History of Communication

Communication
Meaning and Definition
Derived from the Latin word Communis

which means common, thus communication stands for sharing of an idea in common. Is an exchange of facts, ideas, opinions or emotions by two or more persons Newman and Summer

Communication
It is a sum of all things one person does

when he wants to create understanding in the minds of another. It is a bridge of meaning, it involve systematic telling, listening, and understanding Haimann Communication does not always flow from supervisor to subordinate. It can also be from a subordinate to a supervisor. Thus it is a two way process.

Communication
It is a basic organizational function, which

refers to the process by which a person transmits information or messages to another person. It is regarded as basic to the functioning of the organization, in its absence, the organization would cease to exist. It is the process through which two or more persons come to exchange ideas and understanding among themselves.

Purpose of Communication

The purpose of communication in organizations is to convey orders, instructions, or information so as to bring desired changes in the performance and or the attitude of employees.

Elements of Communication
Sender / Encoder
Is the person who originates and encodes

information to be shared with others. Encoding is putting information into a form that can be received and understood by another individual. Receiver / Decoder Is the person with whom the source is

attempting to share information. This person receives the signal and decodes, or interprets, the message to determine its meaning. Message Is an encoded information that the source intends to share constitute a message. Signal Is a message that has been transmitted from one person to another is called a signal.

 Response / Feedback
Is a reply or response sent by receiver after

decoding the message and interpret it.

Importance of communication
Communication in organization is so

important that it is said to be the lifeblood of the organization. Success of direction largely depends on how effectively the manager can communicate with his subordinates. Proper communication in organizations at all levels and between all levels can improve both the quantity and quality of output.

Benefits of Communication
Communication helps employees to

understand their role clearly and perform effectively. It helps in achieving coordination and mutual understanding which in turn, leads to industrial harmony and increased productivity. Communication improves managerial efficiency and ensures cooperation of the staff.

 Effective communication helps in molding

attitudes and building up employees morale. Communication is the means through which delegation and decentralization of authority is successfully accomplished in an organization.

Types of communication
On the basis of On the basis of On the basis of channel used Direction mode used Formal Upward Verbal a. Oral b. Written Non-verbal a. Gestural

Informal

Downward Horizontal Diagonal

Formal and Informal Communication

The type of communication which are based

on relationship establish formally by management is called formal communication. Communication, which takes place on the basis of informal or social relations among staff, is called informal communication.

On the Basis of Direction

Upward Communication
When the communication is made from the

bottom to the top. Downward Communication When communication is made from superiors down the hierarchy. The flow of communication is from top to bottom.

 Horizontal Communication
When the communication is amongst

members at the same level in the organization. Here, the communication is among people of the same rank and status. Diagonal Communication When communication is made between people who are neither in the same department nor at the same level of organizational hierarchy.

Verbal and Non-verbal Communication

On the basis of the mode used,

communication may be verbal or nonverbal. While communicating, managers may talk to their subordinates either face to face or on telephone or they may send letters, issue notices, or memos. These are all verbal communication. Thus, the verbal mode of communication may be oral and written.

The written modes of communication include letters, circulars, notices and memos. Sometimes verbal communication is supported by non-verbal communication such as facial expressions and body gestures. For example, wave of hand, a smile or a frown face etc. This is also termed as the gestural communication.

Non-Verbal Communication

Process of Communication
Source Encoder Signal Decoder Desti00 nation

Feedback

 Many people think communication is simple.

After all, we communicate every day without even thinking about it. However, communication is usually complex, and the opportunities for sending or receiving the wrong messages are innumerable. The two essential elements in every communication situation are the sender and the receiver.

 The sender is anyone who wishes to convey an

idea or concept to others. The receiver is the person to whom the message is sent. The message is sent through a channel, which is the communication carrier. Finally, feedback occurs when the receiver respond to the senders communication with a return message. Without feedback, the communication is one-way; with feedback, it is two-way process.

What does Communication Media mean?

Communication media refers to the means

of delivering and receiving data or information. In telecommunication, these are transmission and storage tools or channels for data storage and transmission. The communication media acts as a communication channel for linking various computing devices so that they may interact with each other.

Two forms of communication media

Analog
Includes the conventional radio, telephonic

and television broadcasts.

Digital
Computer mediated communication,

computer networking and telegraphy.

 Most commonly used data communication

media include: Wire pairs Coaxial cable Microwave transmission Communication satellite Fiber optics

What are barriers in communication?

There are many barriers in communication.

Language can be a barrier. If the receiver does not understand the language of the sender, it is a barrier. In electronic communications, such as radio or television, static or a weak signal can be a barrier. In short, anything that interferes with a signal sent to a receiver is a barrier to communication.

Barriers to Effective Communication

Physical Barriers
are often due to the nature of environment. Poor or outdated equipment, particularly

the failure of management to introduce new technology. System Design Faults refer to the problems with the structures in an organization.

Barriers to Effective Communication

Attitudinal Barriers
Come about as a result of problems with

staff in an organization. Poor management Lack of consultation w/ employees Personality conflicts Personal attitudes of individual employees due to dissatisfaction

Barriers to Effective Communication

Psychological Factors
Refers to peoples state of mind.

Different Languages & Culture

Is a barrier which is particularly important

for organizations involved in overseas business. Physiological Barriers May result from individuals personal discomfort.

What contributes to effective communication ?

Keep your message simple.
Be clear about what you want to

communicate, and keep to the point.

Select your words with care. Dont try to dazzle with your vocabulary. Choose simple words, and look for opportunities to use cognates-that is, words that resemble words in your listeners language.

What contributes to effective communication ?

Pay close attention to nonverbal messages.
Dont cover your mouth with your hand.

Being able to see your lips helps your listener decipher what you are saying. Speak slowly and carefully. In particular, avoid running words together. Howyadoin? wont make any sense to someone still struggling with the English language, for example.

What contributes to effective communication ? Allow for pauses. If youre an American, your culture has taught you to avoid silence whenever possible. However, pauses give your listener time to take in what you have said, ask a question, or formulate a response.

Fight the urge to shout. Speaking louder doesnt make it any easier for someone to understand you.

What contributes to effective communication ? It also tends to be intimidating and could give the impression that you are angry. Pay attention to facial expressions and body language, but keep in mind that the meaning of such cues can vary significantly from culture to culture. For example, Americans may view eye contact as a sign youre giving someone your full attention, but the Japanese consider prolonged eye contact rude.

What contributes to effective communication ? Check for comprehension frequently and invite feedback. Stop from time to time and make sure youre being understood, especially if the other person laughs inappropriately, never asks a question, or continually nods and smiles politely. Ask the listener to repeat what youve said in his or her own words.

The Future of Communication