Did the message go through?: a qualitative study on communication-mapping as a safety assessment and development tool at LKAB

Abstract: Security as a field of research is influenced by many different
disciplines. By its nature, security do not only emphasizes on keeping
assets safe, but also to protect companies. Subsequently, every field that
could include keeping these assets safe and to protect interests could be
within the span of security research. This thesis focuses on the notion
that studies within the area of communication and social sciences could be
seen as beneficial tools in order to develop company safety. The main
perspective taken is communication processes, with the aim to create
further understanding on how employees perceive them. The theoretical
groundings is both in communication in general and in how communication
affects safety. Interviews with 14 employees within LKAB Division Mining
were conducted. The main results show problems and possibilities both
within the system-dependent and verbal areas. Hence, to avoid rumors,
system-based messages should be more comprehensible and quicker spread at
the managerial level and enhanced group possibilities of being sender of
information through more clear distinctions of work roles could be sought.
It could also be beneficial to create ways for every line within the
organization to give feedback on decisions. Finally, the company should
take into regard employees’ ability to utilize, understand, and accept
efforts made in the company, and, especially, when it comes to safety,
before establishing rules or directives. These efforts might strengthen
both the communication within the company and the acceptance of future
development in the security practices.