Unit 4 : Communication

4.1 Introduction

Communication, whether in the guise of language, social interaction or political action,

has become a central issue in contemporary times. The key element in communication is the
relation between various persons, units or entities and communication may mean (a) the process
by which one entity achieves a spatial shift, (b) the process by which one entity achieves contact
with another, with or without any spatial shift, (c) the process by which one may transmit a
message to another, or (d) the process by which two or more entities may establish an inter-
actional relationship in a structured manner so that they constitute a community in
communication. The inter-relationship between these various senses of communication can be
complex in specific situations.

4.1.1 Meaning and Definition of Communication

A meaning of communication, commonly known or understand by people, is exchange of

information between individuals. But more the pervasive definition of communication is "the
process of transferring information and understanding from one individual to another. The
subject of communication has become of prime concern to numerous scholars since the time of
ancient Greece.

According to I.A. Richards, the English Literary critic and author, "Communication takes place
when one mind so acts upon its environment that another mind is influenced, and in that other
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mind an experience occurs which is like the experience in the first mind, and is caused in part by
that experience." This definition is applicable to all kind of communication. However, more
recently, questions are raised about the sufficiency of any single definition of the term.

“Communication can be defined as an exchange and exact replication of thoughts, feelings, facts,
beliefs and ideas between and among the individuals through a common system of symbols to
cause some actions or changes in behavior”.

A deep understanding of the process of communication and communication skills is

essential. It is vital to the success of any individual in any business. Here we shall see some of
the many types of communication.

Communication styles change from person to person. During the process of

communication, a person may invoke several channels or modes or methods to convey a
message. But, the process of communication doesn’t only depend on the source producing or
relaying information.

It also equally depends on the communication method and the manner in which the
receiver understands the message. Let us first understand the method by which we communicate.

Advancement in science and technology has greatly contributed to the field of

communication. Telephone and telegraph are the results of those inventions in technology and
then wireless radio and telephoto devices etc. followed. After that, the development of popular
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newspapers, periodicals, broadcasting, motion pictures, and television helped to make
communication efficient and rapid, between few individuals and large populations. This media
have played a vital role to bring about the change and to give rise to the social power of mass
communication.

4.2 Significance of Communication

The communicative technologies in the world have been increasing in numbers as well as
in speed, clarity and accuracy. The significance of communication in the modern world is
discussed below:

 For transfer of ideas

To transfer ideas from one to another

person, communication plays significant role.
every human being has some ideas that are
unique as well as creative. Out of all this ideas
some ideas can be implemented in real life and
can turn into measure creation too. But to
make the transition from thought to an
implementation, it needs effectual
communication. Hence, the idea should be
convey as a plan, drawing or description so that it can be implemented further.

 Aids in Decision making: The information through communication is aids in decision

making. Communication help to access vital information required to take important
decision.

 Provide Effective Leadership: through effective communication skill, manager may

became more connected with his sub-ordinates and exchange ideas as well as submit
appropriate proposal, knows the opinions , seeks their advices and take decisions. These
enbles the manager to win confidence of his sub ordinates through constantly
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communicating with them as well as removing probable misunderstandings. In this way
manager leads his people to accomplish the organizational goal.

 For interacting with society: It is important that we interact with over surroundings and
people who leave in the surroundings. Whenever we talk to someone, we, knowingly or
unknowingly, react to their question, comments or actions. This is communication. While
corresponding to someone in anyway, we are actual communicate with them. For healthy
society, healthy communication is essential.

 For education: for the purpose of education, we need to communicate the ideas in the
syllabus or the study material to the student. Education involves a collection of different
kinds of communication i.e., Audio, books, video and lectures. However here the things
are not just to communicate, but to communicate effectively. Inefficient communication
may lead to transfer of ambiguous knowledge.

 Increases Cooperation and Organizational Peace

The two ways communication process promotes cooperation as well as mutual
understanding amongst the workers and also between them and the management. This
leads to less friction and thus leads to industrial peace in the factory and efficient
operation of business.

