Communication issues in associations within public universities

Communication is a crucial element in ensuring the smooth functioning of any organisation. It serves as a medium for conveying information, instructions, feedback, and for building relationships among members. Nevertheless, communication challenges often arise within organisations and may negatively affect productivity, morale, and the achievement of collective goals. This article explores communication issues faced by student associations within a public university. The study employed a qualitative approach, with five (5) representatives from student associations at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) selected as informants. Purposive sampling and in-depth interviews were used as data collection techniques. Employing thematic analysis, the study identified several recurring issues, namely one-way communication, information overload, and divergent objectives. The findings suggest that improvements in systematic communication procedures and clearer communication channels could help to reduce barriers to effective communication within such associations.