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Pearl Lens Journal of Communication 4, 1 (2021) x-xx
ISSN2579-8332(Online) | http://u.lipi.go.id/1487661056

ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION OF THE BOJONEGORO


DISTRICT CULTURE AND TOURISM OFFICE IN TOURISM
DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS

Author1*, Author2, etc. (Times New Roman, 12pt Bold)


1
Author Affiliations/Institutions
Author's Affiliation/Institution Address (Times New Roman, 10 pt)
2
Author Affiliations/Institutions
Author's Affiliate/Institution Address if different from Author 1
E-mail: 1email@www.ac.id , 2email@www.ac.id (Times New Roman, 10 pt)

Received: June 2021; Accepted: February 2021; Published: December 2021

Abstract

This research investigates organizational communication practices at the Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism
Office, with an emphasis on the fields of tourism, culture and the creative economy. Using a qualitative-descriptive
case study approach, interviews and observations were carried out to gain an in-depth understanding of the
dynamics of communication within the Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism Service organization. The
research results reveal that the department has succeeded in building an open and organized communication
culture. The application of technology, particularly through the use of social media and internal WhatsApp groups,
has been key to creating an efficient communication environment. Additionally, the structure of regular monthly
meetings and weekly conditional meetings provides an organized platform for discussing strategic issues and
updates. Based on these findings, a number of suggestions are put forward to improve the effectiveness of
organizational communication. First, the Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism Office is advised to continue to
utilize social media as the main communication tool to increase community and stakeholder involvement. Second,
organizational communication training is proposed for all members of the Bojonegoro Regency Culture and
Tourism Service, with the aim of improving communication skills at various levels. Third, consideration of
increasing the frequency of conditional meetings could strengthen the agency's responsiveness to urgent changes
and ensure more effective coordination between various areas within the Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism
Service.Recommendations for continued improvement involve the development of advanced training programs that
cover aspects of leadership, project management, and problem solving. Regular measurement and evaluation of
communication effectiveness also needs to be implemented to ensure that communication practices continue to
develop and are in line with organizational needs. It is hoped that these suggestions can make a positive contribution
in maintaining and enhancing the role of the Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism Office in supporting
sustainable tourism development in the region.
Keywords: Tourism, Communication, Organization

Abstract

This research investigates organizational communication practices at the Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism
Office, with an emphasis on the fields of tourism, culture and the creative economy. Using a qualitative-descriptive
case study approach, interviews and observations were carried out to gain an in-depth understanding of the dynamics
of communication within the Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism Service organization. The research results
reveal that the department has succeeded in building an open and organized communication culture. The application
of technology, particularly through the use of social media and internal WhatsApp groups, has been key to creating
an efficient communication environment. Additionally, the structure of regular monthly meetings and weekly
conditional meetings provides an organized platform for discussing strategic issues and updates. Based on these
findings, a number of suggestions are put forward to improve the effectiveness of organizational communication.
First, the Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism Office is advised to continue to utilize social media as the main
communication tool to increase community and stakeholder involvement. Second, organizational communication
training is proposed for all members of the Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism Service, with the aim of
improving communication skills at various levels. Third, consideration of increasing the frequency of conditional
meetings could strengthen the agency's responsiveness to urgent changes and ensure more effective coordination
between various areas within the Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism Service. Recommendations for
continued improvement involve the development of advanced training programs that cover aspects of leadership,

doi:https://dx.doi.org/10.24198/jlmk.vxix.xxxxx
© 2021 Pearl Lens Communication Journal. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA license
Website: http://e-journal.sari-mutiara.ac.id/index.php/JLMI
http://e-journal.sari-mutiara.ac.id
2 Author 1 et al. / Pearl Lens Communication Journal x, x (x 20xx) x-xx

project management, and problem solving. Regular measurement and evaluation of communication effectiveness
also needs to be implemented to ensure that communication practices continue to develop and are in line with
organizational needs. It is hoped that these suggestions can make a positive contribution in maintaining and
enhancing the role of the Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism Office in supporting sustainable tourism
development in the region.
Keywords: Tourism, Communication, Organization

INTRODUCTION

In facing the complexity and dynamics of the globalization era, the role of organizational
communication becomes increasingly crucial in achieving goals and facing various challenges
that lie ahead. Tourism, as one of the main sectors in the development process of a region,
requires effective and synergistic coordination between various fields to ensure the sustainability
and success of tourism development. Bojonegoro Regency, which is known as a cultural granary
and holds abundant tourism potential, is faced with the big task of ensuring that communication
within the Culture and Tourism Office runs optimally in order to realize the vision of sustainable
tourism development.

