Faculty of Commerce, Human Sciences and Education

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Advancing entrepreneurship education in Namibia: A practical approach.
(NUST & Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa., 2007) Mbaziira, S.; Oyedokun, Comfort
This paper is a qualitative analytical study of competences in entrepreneurial education. It is based on an initiative which analyzed various approaches to entrepreneurial education in Namibia. In the recent past, promoting entrepreneurial education at local, regional and national levels has become a high priority in public policy. The Namibia educational systems have expanded dramatically while the graduate job market is declining tremendously. Entrepreneurial education which can lead to job creation is a sinequo non. The different approaches to entrepreneurial education in Namibia are analyzed. The differences in conceptual, contextual, design and delivery impact both positively and negatively on entrepreneurial eduaction in Namibia. A number of actual and perceived barriers need to be overcome to facilitate a better understanding of entrepreneurial education. The conclusion and recommendations could offer valuable insight into the important aspects of entrepreneurial education in Namibia. Various stakeholders could also derive some benefits including policy makers, educators, government agencies and students. A further study on entrepreneurship education and curricula practices is highly recommended.
African hybrids: Exploring Afropolitanism in 'Ghana Must Go'.
(NUST, Department of Communication, 2014) Ucham, Emelda
This article explores the representation of Afropolitanism in Taiye Selasi’s debut novel Ghana must go (2013). The purpose of the article is to explore Afropolitanism using Selasi’s (2005) essay “Who is an Afropolitan?” as a benchmark. Selasi blends the words ‘Africa’ and ‘cosmopolitan’ in her essay, which discusses the fashion, dance style, and nationality of the Afropolitan, but she does not discuss themes in literature. She coined the term because she was never satisfied with the answers she gave when she was questioned about her identity. This article draws on two main theoretical approaches, the first being the diaspora and transnationalism theory, addressing concerns of people who have re-patriated in search of self-development through work or studies; the second theoretical approach is the hybridity as creolisation theory, which addresses the concerns of people born in Europe or the West to purely African ancestors or with one of the parents of a different ethnicity. The article reveals the following themes that pertain to Afropolitanism in Ghana must go (2013): cultural hybridity, careers, identity formation and an African bond, thus demonstrating that Afropolitanism does not relate only to fashion, dance style and art, but its exploration is also relevant in literature. This article contributes to knowledge of the world as a global village, but more specifically the international integration of cultures as expressed in literature, not only in the African diaspora, but in Africa as well.
African proverbs and conflict management: A study of selected Shona, Oshiwambo, Yoruba and Swahili proverbial expressions.
(2013) Makamani, Rewai
This study employs a Dialectical – Relational Approach to analyse selected Shona, Oshivambo, Yoruba and Swahili proverbs in a bid to show that African proverbs have vast potential in mitigating and possibly preventing conflict that has ravaged the continent thus almost threatening to reverse gains made in economic, political, educational and social spheres in recent years on the continent. Informed by Ubutuism, the study argues that African proverbs have a role to play not only in the economic development of the continent, but also in maintaining positive social relations with the rest of the world as is demanded by modern diplomacy and the quest for dignified social existence. In the study, I reveal that the Aristotelian three proofs of ethos, pathos and logos are inherent in African proverbs and can be used in all spheres of life in modern Africa to add value in education, commerce, politics and socialization systems both for the youth and adults. The study makes a critical analysis of proverbial expressions that deal with love, respect, endurance, care, goodwill and humility to reveal not only how proverbs should inform African education systems, but that their incorporation in many spheres of life would provide answers to vices such as greed, brutality (e.g. killing of people for various reasons), lack of ethical conduct, lack of respect for adults, sexual promiscuity and corruption. A purposive sampling of proverbs has been employed in this study.
