RESEARCH ON IDENTIFYING THE DEFICIENCIES OF THE EXTERNAL COMMUNICATION PROCESS IN THE PRE-UNIVERSITY EDUCATION SYSTEM AND THE INFLUENCE OF THE PANDEMIC CONTEXT

Abstract

<p><strong>Purpose</strong> – This paper considers the importance of external communication at the level of pre-university education institutions in Romania and aims to identify the aspects that disrupt the external communication process of educational institutions, on the one hand, and the aspects that have influenced the communication process during the pandemic and its consequences, on the other hand.</p><p><strong>Methodology/Approach -</strong> The sampling method chosen was random sampling combined with purposive sampling for respondents from pre-university educational institutions. The questionnaire was applied to teachers in pre-university education.</p><p><strong>Findings</strong> – The findings of this study revealed that the school formally establishes its communication relationship with its partners, but teachers are not specifically trained by the school through training programs. On the other hand, a problem of pressing topicality and complexity was not only the communication between the school and the higher institutions, but also that with the family or the community during the exceptional situation established in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p><strong>Research limitations/implications</strong> – The limitations of this research come from the fact that the answers collected are only from teachers whereas the family or community members' opinions are not captured.</p><p><strong>Practical implications</strong> – These conclusions show that the school is the one that must reach an understanding of the different environments, experiences, values, cultures, religions and other factors that could affect the communication relationship with the family and the community. It is clear that the school staff also need communication skills for effective communication. The communication channel must be modern, efficient and as personal as possible.</p><p><strong>Originality/value</strong> – The conclusions and recommendations may be used by representatives of educational institutions and could be part of the preparation for future potential crises and significantly contribute to improving management by developing effective communication skills.</p&gt