A recurring theme throughout much of franchise research is the importance of communication in a franchise relationship.
Franchise conflict research conducted by Griffith University a few years back, and funded through an Australian Research Council linkage grant with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, revealed interesting results relating to communication.
Findings showed three quarters of franchisees trust their franchisor to be honest with them, however it’s a little concerning that there was still a quarter who didn’t trust their franchisors, as trust is the foundation of any strong and prosperous relationship, whether in business or otherwise.
The research also revealed only half of franchisees surveyed feel information communicated by the franchisor is accurate.
Transparency in the franchise relationship
Although franchisees may trust their franchisor, they may question the accuracy of information presented to them, which highlights the need for franchisors to be more transparent.
Transparency was one of the messages reiterated throughout the public and the media when discussing how to prevent and solve a range of everyday franchise problems.
Timely communication in the franchise relationship
The franchise conflict research also revealed while half of franchisees did believe in the accuracy of information provided by their franchisor, only half of them felt communication is prompt and timely – highlighting another communication issue.
Decreasing franchise conflict
Communication was listed as the cause of major conflict between a franchisor and franchisee in 9 percent of cases.
By addressing communication issues as they arise, and putting proper structures and measures in place you may be able to avoid or at least decrease conflict in your franchise business.
Communication in your franchise
How communication works in your franchise really depends on the nature of the franchise business and the needs of the people involved.
Regardless though, communication requires your attention, to make sure whatever the communication policies and procedures in place, they actually work for all parties involved.
With communication being a recurring theme across our research, particularly in relation to franchise conflict, it really deserves your time.