Ambivalence in Parts Unknown and The Lie of the Land: a post colonial approach
(Namibia University of Science and Technology, 2021-03) Masiziani, David Masene
Africa was colonised and subjected to brutal colonial rule. Namibia, is no exception, in fact, the country went through two brutal colonial powers; imperial Germany, and the South African regime, which subjected Namibia to an apartheid rule, a localised form of colonialism fitted to oppress Africans. Between the two, the imperial German rule was crueler, resulting in genocide. The 1904-1908 genocide by the Germans against the Ovaherero and Nama people of Namibia is a horrible and unforgettable history. This dark history, forgotten and ignored by the Germany government for over a hundred years, has seen much criticism over the resent past year. Many critiques argue that the Germany army committed acts of annihilation, which the current Germany government need to pay reparations for. This history has seen four novels published about it, and hundreds of articles and research papers interrogating the genocide. This thesis explores ambivalence in two of the four published Namibian literary works on this history: Zirk van der Berg’s Parts Unknown (2018) and Jaspar Utley’s The Lie of the Land (2017). These works of literature explore acts of rape against black women by the German army, acts of discrimination and inferiority complex painted on the natives by ‘superior’ Germany. They record acts of annihilation aimed at depopulating the country of its natives. They record a slaughter of innocent women and children, and unarmed surrendered men. The study explores the shifting nature of the relationship between the coloniser and the colonised. It traces the ambiguities by examining the language used by the characters, and the cruel descriptions of the colonial war. The aim of this research is to enable the reader to understand how colonisation impacted the relationship between blacks and whites. This is a qualitative, desktop study grounded on Homi Bhabha’s postcolonial concept of ambivalence as its theoretical framework.
An evaluation of literature learning strategies at three selected secondary schools Grootfontein circuit, Namibia
(Namibia University of Science and Technology, 2024-07-31) Haupindi, Paulina Ndeshihafela
This study evaluated literature learning strategies at three selected secondary schools in Grootfontein Circuit. The study aimed to investigate the challenges caused by written literature as a non-examinable component in Grades 10, 11, and 12 English Second Language. It evaluated literature learning strategies currently being used in Grootfontein Circuit and determined the pedagogical relevance of studying literature. A mixed approach data was gathered using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The study used pragmatism as a paradigm since it involves research designs that made operational decisions based on ‘what will work best’. The study's sample consisted of 270 learners’ participants from grade 10-12 selected using systematic random sampling, and nine (9) English teachers were selected through purposive sampling. Data collection involved interviewing teachers with structured guides, administering questionnaires to learners, and corroborating qualitative data by observing English lessons and examining learners' books. The researcher gathered 270 questionnaires from learners at three selected secondary schools, held nine interviews with teachers, and observed one lesson from each of the nine interviewed teachers, resulting in a total of nine lesson observations. Thematic analysis was employed for qualitative data, while quantitative data were analysed statistically. The findings indicate that teaching and learning literature does not adhere to a uniform approach. Teachers employ various methods to teach literature in the three selected secondary schools in Grootfontein Circuit, the strategies that were used most are language model approach and cultural model. In addition, they encounter significant hurdles, notably that literature is not assessed in grades 10 to 12, leading to a decline in interest among teachers and learners. Additional challenges include a scarcity of literature resources. Despite data indicating that the majority of teachers incorporate literature into their ESL (English as a Second Language) lessons, their methodologies are at odds with feminist, pedagogical, semantic, pragmatic, and other stylistic approaches. Additionally, the study revealed the intrinsic worth of integrating literature into the study of English as a second language (ESL), with advantages such as improved literary abilities, personal engagement, cultural enrichment, and language growth. ii According to the report, curriculum designers should reconsider their current approach and consider conducting a formal assessment of literature for learners in grades 10 through 12. It also suggests that literature be taught in schools as a stand-alone subject as opposed to only an ESL focus. It is advised that teachers of literature use a stylistic approach since it strengthens readers' interpretive abilities and helps them deduce meaning on their own instead of relying just on explanations.