Communication, as a phenomenon that includes a series of complex actions, is the main


foundation for establishing interaction and exchanging information in various social contexts.
The concept of communication can be interpreted as a series of actions aimed at conveying
information with the aim of achieving a common understanding and building a reciprocal
relationship between the communicator and the communicant. When we detail the elements
involved in the communication process, it is important to emphasize that communication is not
only the mechanical transmission of information, but also an effort to create shared
understanding and strengthen bonds between individuals, groups, or organizations.
(Daniel and Ismi Wahidar 2023)
. In an effort to achieve common understanding and reciprocal relationships,
communication is not just a mechanical action, but a dynamic process involving interpersonal,
cultural and contextual elements. Therefore, a deep understanding of communication dynamics is
the main basis for building quality and effective relationships at various levels in an organization
or social context.

In an organizational context, communication is not only an exchange of information but also a


crucial foundation that supports effective coordination and collaboration. According to Robbin
(2019) Communication is a fundamental element that is inseparable in efforts to achieve
organizational goals. At the organizational level, communication complexity involves a number
of interrelated elements, including the flow of information from top to bottom levels and vice
versa. It should be noted that organizational communication is not just the transmission of data
or facts, but rather a dynamic process that plays a critical role in shaping organizational culture,
guiding the behavior of organizational members, and stimulating the achievement of shared
goals. In the context of information flow within an organization, communication is not only
vertical from leaders to subordinates or vice versa, but also includes horizontal dimensions
involving interactions between units or divisions. This interaction is key to ensuring that all parts
of the organization have a uniform understanding of the goals and strategies being promoted.
This uniform understanding, in turn, minimizes the risk of misunderstandings or discrepancies in
the implementation of policies and strategic measures.

Article title...
Pearl Lens Journal of Communication 4, 1 (2021) x-xx
ISSN2579-8332(Online) | http://u.lipi.go.id/1487661056

Interunit communication also plays a vital role in supporting organizational flexibility and
adaptability to changes in the external environment. By establishing mutual understanding
between parts of the organization, the organization can be more responsive to market dynamics,
technological developments and policy changes. Therefore, the existence of an effective
communication network between units is a necessity in responding to change quickly and
responsively. In this view, Sharifa Rahmadani, Komariah, and Hafiar (2022) highlight the
importance of organizational communication as a key element for successfully achieving
organizational goals. By combining these elements in an integral manner, communication in
organizations not only becomes a means of conveying information, but also becomes a driving
force that underlies the success and sustainability of organizations in facing the complex
dynamics of the business and social environment.

Bojonegoro Regency, as a part of Indonesia's rich cultural diversity, is not just an ordinary
destination, but has extraordinary potential to become a leading tourist destination that attracts
the interest of visitors. With its stunning natural beauty and abundant cultural riches, the role
carried out by the Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism Office is very strategic and
important in formulating, managing and developing the tourism sector. Tourism in Bojonegoro
Regency is not only a driver of economic growth, but also an integral means of preserving and
promoting cultural wealth which is a valuable heritage of the local community. It is important to
recognize that tourism not only provides economic benefits, but also makes a significant
contribution in preserving the cultural values of the Bojonegoro community. In this context, the
role of the Department of Culture and Tourism is not only limited to managing aspects of
tourism in general, but also includes the responsibility to promote, maintain and maintain the
authenticity and integrity of local cultural wealth. Organizational communication within the
structure of the Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism Service is a key element that cannot
be ignored. In directing and coordinating tourism development efforts, effective and coordinated
communication plays a central role. The emergence of a common understanding, both between
service members and with external parties, becomes the basis for the sustainability of the tourism
programs implemented.

It is also important to note that organizational communication at the Culture and Tourism
Service is not only limited to internal communication, involving staff and service members, but
also involves external communication with related parties, such as local communities, business
actors and local governments. The involvement of these external parties is essential to ensure
that every step in tourism development gets broad support and involves community participation.
Apart from that, the use of media and information technology can be an effective tool in
expanding the reach of communication and promoting the Bojonegoro tourism destination more
widely. The use of digital platforms, official websites, social media and tourism applications can
be a means of conveying information, documenting activities and communicating tourism
potential to the public in a more dynamic and interactive manner. By making organizational
communication a key element, the Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism Office can ensure
that the development of the tourism sector not only produces economic growth, but is also able
to maintain and promote the cultural richness that is the unique characteristic of this region. In
this process, effective communication becomes a bridge that connects the vision of tourism

doi:https://dx.doi.org/10.24198/jlmk.vxix.xxxxx
© 2021 Pearl Lens Communication Journal. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA license
Website: http://e-journal.sari-mutiara.ac.id/index.php/JLMI
http://e-journal.sari-mutiara.ac.id
4 Author 1 et al. / Pearl Lens Communication Journal x, x (x 20xx) x-xx

development with the reality on the ground, creating a sustainable positive impact for
Bojonegoro Regency and its people.

