INTERROGATING THE FORMS OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN TEACHERS UNIONS IN SECONDI- TAKORADI METROPOLITAN AREA

ABSTRACT     

This research examined the forms of communication between teacher unions and their members in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Area. The study aimed at identifying the various communication media used by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), and the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) in interacting with their members. The researcher employed a qualitative in-depth interviews and a purposive sampling size to collect data from four executives of the two teacher unions that formed the subject of the study, as well as four members of these unions in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Area. Documents collected from the researcher from the executives were also analysed by the researcher. The findings were that executives of the two teacher unions used letters, circulars, memos, telephones, face-to-face, as well as new media and communication technology to communicate to their members. The study also revealed that executives used the forms of communication mentioned above to disseminate timely information, ensure efficiency in communication, create rapport with stakeholders, and also improve image of the organization. Members of these teacher unions who were also interviewed expressed satisfaction with the forms of communication used to interact with them, but also called on union executives to prioritize integrated communication which combines both traditional and new media, and also advocated a more improved communication with members.