An exploration into the pragmatic competence of the TVET workforce at the National Youth Service
(Namibia University of Science and Technology, 2024-10-31) Shilemba, Elias Opena
This thesis explored the pragmatic competence of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) workforce at the National Youth Service (NYS) by emphasising the problems of the lack successful communication in a multicultural and multilingual workforce. The study addressed the issue of communication discrepancies, a lack of clarity in instructions, and insufficient feedback mechanisms, which impede workforce performance and reduce organisational efficiency. The study is significant because it emphasised the need for enhanced communication tactics to increase productivity and cooperation in the workplace, hence contributing to the efficiency of NYS training programmes. This is a qualitative study and a semi-structured interview guide. A Pragmatic Competence Discourse Completion Tests were used to collect data, with three primary objectives: analysing pragmatic competence, investigating politeness principles, and measuring the consequences of pragmatic failure. The findings indicate modest levels of pragmatic competence, with politeness methods being helpful in conflict resolution and collaboration. However, the workforce faces considerable hurdles due to communication breakdowns and pragmatic failures, which cause operational disruptions and reduced team cohesion. The findings further reveal that the TVET workforce at the NYS has moderate pragmatic competence, with politeness strategies enhancing collaboration and reducing conflict. However, challenges like unclear instructions and delayed feedback lead to inefficiencies and lowered team cohesion. The study concluded that structured communication and regular feedback are essential to enhance productivity, morale, and teamwork at NYS.
An interlanguage study of fossilisation in a multilingual Namibian classroom: A case study of Karundu Secondary School in Otjozondjupa Region
(Namibia University of Science and Technology, 2024-11) Moshana, Anna Lineekela
The study sought to investigate the interlanguage fossilisation phenomenon in a multilingual Namibian classroom. English language performance has consistently been among the lowest in Namibia’s National Senior Secondary School leaving examinations, highlighting persistent challenges. In multilingual classrooms, learners often develop an interlanguage that is transition linguistic system shaped by their first language(s) and the target language. However, this interlanguage can become fossilised, where certain linguistic errors persist despite exposure to and practice with the target language. The objectives of the study were to investigate the causes of lexical interlanguage fossilisation in a Namibian multilingual high school classroom, to analyse interlanguage fossilisation at the level of sentences as well as to examine grammatical interlanguage fossilisation in the high school learners’ essays. The study adopted an explanatory research design, and data were collected through a Focus Group Discussion with English teachers, as well as through documentation by conducting an Error Analysis of the errors that the learners committed in the essays. Through the stratified sampling method 68 learners’ essays were analysed for errors. Data was analysed qualitatively, and through a thematic analysis approach, as well as through explications of Corder’s (1976) Error Analysis Theory. The study observes that lexical interlanguage fossilisation results from the mispronunciation of words, mother tongue influence, overgeneralisation of the target language rules, lack of appropriate feedback and lack of interest to learn appropriate language rules. The results from the Error Analysis (EA) conducted on the learners’ essays evinced that learners fossilised errors of lexical, grammatical and syntactical aspects such as spelling, omission, auxiliaries, word order, verb tense, word choice,punctuation, concord, fragmentation, coherence, and cohesion. The study concludes by submitting that interferences from mother tongue, overgeneralisation of TL rules, developmental issues, ignorance of TL rules and limited vocabulary prompted error fossilisation in learners’ writing. Therefore, these findings underscore the need for target instruction strategies to address fossilised errors in multilingual classrooms.
