Factors influencing effective communication in a local authority

Effective communication is crucial to ensuring smooth operations and organisational effectiveness. However, many organisations continue to face communication-related issues such as limited employee participation, one-way communication from management, misunderstandings in information delivery, and inadequate feedback mechanisms, which can hinder cooperation, decision-making, and service performance. In the complex modern work environment, clear and effective communication plays a key role in building cooperation, reducing misunderstandings, and increasing organisational productivity. This study aims to identify the factors that influence effective communication within organzations, namely Active Listening, Communication Skills, and Two-Way Communication Practices. The questionnaire was distributed, and a total of 166 responses were received from various departments within Majlis Bandaraya Subang Jaya (MBSJ). The data were analisyed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29.0, employing descriptive and Inferential Analyses (Pearson Correlation and Multiple Regression). The findings indicated that two-way communication practices were the only factor significantly associated with communication effectiveness at MBSJ, whereas active listening and communication skills were not. This finding emphasises the importance of Two-Way Communication Practices to enhance communication effectiveness within organisations. This study provides practical implications for MBSJ in planning communication training and interaction strategies within the organisation. The results highlight the need for MBSJ to strengthen two-way communication channels by encouraging open dialogue, improving feedback systems, and promoting employee involvement in decision-making processes. In addition, management may consider implementing structured communication platforms, regular engagement sessions, and communication policies that support transparency and interaction. These practical implications can assist MBSJ in enhancing communication effectiveness, improving organizational performance, and fostering a more inclusive and responsive work environment