The success of an organization in achieving its goals is often closely related to the effectiveness
of its internal communications. In the context of the Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism
Office, communication interactions between fields, such as tourism, culture and the creative
economy, are crucial. Communication from leadership level to field execution is an important
factor in determining the direction and focus of tourism development in this district. Therefore,
this research digs deeper to understand how organizational communication patterns within the
Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism Office can support and accelerate efforts to develop
the tourism sector in this region.

Through a case study approach, this research is expected to provide a clear picture of how the
dynamics of organizational communication take place within the Bojonegoro Regency Culture
and Tourism Service. By understanding this process, we can design recommendations to increase
the effectiveness of tourism management, explore cultural potential, and develop the creative
economy in Bojonegoro Regency. Success in this regard not only creates economic
opportunities, but also maintains and strengthens unique cultural identities, provides a positive
impact on local communities, and enriches the experience of tourists.

LITERATURE REVIEW
Tourism development often cannot be separated from the cultural diversity of a region.
According to Smith (2017), integration between the tourism and cultural sectors can create
unique and attractive destinations for tourists. Previous research (Santoso, 2015) highlighted
the importance of preserving local culture in the context of tourism to support tourist
attractions. Therefore, a deep understanding of the relationship between tourism and culture is
a crucial basis for designing development strategies.
According to Griffin (2017), organizational communication includes sending information,
developing shared understanding, and coordinating actions within the organization. In the
tourism sector, organizational communication has an important role in conveying information
regarding tourism policies, programs and development goals to all related parties (Meng,
2016). Therefore, understanding organizational communication practices within tourism
institutions is a key element in achieving successful destination development.
Social media, such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, are increasingly becoming an
integral part of organizational communication practices (Kaplan & Haenlein, 2010).
According to Waters et al. (2019), social media provides an effective platform for
disseminating information, building interaction, and increasing stakeholder involvement.
Therefore, the use of social media in the tourism context can be a relevant strategy in
achieving organizational communication goals.

RESEARCH METHODS.
This research adopts a qualitative-descriptive approach which is applied through
interview and observation methods. Qualitative research methods are often identified as
naturalistic research methods because they focus on in-depth understanding of phenomena
that occur in their natural context. In the context of this research, qualitative methods are used

Article title...
Pearl Lens Journal of Communication 4, 1 (2021) x-xx
ISSN2579-8332(Online) | http://u.lipi.go.id/1487661056

to investigate organizational communication practices at the Bojonegoro Regency Culture and


Tourism Office, with an emphasis on the fields of tourism, culture and the creative economy.
Data collection technique:
1. Interview: The interview method was used to obtain direct views from stakeholders in
the Culture and Tourism Department. In-depth interviews were conducted with
leaders, managers and staff at various levels. Interview questions were designed to
explore service members' communications practices, policies, and experiences in three
key areas.
2. Observation: Participatory observation was carried out in the work environment of the
Culture and Tourism Service to directly understand the interaction and communication
between service members. This process involves the presence of the researcher as an
active observer to understand the dynamics of organizational life and gain a contextual
perspective.
Researcher Role:
In qualitative research, the role of the researcher has a significant impact on the overall
research scenario. The presence of researchers is considered crucial because data collection is
carried out in natural situations. Researchers act as the main instrument for collecting,
analyzing and interpreting data. Researcher involvement helps understand the context in
greater depth, capturing nuances that may not be obtainable through quantitative data. In
qualitative research which emphasizes deep understanding and extracting meaning in its
natural context, the role of the researcher is not only secondary, but has a very significant
impact on the entire dynamics of the research. The presence of the researcher is considered
crucial because it acts as the main instrument that not only collects data mechanically, but is
also actively involved in the process of analyzing and interpreting the data.
First of all, as the main instrument, the researcher plays a role in developing an approach
that suits the research objectives. Its existence allows direct interaction with research subjects,
enabling richer and in-depth data collection. In this process, researchers bring their personal
insights, including experience, knowledge and understanding that can enrich the data
obtained.
Researcher involvement is not only limited to data collection. When analyzing data, the
researcher uses his personal sensitivity and interpretation. It involves a process of grouping,
coding, and deep understanding of the context surrounding the phenomenon under study. In
this role, the researcher not only involves himself analytically but also brings an element of
subjectivity that can capture aspects that may not be revealed in a quantitative approach.
Researcher involvement also includes an in-depth understanding of the research context.
This helps map specific aspects that influence the phenomenon under study, capturing
nuances and dynamics that may be missed in other research approaches. The researcher's
existence as part of a natural situation provides the freedom to respond more flexibly to
changes and adjust the research focus.
As a researcher, ongoing reflection on the role and personal impact in research is
necessary. Awareness of personal viewpoints, values, and experiences helps mitigate potential
biases that may arise. In this view, researcher subjectivity is considered an advantage because
it can add depth to the interpretation and understanding of the phenomenon being studied.