An investigation into factors affecting the sustainability of agricultural cooperatives in Namibia: A case study of Onghalulu farmers' cooperative, Ohangwena region, Namibia
(2024-02) Kadhikwa, Wilikeni, Nampala
The aim of the study was to investigate factors affecting the sustainability of agricultural cooperatives in Namibia, with the Onghalulu Farmers’ Cooperative being a case study. The study addressed external and internal factors that primarily affect the sustainability of agricultural cooperatives in Namibia and that of the Onghalulu Farmers’ Cooperative specifically. The problems identified in the study include those related to the market, finances, collaboration, governance, leadership, stakeholder engagement, environmental factors, compliance, mentorship and training programmes, infrastructure development, adoption of advanced technology, investments in research and development, and other issues influencing the sustainability of agricultural cooperatives in Namibia. The study noted that the emphasised problems still plague some Namibian agricultural cooperatives, primarily due to cooperative stakeholders' poor commitment to resolving the issues that they face and their resistance to accepting change. Moreover, some traditional beliefs hinder the commercial operations of agricultural cooperatives, as well as their capacity to follow rules and regulations, and the cooperatives' continued dependence on government support and donors. Additionally, due to the lack of political will, the government regularly allocates insufficient funds for agricultural projects that support cooperative initiatives, thereby financially starving the sector. In addition, climate change continuously impacts cooperative farmers' productivity, and as a result, the marginalised community members, youth, and women are underrepresented in cooperative initiatives. Using a case study design and a qualitative research methodology, the study collected primary data from 15 participants using open-ended questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. A purposive sampling method was used to choose participants as cases with rich and thorough insights about the study constructs. The study was guided by a theoretical framework including collective action and signalling theory to highlight cooperative principles, environmental sustainability governance (ESG), and economic sustainability performance (ESP). The study findings revealed that Onghalulu Farmers’ Cooperative practices mixed farming, combining agribusiness with different farming activities. It was found that some internal and external factors impact Namibia's agricultural cooperative’s survival ability. Besides, it was determined that efficiently run agricultural cooperatives improve members' quality of life and significantly advance the sustainable growth of the cooperative. The study offered some recommendations to minimise the obstacles identified and enhance the sustainability of agricultural cooperatives in Namibia. As such, the study findings enrich the existing literature about agricultural cooperatives and provide valuable information to cooperative stakeholders about supporting the resilience and sustainability of agricultural cooperatives in Namibia.
An investigation into the factors affecting strategic change in the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment creation, Namibia
(2024-03) Sheehama, Veneranda Kandekeleni
The purpose of the study was to look into the variables influencing the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation in Windhoek as it implements a strategic change. The investigation was conducted using a qualitative research methodology. Only sixty-five (65) employees from Windhoek's Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations, and Employment Creation made up the study’s population. The Office of the Labour Commissioner, Planning and Administration, and Labour Services were the three (3) Directorates from which the sample for this study was drawn. The study’s ten (10) participants were selected through the use of a purposeful sampling technique. Semi-structured interviews were used as the data gathering tool in this study. Data analysis was done using the ATLAS.ti application suite. The outcomes demonstrated that the implementation of strategic change processes can be impacted by employee attitudes. This is due to the fact that each employee has a unique temperament, set of sentiments, and perspective on change, all of which affect how they feel about change and how change procedures affect them. The findings of this study also established the existence of significant influence of leadership visibility on and strategic change management within the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation in Windhoek. This implies that leadership is crucial for change projects within a company to be successful. The study has shown that organizational culture has a big impact on managing strategic change, which is especially true in a world in which there are several complex cultures and subcultures. It was believed that articulating the necessity and justification for the change was essential for its successful implementation. The study has shown that realistic goal-setting is crucial and must be based on striking a realistic balance between the project's strategic goals and the necessary resources that are within the Ministry's capacity. The Government of Namibia should conduct organizational diagnosis through the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation in order to institutionalize change techniques in the public sector, according to the findings. The public sector's organizational structure should be firmly rooted in strategic change management techniques. The public sector should treat each aspect influencing change management techniques as a temporary fix.
