Nature and Process of Communication
1.1 Introduction to Communication- Meaning & scope
Meaning of Communication:
Communication can broadly be defined as exchange of ideas, messages and information
between two or more persons, through a medium, in a manner that the sender and the
receiver understand the message in the common sense, that is, they develop common
understanding of the message.
The word communication is derived from the Latin word ‘communicare’, which means to
share, impart, participate, exchange, transmit or to make common. It emphasises on
sharing common information, ideas and messages. It is not merely issuing orders and
instructions.
Communication is a two way process of exchanging ideas or information. One person
alone cannot carry out communication. When you communicate, there has to be a
receiver or an audience that would reciprocate. Only then can your communication be
complete.
Communication is a process of transmitting and receiving verbal and non-verbal
messages. It is considered effective only when it achieves the desired reaction or response
from the receiver. The response may be positive or negative. In case of absence of any
response, communication is incomplete.
Definitions:
“Communication is the transfer of information from a sender to a receiver, with the
information being understood by the receiver”. — Koontz and Weihrich
The Oxford dictionary defines communication as ‘the imparting or exchange of
information by speaking, writing, or using some other medium.
According to Newman and Summer, ‘Communication is an exchange of facts, ideas,
opinions or emotions by two or more people.’
To summarize, communication has been defined as:
• A process of passing information and understanding
• A two way process of reaching mutual understanding
• The act of making one’s ideas and opinions known to others.
• The process of imparting ideas and making oneself understood by others
• The transmission and accurate replication of ideas ensured by feedback for the purpose of
eliciting actions.
• A systematic and continuous process of telling, listening and understanding.
1.2 Objectives of Communication:
, Communication is carried out with some purpose or objective. The communication
activity of an organization fall into three broad categories:
1. Interorganizational Communication: This takes place within an organization. It takes
place in the form of orders, circulars, notices, emails, etc.
2. Interorganizational communication: This takes place between a business organization
and people outside the organization. It can take place in the form of company
presentations, advertisements, displays, project reports, etc.
3. Personal communication: This communication is undertaken without a specific
objective. Personal conversations, gossip, grapevine communication are examples of
personal communication.
Importance of Communication:
The desire to socialize and get formed into organised groups necessitates the need for
communication. In the fast changing world, managers communicate changes in
technology, structure or people to the subordinates. If the communication system is well
organised, it becomes easier for subordinates to understand and act upon the message.
Communication plays important role in the lives of individuals and organisations.
The following points highlight the importance of communication:
1. Basis for planning:
Planning is the basic function of management. If plans are well designed and
communicated for their implementation, it leads to organisational success. Planning
requires extensive environmental scanning and information about internal and external
organisation elements. An effective system of communication helps in obtaining this
information. Implementing the plans requires communicating them to everybody in the
organisation. Communication is, thus, the basis of planning.
2. Motivation to work:
Employees are motivated to work if their needs are satisfied. Communication helps
managers know needs of their employees so that they can adopt suitable motivators and
inspire them to develop positive attitude towards the work environment.
3. Job satisfaction:
Exchange of information develops trust, confidence and faith amongst managers and
subordinates. They understand their job positions better and, thus, perform better. People
are committed to organisational objectives which promotes job satisfaction,
4. Commitment to organisational objectives:
Managers who follow an effective system of communication understand employees’
needs, adopt suitable motivators to satisfy them, appraise their performance and provide
them regular feedback. The employees also work with commitment towards
organisational objectives.
5. Coordination:
1.1 Introduction to Communication- Meaning & scope
Meaning of Communication:
Communication can broadly be defined as exchange of ideas, messages and information
between two or more persons, through a medium, in a manner that the sender and the
receiver understand the message in the common sense, that is, they develop common
understanding of the message.
The word communication is derived from the Latin word ‘communicare’, which means to
share, impart, participate, exchange, transmit or to make common. It emphasises on
sharing common information, ideas and messages. It is not merely issuing orders and
instructions.
Communication is a two way process of exchanging ideas or information. One person
alone cannot carry out communication. When you communicate, there has to be a
receiver or an audience that would reciprocate. Only then can your communication be
complete.
Communication is a process of transmitting and receiving verbal and non-verbal
messages. It is considered effective only when it achieves the desired reaction or response
from the receiver. The response may be positive or negative. In case of absence of any
response, communication is incomplete.
Definitions:
“Communication is the transfer of information from a sender to a receiver, with the
information being understood by the receiver”. — Koontz and Weihrich
The Oxford dictionary defines communication as ‘the imparting or exchange of
information by speaking, writing, or using some other medium.
According to Newman and Summer, ‘Communication is an exchange of facts, ideas,
opinions or emotions by two or more people.’
To summarize, communication has been defined as:
• A process of passing information and understanding
• A two way process of reaching mutual understanding
• The act of making one’s ideas and opinions known to others.
• The process of imparting ideas and making oneself understood by others
• The transmission and accurate replication of ideas ensured by feedback for the purpose of
eliciting actions.
• A systematic and continuous process of telling, listening and understanding.
1.2 Objectives of Communication:
, Communication is carried out with some purpose or objective. The communication
activity of an organization fall into three broad categories:
1. Interorganizational Communication: This takes place within an organization. It takes
place in the form of orders, circulars, notices, emails, etc.
2. Interorganizational communication: This takes place between a business organization
and people outside the organization. It can take place in the form of company
presentations, advertisements, displays, project reports, etc.
3. Personal communication: This communication is undertaken without a specific
objective. Personal conversations, gossip, grapevine communication are examples of
personal communication.
Importance of Communication:
The desire to socialize and get formed into organised groups necessitates the need for
communication. In the fast changing world, managers communicate changes in
technology, structure or people to the subordinates. If the communication system is well
organised, it becomes easier for subordinates to understand and act upon the message.
Communication plays important role in the lives of individuals and organisations.
The following points highlight the importance of communication:
1. Basis for planning:
Planning is the basic function of management. If plans are well designed and
communicated for their implementation, it leads to organisational success. Planning
requires extensive environmental scanning and information about internal and external
organisation elements. An effective system of communication helps in obtaining this
information. Implementing the plans requires communicating them to everybody in the
organisation. Communication is, thus, the basis of planning.
2. Motivation to work:
Employees are motivated to work if their needs are satisfied. Communication helps
managers know needs of their employees so that they can adopt suitable motivators and
inspire them to develop positive attitude towards the work environment.
3. Job satisfaction:
Exchange of information develops trust, confidence and faith amongst managers and
subordinates. They understand their job positions better and, thus, perform better. People
are committed to organisational objectives which promotes job satisfaction,
4. Commitment to organisational objectives:
Managers who follow an effective system of communication understand employees’
needs, adopt suitable motivators to satisfy them, appraise their performance and provide
them regular feedback. The employees also work with commitment towards
organisational objectives.
5. Coordination:
