Evaluating the Communication Champion experience: developing communication pathways in a hierarchical organization

The presence of effective communication pathways in a healthcare organization can enhance client care. A unique approach to improving communication pathways was undertaken by one such organization, through a program called the Communication Champion strategy. The goal of this program was to add a formal communication pathway to a hierarchical organizational structure. The key to the strategy is the use of Communication Champions, who are responsible for creating and disseminating information to staff. This project evaluates the concept and design of the Communication Champion strategy on the basis of current organizational communication literature the strategy is found to be congruent with the use of change agents, establishment of formal communication pathways, and promotion of organizational communication. Existing Communication Champions were interviewed and the respondents' comments were categorized based on major thematic components, such as organizational supports, team development, ability of the strategy to overcome geographic barriers, and employee engagement. --Leaf i.