Communication around the monthly figures: A case study on management reporting practices

Abstract

“Communication around the monthly figures:” A case study on management reporting practices

Objectives of the study The objective of the study was to find out if and how management reporting can be improved through good internal communication and knowledge sharing. Three case companies A, B and C from the same group were studied in order to reach the objective. Three research questions were identified: What are the existing management reporting procedures in Company B and Company C? In what ways do Companies B and C, with Company A, share knowledge in management reporting? Are the existing management reporting procedures sufficient for effective internal communication, and if not, how could they be improved?

Methodology This study used the case study method for data collection. Data was collected through 10 semi-structured interviews in the case companies A, B and C. Six interviews were conducted face-to-face in Helsinki and four via email to reach employees positioned in Asia, Europe and Canada, or who otherwise were unavailable for face-to-face interviews. In addition, management reporting data such as process descriptions and Balanced Scorecards were provided by the case companies and observations were made by the researcher as she had worked for case companies B and C for nearly four years. The interview questions focused on management reporting, internal communication and knowledge sharing.

Results of the study The research findings indicate that internal communication and knowledge sharing could improve management reporting. Internal communication occurred mainly through email in the case companies and knowledge sharing was sparse. The results of the study show a need for more knowledge sharing and suggestions for improved knowledge sharing were implementing an integrated computer system, having more regular meetings and changing the organizational culture from silence to transparency and openness.

Key Words: International business communication, internal communication, knowledge sharing, Business Process Management, management reporting, reporting procedures