Browsing by Author "Turinawe, Fiona"

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    An Assessment Of Virtual Meetings Management, Best Practices And Challenges In Pride Microfinance Uganda.
    (Makerere University Business School, 2025-10-31) Turinawe, Fiona
    The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally transformed organizational communication, necessitating a shift towards virtual meetings as a primary mode of interaction among managers and employees. This report explores how virtual meetings were managed in Pride Microfinance Uganda, aiming to identify both the challenges and opportunities presented by this new modality of communication. The research is driven by the desire to comprehend how virtual meetings are managed to influence managerial practices, decision-making, and organizational results in the microfinance market place, particularly in Uganda, where such studies are scarce. Leveraging a mixed-methods approach, the study merges quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to collect data issuing from various management levels, including senior and junior managers, IT support staff, and other employees. This comprehensive data collection ensures a holistic view of the experiences and perceptions surrounding virtual meetings. The findings indicate that while virtual meetings enhance flexibility and accessibility, they also introduce significant challenges, such as technological barriers, reduced nonverbal communication, and difficulties in engagement. Managers reported issues like tardy starts, technical hindrances, and the struggle to establish trust and influence in a virtual environment, which ultimately affect productivity and managerial performance. The research employs the Technology Fit (TTF) theory to analyze the synchronization between the technological tools used for virtual meetings and the exact managerial functions they aim to facilitate. Results suggest, optimizing this fit is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of virtual meetings. Furthermore, the study provides actionable recommendations for improving virtual meeting practices, including the implementation of effective engagement strategies, training for technical proficiency, and the establishment of clear communication protocols. Code of ethics were rigorously applied throughout the research process, ensuring participant confidentiality and informed consent. The knowledge gained from this study not only adds to the established information on virtual meetings but in addition offers important solutions tailored to the distinct setbacks encountered by managers within microfinance sector. Ultimately, this research stresses the necessity of adjusting managerial practices so as leverage the benefits of virtual communication while addressing its inherent challenges, thereby enhancing overall organizational effectiveness in a rapidly evolving work environment.