doi:https://dx.doi.org/10.24198/jlmk.vxix.xxxxx
© 2021 Pearl Lens Communication Journal. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA license
Website: http://e-journal.sari-mutiara.ac.id/index.php/JLMI
http://e-journal.sari-mutiara.ac.id
6 Author 1 et al. / Pearl Lens Communication Journal x, x (x 20xx) x-xx

Overall, the role of the researcher in qualitative research forms the integral basis of the
entire research scenario. Active involvement, personal reflection, and subjective interpretation
are key elements that make the researcher's role have a broader and deeper impact in dealing
with the complexity and dynamics inherent in qualitative research.
By combining interview and observation methods and understanding the role of
researchers in a qualitative context, this research aims to provide an in-depth picture of
organizational communication practices at the Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism
Service. It is hoped that the results of this research will provide a richer understanding of the
dynamics of communication and interaction within organizations and offer relevant
recommendations for increasing the effectiveness of communication in supporting the
development of the tourism, culture and creative economy sectors in the region.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
According to Nurmawati (2006), the development of natural tourism and cultural
tourism from the perspective of local independence is an embodiment of the development of
community order which is carried out independently by the order itself in order to improve the
quality of the order while maintaining the preservation of nature and local cultural values, as
well as natural tourist attractions. and existing cultural tourism. So far, regional tourism
development has been aimed at developing local potential originating from nature, socio-culture
or economics in order to contribute to local government, as well as improving community
welfare.
In connection with the above, currently tourism development planning uses facility
development and improvement of facilities and infrastructure so as to support efforts to
maximize existing tourism potential. In this case, local communities will build, own and directly
manage tourist facilities and services, so that the community is expected to receive direct
economic benefits and reduce urbanization (Nurhayati, 2005).
According to Santoso (2015), local community-oriented tourism development efforts are
still minimal. This is because the community does not have the financial capacity and quality
expertise to manage it or be directly involved in nature and culture-based tourism activities. So
there is a need for active community participation to be good hosts, provide the best according
to their abilities, help maintain security, tranquility, beauty and cleanliness of the environment,
provide good memories and impressions for tourists in order to support the Sapta Pesona
program, and instill public awareness in for the development of tourist attractions. The
development of this tourist attraction involves all activities carried out by the manager in
controlling activities or managing existing tourism potential.
Tourism is an activity carried out by several people or someone, this condition is
supported by conditions related to the existence of the tourist attraction. According to Spilane in
Darwis (2021), in a broad sense "tourism is travel from one place to another, temporary in
nature, carried out by individuals or groups, as an effort to find balance or harmony and
happiness with the environment in the social dimension,
Tourism development is everything related to tourism, including the exploitation of
tourist attraction objects and related businesses in this field. It was also explained that tourism is
an activity of traveling from one place to another destination outside the place of residence, with
the intention not to earn a living, but rather to recreate both physical and psychological freshness
so that one can excel again. Tourism is a complex sector, which also involves classic industries,
such as handicrafts and souvenirs, as well as accommodation and transportation businesses.

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Pearl Lens Journal of Communication 4, 1 (2021) x-xx
ISSN2579-8332(Online) | http://u.lipi.go.id/1487661056

According to Joyosuharto in Darmawan (2021), "tourism development has three functions,