An investigation into the interlanguage pragmatic competence of learners at Eenhana Secondary School
(Namibia University of Science and Technology, 2025-04-08) Namundjebo, Ndeutila Uunyuni
The purpose of this study was to investigate the interlanguage pragmatic competence of learners at Eenhana Secondary School. The study sought to analyse the strategies employed by learners when performing the speech acts of request, apologising and refusal, as they interact with their teachers and fellow learners. The causes of interlanguage pragmatic failure among the learners were examined, and the different strategies to enhance the learners’ pragmatic competence were also assessed using the interlanguage pragmatics theoretical framework. A mixed method approach was used for data collection and analysis. The study made use of a random sampling method to collect quantitative data, while purposive sampling was employed to gather qualitative data. The study employed two instruments for the data collection process; A Written Discourse Completion Test which was administered to a study sample of 165 Grade 11 learners, and an interview guide containing structured questions was given to 7 English teachers to elicit data for the factors of interlanguage pragmatic failure and the linguistic strategies to enhance pragmatic competence. The findings of the investigation revealed that interlanguage pragmatic failure is present at Eenhana Secondary School, as learners tend to use direct strategies when formulating the speech acts of request and refusal. Moreover, the findings showed that learners are able to offer expressions of apologies, however, they tend to overuse one particular strategy the most. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that there is a limitation of pragmalinguistic and sociopragmatic knowledge as well as a lack of sociocultural awareness among the learners, resulting from ineffective language teaching and limited exposure to the target language. The study concluded that for effective interactions to take place, then the learners need to develop a culture of reading English literature, as it reflects real life interactions, incorporate pragmatic content into the four English language skills and to use multimedia content, as they offer authentic instructional input.
An analysis of English errors made by NUST students.
(NUST, Department of Communication, 2010) Krishnamurthy, Sarala; Kangira, Jairos; Tjiramanga, Alexandra; Beukes, Bronwen
The focus of this study is errors made by students using English at the NUST. An investigation into errors and their causes peculiar to Namibia is significant insofar as it enables the researchers to develop a methodology in teaching to help students avoid committing mistakes that they make normally. This study, therefore, has far reaching implications in English language teaching and pedagogy in the country.
An analysis of the influences of discourse in the anthology: 'Zimbabwean Poetry in English'.
(2010) Makamani, Rewai
This article reviews the book "Zimbabwean Poetry in English", compiled and introduced by Kizito Muchemwa.
An analysis of the strategies used to communicate human rights to women in the informal settlement of Greenwell Matongo in Windhoek
(Namibia University of Science & Technology, Faculty of Human Sciences, 2017-06) Tjiramanga, Alexandra; Newaka, I M
This paper examines the communication of human rights by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare to women. It presents the communication channels used and assesses the women's knowledge and awareness level of human rights in the community of the informal settlement Greenwell Matongo in Windhoek, Namibia. Namibia's statistics regarding violation of women in Africa are high. Therefore, the violation of human rights of women in marginalised areas has become a major concern. We argue that it is important for every woman to know their basic human rights regardless of where they live and their level of formal education. As such, it is important that the most appropriate media of communication be engaged in order to disseminate the messages effectively to its intended audience. The study posits that relevant communication channels and information are vital in addressing and subsequently combating violation of human rights. This necessitates the need to educate the victims about where to go and what action to take should one be violated. Finally, this study advocates the best approaches to communicate issues on human rights to the most marginalised in an effort to reach and educate every citizen.
