The Employee Opinions on the Relationship between Organizational Communication Patterns and the Application of the Iatf 16949 System on Work Efficiency

Abstract

          This research aims to investigate 1) employees' opinions regarding the importance and satisfaction with organizational communication patterns, 2) the impact of the IATF 16949 quality management system on work efficiency and customer satisfaction, 3) challenges and obstacles in implementing the IATF 16949 system under current communication patterns, and 4) approaches to improving communication and the implementation of the system to enhance work efficiency and customer satisfaction. This mixed-methods research involves six employees with direct experience in utilizing the IATF 16949 system. Data collection includes questionnaires measuring the importance and satisfaction levels and semi-structured in-depth interviews. Data analysis employs arithmetic means, thematic analysis, and cross-case analysis to identify key themes and develop in-depth understanding.
The findings reveal that 1) internal communication is highly significant, with top-down communication rated the most important (X̄ = 3.00), while horizontal communication is rated the least important (X̄ = 2.33). However, employees are most satisfied with horizontal communication (X̄ = 2.67) and least satisfied with bottom-up communication (X̄ = 1.83). 2) The IATF 16949 system plays a critical role in quality control, reducing product defects, enhancing production efficiency, and increasing customer satisfaction. 3) Unclear and incomplete communication, as well as a lack of understanding of the system's requirements, lead to delays and errors in operational processes. 4) Improvements should focus on training to enhance communication and operational skills, developing clear standard operating procedures (SOPs) and manuals, conducting regular inter-departmental meetings, increasing the frequency of equipment calibration and Measurement System Analysis (MSA), using case studies to clarify requirements, and implementing follow-up systems and clearly defined roles to minimize errors.