Communication as a Cultural Development Tool for Driving Effective Provincial Constituent Services: A Case Study of Chimbu (Simbu) Province in Papua New Guinea

Abstract

Utilizing a cross-sectional qualitative design, this study examined how the Chimbu provincial government systems in Papua New Guinea (PNG) employed communication strategies as cultural tools in the delivery of services to constituents in remote rural areas. Participants were asked to reflect on the effectiveness of governmental communication strategies in engaging local communities during the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite weaknesses, the study finds that the PNG government employed a comprehensive communication strategy to control infections in communities. It provided concise messaging to ensure local communities adhered to Covid-19 protocols, such as hand washing, social distancing, masking, and vaccinating while collaborating with other agencies to enhance messaging. The study also demonstrates how both the government and opposition collaborated for public safety during the pandemic.