An analysis of the use of English prepositional phrases in the essays of selected first year students at the Namibia University of Science and Technology
(Namibia University of Science and Technology, 2021-03-19) Natanael, Martha Tyiningwa
The aim of this study was to analyse the use of English prepositional phrases (PPs) in the essays of selected first year Bachelor of Human Resources Management students at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST). The use of PPs are a key constituent of sentence structure. The study used the qualitative method for data collection and analysis. A total of 50 handwritten essays were collected from first year students who were studying towards their Bachelor of Human Resources at NUST. It is important to stress that handwritten essays, as compared to computer assisted typed essays, present realistic feedback on how the study group use PPs. Computers are likely to correct all grammatical aspects of the essays, thereby providing unrealistic data. The transformational generative grammar theory was applied as a framework for the study. The study adopted a descriptive study method because it was the most suitable approach, considering that the study looked at how words are combined to form phrases, with the main emphasis on the study of PPs. The convenience sampling method was used for data collection as it allows the researcher to collect data from a conveniently available pool of respondents. The study findings revealed that there are two types of PPs that were used in the students’ handwritten essays, namely the adjectival and the adverbial. The study further established six functions of PPs, applicable to the analysis of essays. Lastly, the study revealed that the analysis of syntactic ambiguities in PPs can help to clarify the punctual meaning of a PP. The study concluded by recommending that a functional syntactic study of students’ essays can be conducted to analyse other parts of speech such as the noun phrases, verb phrases or even the function of pronouns. In addition, a morpho-syntactic analysis of prepositional phrases and their ambiguities in the essays can be studied. The study further recommends that a contrastive analysis of the use of English prepositional phrases in comparison with prepositional phrases in indigenous languages can also be studied.
Anti piracy disaster risk management for sea cargo logistics in the south east Atlantic and Benguela coastal area.
(2014) Madejski, Eugene; Fritze, Christopher
Piracy in the south east Atlantic is an increasing challenge for shippers and freight forwarders, especially in the Gulf of Guinea. At the coast of Nigeria, Benin and Togo 63 per cent of piracy acts involved vessels are tankers carrying refined petroleum products. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) the official number of annual successful attacks in this region is approximately 50. The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) concedes that the real number of pirate attacks is at least twice this figure (UNODC, 2014). The Namibian newspaper The Namibian reported on Thursday 11 July 2013 about the expanding plans of Namibias biggest port in Walvis Bay (Namport). It has been reported that Namport will increase its container handling ability up to one million TEU’s a year. It also will have one of the largest gas and oil supply bases in the region (Hartmann, 2013). Due to this, there will be a higher traffic of oil tankers and other cargo ships along the west coast of Africa. This situation could attract pirates to conduct attacks in the Benguela coast region. The Angolan air force and navy were already hunting suspected pirates after an oil tanker went missing near Luanda (BBC, 2014). Angola is a direct neighboring country to Namibia. Members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) like South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia already exercise techniques and procedures to coordinate anti-piracy operations. More than 700 soldiers were involved in the Operation Welwitschia in 2013 (Nkala, 2013).
The applicability of the short-run Phillips Curve to Namibia.
(Frontiers in Bioscience., 2005) Ogbokor, Cyril A.
In this research, we invoke linear and logarithmic regression models to empirically test the validity of the Short-run Phillips curve for Namibia by relying on macroeconomic time-series data running from 1991 to 2005.Our results offer some support for the presence of the phenomenon of stagflation in Namibia. This is rather contradictory to the underlying philosophy of the original Phillips curve. In the light of the outcome of the investigation anti-inflation cum unemployment measures are suggested. Further studies focussing on the applicability of the Phillips curve to the economy of Namibia is strongly recommended.
Applicability of the Small Business Franchise Prototype model to Namibia.
(2008) Asemota, O. O.; Asemota, G. N. O.
Namibia has been witnessing an increase in the cases of business failures, job losses and job cuts. In 1970, the unemployment figure was about 20 000 and increased to about 223 000 (36.7%) in 2004. Also, Namibia’s unemployment rate increased between 2001 and 2004. As a result, the major challenges confronting Namibia include ensuring employment-creating growth, strengthening competitiveness and a smooth process of land reform. The small business franchise prototype model developed in this study addresses efficient and effective small enterprise creation and operation. Extensive literature search, review, analyses and modeling were used to develop the proposed small business model as a set of self-sufficient, lead-generating, client converting, and customer satisfying machines that work. This prototype model is achieved by designing systems to get the work done and training people to operate those systems to produce consistent results. Although the Government has put some structures in place to stimulate entrepreneurship development through training, finance, support and other incentives; research has shown that the failure rate hovers around 85 percent. Results show that the proposed business model has a success rate of more than 90 percent. The model can be used to assist unlicensed shebeen operators and rehabilitate former Ramatex workers.
