Communication flow of beef cattle farmers in Banyuasin Regency, Indonesia

Abstract

This study seeks to examine the interpersonal communication flow of livestock group leaders in Banyuasin Regency in increasing the motivation of their members. This study employed primary data, through in-depth interviews, field observations, and references related to this research. The data analysis in this study refers to the interactive analysis model of Matthew B. Miles and A. Michael Huberman. The results indicate that based on the communication flow of the livestock group in Banyuasin Regency, downward communication where the message flows from the head of the livestock group to his/her members formally is often carried out to facilitate the process of exchanging information, work instructions, orders, explanations, and work procedures in the group. Upward communication carried out by the group members to the head of the livestock groups in Banyuasin Regency is meant to provide reports on the work or group activities, suggestions, complaints, and criticisms, whose function is to determine the appreciation and loyalty of the members to the livestock group by submitting ideas to develop the group. Horizontal communication among officials in livestock groups in Banyuasin Regency is carried out formally, through joint problem solving, and exchange of ideas among members of livestock groups by holding meetings, cooperation, and coordination among group members. In addition, horizontal communication is also carried out by fellow group members by holding relaxed meetings and discussions to develop the group and participating in trainings that can support the abilities of the members. The results showed that there were three flows of communication channels, including downward communication, upward communication, and horizontal communication.