namely: 1) promoting the economy, 2) maintaining the nation's personality and preserving the
function and quality of the environment, 3) fostering a sense of love for the homeland and
nation." To carry out these three functions, it is necessary to develop tourist objects and tourist
attractions, improve and develop promotion and marketing, and improve tourism education and
training. Tourism development is able to generate economic growth, because it can provide
employment opportunities, stimulate various production sectors, and contribute directly to
progress in efforts to create and repair ports, roads, transportation, as well as encourage the
implementation of cleanliness and health programs, projects. cultural gyms, environmental
preservation and so on which can provide benefits and pleasure to both the local community and
tourists from outside.
The Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism Office is the agency responsible for
organizing tourism in the Regency. The Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism Office has
the authority to regulate and create various policies, regulations and strategies oriented towards
tourism development. Basically, Bojonegoro tourism development is carried out by the
Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism Office and assisted by the private sector as the owner
of the object. The success of an organization in implementing every policy, program or activity
that has been planned is influenced by several factors, one of which is communication. The
leadership's ability to distribute, clarity of the information conveyed and members'
understanding of the information conveyed will greatly determine the success of program
implementation. However, it seems that this has not been done optimally at the Bojonegoro
Regency Culture and Tourism Office, the indicator is that tourism development is not being
implemented optimally because communication between internal parties in the organization has
not been implemented well. Where sometimes in organizational communication activities
related to tourism development plans, there are employees who do not understand what the
leadership means, so that the implementation in the field is not carried out optimally, the
distribution of information to implementing parties does not go well, resulting in poor policy
implementation. according to planning. Apart from that, in meeting activities, employee
involvement in providing ideas, ideas or opinions is very minimal because there is a feeling of
fear of being wrong or not being accepted
The Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism Office plays an important role in developing
the tourism sector in the area. With an organizational structure consisting of three main areas, namely
tourism, culture and creative economy, this agency has its own duties and responsibilities to achieve
the goals of tourism development and cultural preservation.
According to Pendit (2006: 23) who provides the view that communication or tourism
promotion activities can be divided into three important parts, in this case, namely regarding 1) There
must be a communicator who acts as providing tourist information, 2) There must be a receiver who
will receive news from communicators in this case are related to the quality of information about
tourism and 3) the existence of media to provide information related to efforts to provide information
about the quality of tourist attractions.
Organizational communication within the Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism Service
has an important role in tourism development efforts. There are several aspects that need to be
considered in tourism development efforts. The first is that it is important to hold regular meetings
between staff and leadership to share information, discuss projects, and equalize understanding

doi:https://dx.doi.org/10.24198/jlmk.vxix.xxxxx
© 2021 Pearl Lens Communication Journal. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA license
Website: http://e-journal.sari-mutiara.ac.id/index.php/JLMI
http://e-journal.sari-mutiara.ac.id
8 Author 1 et al. / Pearl Lens Communication Journal x, x (x 20xx) x-xx

regarding tourism development strategies. Develop a plan to build internal media such as a news
portal or bulletin to convey the latest information, policies and achievements that have been
achieved. Improve communication through local and national mass media to increase the visibility of
Bojonegoro tourism destinations.
The next effort made by the Culture and Tourism department is through tourism promotion
activities. Promotional activities carried out by the department include distributing various activities
based on the management of tourist attractions. Tourism promotion referred to here is a tourism
campaign and propaganda that is based on regular and continuous plans or programs (Foenay, 2023).
Tourism promotion activities are carried out to provide the public's views so that they have
awareness of the benefits of tourism for them, so that the tourism industry in this country gets
support in order to support activities in providing information to the public. Don't forget to utilize
social media platforms to interact with the public and potential tourists, convey information, and
promoting tourism events. As well as building good relationships with external parties such as local
government, private parties and local communities.
Not only that, tourism development efforts can also be carried out through holding workshops
and training to improve staff communication skills related to tourism, marketing and event
management. As an organizer of tourism activities, the role of human resources is very important. By
utilizing high quality human resources, tourism activities can produce professional services. As an
organizer of tourism activities, the role of human resources is very important. By utilizing high
quality human resources, tourism activities can produce professional services. According to Siagian
(2013: 200), "Human resource development is a process to improve the ability of human resources to
help achieve goals." Human resource capabilities in government agencies can be improved through
programs or training and education. Training will be carried out for human resources who are
deemed to lack knowledge in their work. In general, training can be carried out inside (internal) and
outside the organization (external), and can also be done through online training via e-learning.
Meanwhile, the on-the-job training method and the off-the-job-training method.

If necessary, we can also provide education to the local community about the potential of
tourism, its benefits, and how they can participate in tourism development efforts in Bojonegoro
district. Carrying out several follow-up reviews and implementing an efficient tourism information
system to provide accurate and up-to-date information to tourists so that visiting tourists can easily
understand the information that has been provided.
After making several changes, the Bojonegoro district culture and tourism office needs to carry
out performance evaluations or measurements to see the extent of effectiveness. Efforts are made by
conducting surveys and questionnaires to tourists and the local community to measure satisfaction,
get feedback, and assess the effectiveness of tourism programs . Monitor social media to capture
feedback and trends that can help adjust communications strategies. prepare a crisis response plan to
address potential emergency situations that could affect tourism. Handle conflicts or controversies
transparently and effectively to minimize their impact on tourism image. By integrating several of
the things above into organizational communication strategy efforts, the Bojonegoro Regency
Culture and Tourism Office can strengthen efforts to develop tourism in a sustainable manner and
provide a positive impact on the local community.
To find out the internal organizational communication implemented by the Bojonegoro
Regency Culture and Tourism Service in tourism development efforts, researchers used the theory
put forward by Lawrence D. Brennan in Effendy (2011) including vertical communication and
horizontal communication.

