The role of interpersonal communication in promoting professional growth: a phenomenological study of persons with disability at the Sene West District

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to assess the role of interpersonal communication in promoting professional growth: a phenomenological study of persons with disability at the Sene West District. The specific objectives of the study were to identify the lived experiences of persons living with disabilities and examine the strategies persons living with disability use in communicating. Qualitative research methodology using the phenomenological approach was employed to attain the research objectives The participants of the study were ten (10) and were drawn using the purposive sampling procedure. Qualitative data were collected using audiotaping of interviews and using the semi structured interviews. Findings from the study indicated that participants have diverse forms of training that helps them to do their work. It was also found that the PwDs found it difficult to get closer to community leaders to give them information and that they live with very difficult and horrific experiences. The study further revealed that, interpersonal communication has enhanced professional growth of some persons with disability. It is therefore recommended that there must be effective communication skills developed among persons with disabilities that are significant for achieving excellence and increased productivity and performance in PWDs; hence management of various organizations should take it upon themselves to train more interpreters and give all the necessary support to such persons.