also found out that it is important to take the contingency approach and critical theory of communication approach to organization as a theoretical framework.
The major findings of the study are indicated that, although the organizational structures have been changed repeatedly; fundamental changes have not been achieved within the news center. Insufficient capacity of journalists and officials, unnecessary bureaucratic system of decision making, and less readiness and commitment of subordinates to assume responsibility are among the main factors that affect the effectiveness of the news center.
In view of the fact the Agency has not been cover things based on public interest. Thus, they failed to meet public expectations. Finally, it can be concluded that lack of commitment and insufficient knowledge of officials’ and employees’ are the main factors that affect the effectiveness of ERTA towards meeting public expectations.