Article title...
Pearl Lens Journal of Communication 4, 1 (2021) x-xx
ISSN2579-8332(Online) | http://u.lipi.go.id/1487661056

Vertical communication is communication that flows from top to bottom and bottom to top.
Downward communication is usually used to convey information related to the division of work
tasks in the form of instructions or directions for carrying out tasks. Meanwhile, upward
communication aims to inform, explain or reveal problems and provide suggestions for solutions.
Based on the results of interviews, the communication used in this research is vertical
communication. Vertical downward communication is used by heads of departments as heads of
organizations to convey, discuss and coordinate various information related to the duties and
functions of each field, where sending and receiving information is carried out in accordance with the
existing position structure or disposition.
Vertical downward communication is more often carried out by service heads as heads of
organizations together with field heads and section heads. Meanwhile, upward communication is
used to submit reports related to the results of discussions that have been carried out in the field in
accordance with the directions given by the previous head of service. Upward communication is also
usually used by staff or employees of the cultural service and tourism service to convey complaints
related to work or personal matters. The media used in vertical communication, both downwards and
upwards, are direct, written or via WhatsApp groups. The success of this communication cannot be
separated from the open and ethical attitude shown by existing employees. However, it cannot be
denied that the implementation of vertical communication, both downwards and upwards, is still very
minimal because it is only carried out at certain times, for example when letters come in or only
when there is a problem to be discussed.
This communication basically aims to synchronize and coordinate every program and activity
that has been prepared by each sector. Apart from coordinating and synchronizing programs. One
form of communication implemented at the Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism Office is a
general meeting which involves all members of the organization starting from superiors, work units
and subordinates. This activity is usually carried out before events related to tourism development. In
this meeting, each existing field will explain its development and readiness. Important factors that
support the implementation of this communication are the cooperative attitude of the staff who are
able to understand their respective duties and main functions, not too many field memberships and
the existence of cultural similarities such as the language used.
The results of interviews with related parties at the Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism
Office produced an in-depth picture of the communication culture within the organization. The
existence of open and family communication practices is the main characteristic, creating a warm
and supportive work atmosphere among members. The resource person emphasized the importance
of togetherness in achieving common goals. Apart from that, there is a visible hierarchical
communication pattern, from top to bottom, in this service. Leadership and upper management play
an active role in conveying the organization's direction, policies and goals to lower-level staff. This
creates a clear and consistent flow of information, guiding task execution steps. (Sharifa Rahmadani,
Komariah, and Hafiar 2022)
Media, especially WhatsApp, has become an important element in an organization's
communication system. Internal WhatsApp groups help in conveying information instantly, provide
space for discussions, and increase communication efficiency among service members. The use of
this technology reflects the service's adaptation to current developments. Furthermore, the pattern of
monthly routine meetings and weekly conditional meetings provides an organized schedule structure.
Regular monthly meetings provide a forum for discussing strategic issues and updates, while weekly
conditional meetings provide flexibility in responding to urgent needs. This approach creates a

doi:https://dx.doi.org/10.24198/jlmk.vxix.xxxxx
© 2021 Pearl Lens Communication Journal. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA license
Website: http://e-journal.sari-mutiara.ac.id/index.php/JLMI
http://e-journal.sari-mutiara.ac.id
10 Author 1 et al. / Pearl Lens Communication Journal x, x (x 20xx) x-xx

