THE EFFECT OF COMMUNICATION ANXIETY ON TEAMWORK EFFECTIVENESS IN A BUSINESS CONTEXT (Case Study: PT. Asharia Karya Indonesia)

Abstract

This study aims to conceptually analyze the influence of the level of communication apprehension (CA) experienced by employees on team work effectiveness in a premium retail business environment. Communication apprehension, defined as fear or anxiety related to actual or anticipated communication with others, is believed to hinder important processes within teams, such as information sharing, coordination, and conflict resolution. In the context of PT Asharia Karya Indonesia (Dough Lab), a retail F&B company that prioritizes artisanal quality and premium customer experience, team communication effectiveness is crucial. Theoretical analysis shows that high CA among store crew or production teams can result in avoidance of communicative tasks, decreased participation, and delays in problem solving, which ultimately reduces team effectiveness and service quality. Further research using a quantitative approach is proposed to verify this hypothetical relationship. Communication apprehension (CA), defined as an individual's level of fear or anxiety about actual or anticipated communication with others, is a common psychological phenomenon in the workplace. In a business environment that is highly dependent on teamwork and collaboration, the presence of CA among team members has the potential to have a significant negative impact on team effectiveness. This study aims to analyze in depth the mechanism of CA's influence on dimensions of team effectiveness, such as task performance, team cohesion, and member satisfaction. A review of the literature shows that CA can inhibit participation, reduce information sharing, and increase unresolved conflicts, which collectively undermine productivity and business results. The managerial implications emphasize the need for organizational interventions, such as communication training and the establishment of a culture of psychological safety, to mitigate the detrimental effects of CA and optimize the team's potential.