The Organizational Communication Model in Waste Management Education for Children

^1,2,3,4,5,6 Communication Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universitas Muhammadiyah Klaten, Indonesia
⁷ Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India

^* Corresponding author: ladyva.calista@umkla.ac.id

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of organizational communication in implementing environmental waste management education for children residing at the Muhammadiyah Orphanage in Nanggulan, Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. By using a descriptive qualitative approach and applying symbolic interactionism theory, the research aims to uncover patterns of communication that contribute to the successful internalization and practice of waste management among the orphanage’s children. The findings show that 80% of the foster children have successfully adopted proper waste management practices through topdown and bottom-up communication flows, reinforced by direct examples from caregivers. However, 20% of the children, primarily those of elementary school age, have yet to fully embrace the program. This study highlights the importance of structured communication models in fostering environmental responsibility and suggests the need for continuous educational efforts tailored to younger children.