structured time frame for communicating and coordinating. Overall, the interview results show that
the Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism Office has succeeded in building an open, friendly and
organized communication culture. The application of technology and a regular schedule structure
will be the basis for this agency to continue to improve the effectiveness of organizational
communication, which will ultimately support the achievement of tourism development goals in
Bojonegoro Regency.
In this context, it is important to understand that organizational communication is not just the
flow of information from leaders to subordinates. In the case of the Bojonegoro Regency Culture and
Tourism Office, communication occurs multidimensionally, involving interaction between members
at various levels. Open and level communication practices create an environment where every
member feels heard and valued. The use of social media, especially WhatsApp, as an internal
communication tool shows good adaptation to technological developments. This not only increases
efficiency but also creates space for collaboration and informal interactions among service members.
In addition, regular monthly meetings and weekly conditional meetings provide a balanced structure
between discussing strategic issues and urgent needs. This approach creates a balance between long-
term planning and responding to more immediate dynamics of change. It is important to note that the
success of the Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism Office in building an effective
communication culture is not only based on formal tools or structures. Cultural aspects, such as
familiarity and a sense of community, contribute to this success. Open and organized communication
not only creates a productive work environment but also strengthens bonds between members,
enabling them to work as a solid team. Based on the research results, the following are several
suggestions that can be given to improve the effectiveness of organizational communication within
the Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism Service :

1. Encourage Social Media Use:


Encouraging the department to more actively utilize social media as a communication tool is
a positive step. Optimizing the use of platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram
can help convey information more effectively, build interaction with the community, and
increase stakeholder involvement. These steps are in line with global trends where social
media is becoming the main tool for communicating and sharing information.
2. Organizational Communication Training
Providing organizational communication training for all service members is a worthwhile
investment. This training may include the development of interpersonal communication
skills, conflict management, and the effective use of modern communication tools. By
improving communication skills at all levels, the department can ensure that messages and
information are conveyed clearly and well received.
3. Conditional Meeting Frequency Increase:
Considering increasing the frequency of conditional meetings to more than once a week is a
step that can speed up the response to urgent changes. With more frequent meetings, the
department can more quickly respond to emerging issues and ensure better coordination
between different areas. This is in line with management principles that are adaptive and
responsive to environmental dynamics.

Seeing the agency's success in building an effective communication culture, we can relate this
to achieving tourism development goals. Good communication is not only an end in itself but also a
means to achieve that goal. A clear understanding of the organization's goals, including tourism
sector development and cultural preservation, ensures that every step and decision is taken with the

Article title...
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long-term vision in mind. In achieving tourism development goals, good communication plays a
crucial role in various aspects. For example, local tourism promotion requires effective coordination
between the marketing team, stakeholders in the community, and business partners. Clear and open
communication with external parties, such as the media and potential tourists, is also an important
factor. In terms of cultural preservation, conservation and public education efforts require broad
understanding and support. Good communication can ensure that cultural values are understood and
appreciated by local communities and visitors. Therefore, a culture of communication within the
service not only creates a productive work atmosphere but also creates a strong basis for establishing
relationships with the community.
Although the use of technology, such as WhatsApp, has helped in improving communication
efficiency, the department also needs to consider the challenges that may arise. Data security, for
example, is a serious concern when using internet-based platforms. Strong security policies and
training are needed to engage all service members in protecting sensitive information.
In addition, rapid technological changes require the department to remain adaptive. Further
investment in technology training and more advanced software may be needed to ensure that services
remain at the forefront of leveraging technology to their advantage.
To achieve sustainability in tourism development and cultural preservation, stakeholder
involvement and community participation are very important. Effective organizational
communication also includes active engagement with external parties, including local government,
local communities and related business actors. The Department needs to ensure that information is
conveyed effectively to all interested parties and that input from the community is heard and
implemented. Organizing public meetings, workshops or open forums can be an effective strategy to
increase community participation. Open and transparent communication about agency plans and
policies can build public trust and create needed support.
One of the areas of responsibility of the Culture and Tourism Service is the creative economy.
To support the growth of this sector, organizational communications need to promote a culture of
innovation and entrepreneurship among service members and local communities. Encouragement to
think creatively, create new products or services, and collaborate with industry players can be the
focus of communication to stimulate creative economic growth. Conveying innovation opportunities,
providing support for creative projects, and creating communication channels that facilitate inter-
industry collaboration can create an environment in which where the creative economy can develop.
Therefore, organizational communication is not only about conveying information but also about
motivating and inspiring to create positive change.

Additional Suggestions for Further Improvement:

1. Developing Advanced Training Programs:


In addition to organizational communication training, consideration may be given to
developing advanced training programs that cover aspects such as leadership, project
management, and problem solving. This can help service members to develop more
comprehensive skills that support the achievement of organizational goals.
2. Measuring and Evaluating Communication Effectiveness:
It is important to have a measurement and evaluation system that monitors the effectiveness
of organizational communications on a regular basis. Feedback from service members,
stakeholders, and the public can be used to assess whether communications are functioning
well or whether changes and improvements are needed.