Are we addressing entrepreneurship at the wrong level? Applying the theories of NLP and change management.
(NUST & Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa., 2007) Clarke, Angela
This paper presents an alternative view of how it may be possible to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the required skills and behaviours, using the relatively new approaches of neuro-linguistic programming currently in vogue in many businesses and organisations today. This paper presents a concept, providing both the ideas and the rationale behind the suggestions. It has not yet been validated by thorough research.
Assessment in practice: A case study of the NUST and the International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) in the Netherlands.
(NUST, 2011) Niikondo, Andrew
This paper examines the problem of splitting views on assessment methods at the NUST. This problem led to some lecturers being unaware of what assessment method is relevant to their courses. The paper evaluated the literature on major assessment categories of formative (continuous) and summative (exam-based) using a comparative case of the International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) in the Netherlands and the NUST. The major finding is that assessment methods stipulated in the NUST Prospectus are not clear. This has resulted in a gap between the assessment methods and even questions the objectives of the courses. The paper recommends that the Prospectus Regulations should be revisited to make the assessment methods strong. With a momentum towards increased strong hybrid assessment it is appropriate to assess the correlation between student performance in continuous assessment work and in more traditional end of course written examinations.
Assessment of doctor-patient communication at Adama Hospital Medical College: A symbolic interactionist perspective
(Arsi Journal of Sciences and Innovations, 2021-10-31) Woldemariam, Haileleul Zeleke; Hundessa, Amare Bayissa
This study followed a symbolic interactionist theoretical framework and positivist paradigm to assess doctor-patient communication at Adama Hospital Medical College (AHMC). Specifically, it assessed the communication competencies of medical doctors (with their own inpatients), investigated how inpatients interact with their doctors and evaluated the major barriers to doctor-patient medical communication. A descriptive, explanatory, and cross-sectional study designs were followed. Out of 66 medical doctors of AHMC, 36 were selected as they were more directly and highly involved with bed-ridden patients in six wards and the remaining 22 were much more occupied with teaching and the management of the hospital and were not readily available for this study. A total sample size of 180 (144 patients + 36 medical) respondents were included. An SPSS 16 was used for presenting quantitative data and emerging themes guided the qualitative data analysis. The study found out that all medical doctors practice greeting socially and treat patients with due respect. The qualitative data indicated that some doctors exhibited communicative competence failures, and some lacked the cultural competence needed to comprehend traditional expressions. Due to heavy workload, some medical doctors show lack of interest. However, almost all doctors confirmed that they show interest in the patient’s ideas about their health. Generally, doctors allocated little time with patients who were not in a very critical situation. Almost all medical doctors assumed that they devoted their time to understand the main health concerns of patients and gave much attention. Those patients from the rural communities were often interrupted because they did not talk about their illnesses openly. This implies that some medical doctors lacked a profound knowledge of cultural communicative competence. Patients used traditional and vague expressions. Factors such as avoiding medical jargons, recounting the next steps, giving much care and concern, apportioning sufficient time, and writing legibly have been considered as major elements influencing medical communication. In the three factors (showing interest, understanding, and giving attention), doctors have been evaluated good communicators. This current study identified communication barriers and their possible causes. Some of these barriers have been caused due to poor communication skills, lack of the proper sense of confidentiality, the misuse or inappropriate use of medical jargons, lack of spacious workspace, language difference, the patients’ low level of understanding sickness, patients’ low level of education, inappropriate use of cultural and vague expressions, poor time allocation, patients’ taking too much time due to unnecessary repetitions, the gap between substantive lab evidence versus oral evidence and lack of family partnership and responsibility. Among other suggestions, the study recommends that the hospital needs to design a communication strategy to address these communication gaps.

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