Different folks, different strokes: shaping patterns of personal networks in spatial communication in Marlow Navigations Philippines, Inc.

Abstract

The researcher did a descriptive study to find out how patterns of personal networks are shaped in spatial communication, specifically in the Administration Department of Marlow Navigation Philippines, Inc. To answer the question mentioned, the researcher followed a highly qualitative approach. In order to provide an intensive understanding on the phenomena of spatial communication applied to MNPI, the research process was divided into two phases. The first phase set the outline of the office environment through the researcher's personal observations. The second phase aimed to explain the phenomena of spatial communication through one-on-one interviews with each participant. Through these phases, the researcher was able to solicit the needed data to analyse. It was found that the use of an office landscape layout by the admin floor encourages communication and aids in the socialization of the employees. It was also found that the office landscape layout helped the participants in establishing personal relationships within the office. There are three main types of relationship that exist in the office; friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. These three types of personal networks were interpreted through the use of network maps. The network maps showed that personal networks in the office are patterned on an all-channel network, wherein communication is decentralized. In can be concluded that the office landscape layout, and the decentralized communication contributed in shaping the personal networks in the admin floor. This study recommends that in planning an office layout, organizations should take into consideration the needs of their employees to socialize with each other.