doi:https://dx.doi.org/10.24198/jlmk.vxix.xxxxx
© 2021 Pearl Lens Communication Journal. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA license
Website: http://e-journal.sari-mutiara.ac.id/index.php/JLMI
http://e-journal.sari-mutiara.ac.id
12 Author 1 et al. / Pearl Lens Communication Journal x, x (x 20xx) x-xx

In examining the organizational communication of the Bojonegoro Regency Culture and


Tourism Service, it can be concluded that the open culture, closeness and organized organizational
structure have made a major contribution to their effectiveness in achieving the goals of tourism
development and cultural preservation. The use of technology and a structured approach in meetings
shows good adaptation to current developments and the needs of environmental dynamics.
Suggestions that can be given are to be more active in utilizing social media, holding communication
training, and considering increasing the frequency of conditional meetings, which are concrete steps
to continue to improve the effectiveness of organizational communication. By integrating these
suggestions into their strategy, agencies can strengthen the foundation of the communication culture
they have built. It is important to remember that organizational communication is not an end in itself
but a means to achieve larger goals. By continuing to hone and improve these tools, the Bojonegoro
Regency Culture and Tourism Office can become an example for other organizations in developing
the tourism sector and preserving culture in their region.
The Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism Office has established a solid foundation in
building an effective communication culture. By considering the implications of technology,
involving external parties, supporting innovation, and providing appropriate training, agencies can
continue to increase the driving force of tourism development and cultural preservation in their
regions.
Through good organizational communication, the department can become a driving force for
sustainable development and communities that are actively involved in maintaining and advancing
their cultural heritage. By continuing to adapt to change and listening to community needs, the
Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism Office can open the door to a brighter future for tourism
and local culture.

CONCLUSION
The Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism Office has a crucial role in managing and
developing the tourism sector in the region. In this case study, organizational communication
practices within the service are the main focus of research. The results of the interviews show
that the department has succeeded in building an open, friendly and organized communication
culture. The application of technology, such as internal WhatsApp groups, and the structure of
regular monthly meetings and weekly conditional meetings, creates a clear and efficient
communication flow from the leadership level to field execution. Success in achieving tourism
development goals in Bojonegoro Regency is very dependent on the effectiveness of
organizational communication. This research makes a significant contribution in providing an
in-depth understanding of organizational communication practices at the Bojonegoro Regency
Culture and Tourism Office. With the results of interviews and careful observations, it was
found that the agency had succeeded in building an open, friendly and organized communication
culture. The application of social media, especially WhatsApp, as well as a regular meeting
structure, has become a key element in their organizational communication system.
From the results of this research, several strategic recommendations can be proposed to
increase the effectiveness of communication at the Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism
Office. First of all, it is recommended to further encourage the use of social media as a wider
communication tool. WhatsApp has proven effective, but diversification to other platforms and
utilization of multimedia content can enrich organizational communications. Organizational

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Pearl Lens Journal of Communication 4, 1 (2021) x-xx
ISSN2579-8332(Online) | http://u.lipi.go.id/1487661056

communications training is also considered important to improve service members' skills in


conveying messages clearly and effectively. Effective communication is not only about the
media used, but also about the individual's ability to convey information appropriately. With this
training, it is hoped that service members can become stronger and more skilled communicators.
Increasing the frequency of conditional meetings was also put forward as a recommendation to
strengthen internal relations within the service. This meeting not only serves as a forum to
convey information but also as an opportunity to build closer interpersonal relationships. In this
way, meetings become a means to increase collaboration and understanding between service
members.
The importance of realizing that organizational communication is not an end in itself, but
rather a means to an end, is strongly emphasized in these recommendations. Therefore, agencies
need to continue to measure and evaluate the effectiveness of their communications. Routine
evaluations can help determine whether messages and information are being communicated
clearly to all service members and the public. In the context of tourism development, the
department needs to understand that success does not only depend on the policies and programs
formulated. On the other hand, the extent to which the message and information is conveyed and
understood by all service members and the public is crucial. Therefore, it needs to be
emphasized that effective communication can be a driving force to achieve sustainable tourism
development and cultural preservation. Apart from that, in facing technological changes and
environmental dynamics, the department needs to remain adaptive and responsive.
Recommendations for developing advanced training programs and communication effectiveness
evaluation systems are steps that support sustainability in achieving organizational goals. This
sustainability includes not only the economic aspects of tourism but also cultural preservation
and stimulation of the creative economy. By involving all related parties, such as service
members, local government, local communities and business people, the agency can ensure that
tourism development does not only focus on economic aspects alone. On the other hand,
through good communication, the department can be the key to building mutual understanding,
effective collaboration and broad support from the community. In this way, the department can
play a central role in formulating and achieving sustainable development goals in the field of
culture and tourism.

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