4.3 Types of Communication

Communication is a continuous process of give and take, teach and learn; it is an

opportunity to express views. It is also a process of transmitting and receiving. We transmit our
ideas, wants, facts, knowledge, desires, opinions and information. In communication, if there is
a sender, there should be a receiver too! The receiver is not passive, but he reciprocates and
reacts. That is why communication is a two-way process.
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Types of
Communication

Verbal Non-Verbal Written Visual

Communication Communication Communication Communication

Formal
Communicatio

Informal
Communication

Verbal Communication:

Verbal communication can be done with the use of language to transfer information with
help of sign language or specking. It is consider as a most common types. It is use during
presentation, video conference, meetings, one-on-one conversation as well as phone call. Verbal
communication is important because of it is efficient way of communication. It can be helpful to
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support both non-verbal and written communication. Steps include in verbal communication are
use of strong, confident specking voice, use active listing and avoid fillers words.

Formal &Informal

There are two types of communication when considering the formality of the
communication. One is the formal and official type of communication which can be emails,
letterheads, memos, reports and other such kinds of written material. These are considered as
documentary evidence and certain formality is associated with them. You cannot submit such
formal documents and later deny them.

Informal communication is one where there is nothing official about the communication
that is happening. It can be known as Grapevine communication. There is no specific channel of
informal communication because there is Social media, Whatsapp, SMS which are all vehicles of
informal communication which can be used by people.
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Advantages of formal communication

 When you want to finalize policy and want to decide a course to adopt, then formal
communication is more effective
 Formal communication can help in establishing procedures and ensuring that the steps are
followed.
 Any promises or any official plans need to be formally documented so that they can be
referred to later.

Advantages of informal communication

 Informal communication helps the “Open door policy” and makes people more confident
and forthcoming with their ideas and creativity.
 Informal communication does not incite fear into peoples mind
 Informal talks encourage people to share their problems.

The problem with formal communication is that it is not personal and a distance is
maintained if you use only formal communications. Whereas on the other hand, informal
conversations can get out of hand and there can be negative grapevine generated.
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Non-Verbal Communication:

Non-Verbal communication includes use of

body language, facial expression and gestures to
convey information to other. It can be used both
unintentionally and intentionally, you might smile
unintentionally when you pleasing or enjoyable
piece of information and idea. Non-Verbal
communication is useful for understanding
thoughts and feelings of other. If they are
displaying “closed” body language such as crossed
arms or legs, or hunched shoulders, they might be
feeling angry, nervous or anxious. If they are displaying “open” body language with both feet on
the floor and arms by theirs side or on the table, which are likely feeling positive and open to
information.

Written
Communication

Written communication includes act of writing, typing , printing symbols like

numbers and letters to convey information . It is helpful; because this communication
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provides a recordsa information for future reference. Writing is generally used to share
information through pamphlets, books, letters, blocks, memos etc. Emails and chats are
common form of written communication at workplace.

Visual Communication

this is the act of using photograph,

sketches, drawings , arts, graphs and
charts to convey information. Visual are
often used as an aid during presentation
to provide helpful context along with
written and / or verbal communication.
Because people may have different
learning styles, visual communication
might be consider more helpful for
some to consume information and idea .

4.4 Features of Effective Communication

Effective communication is a process of exchanging ideas, thoughts, knowledge and

information such that the purpose or intention is fulfilled in the best possible manner. In simple
words, it is nothing but the presentation of views by the sender in a way best understood by the
receiver.

Clear

The primary character of any spoken or written form of transmission of information should be to
state the message clearly. There are several ways to do it. For example, the sentences should be
short and simple. We should prefer the active voice over the passive voice. If we have to convey
several messages then it is convenient to state it in separate bulleted points
Concise
Time is an essential parameter in communications. The normal attention span is just a few
minutes long. If you present your message in a clear and beautiful manner which is very long,
the crux of the report or the message may be lost altogether. Long and lengthy communique is
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boring and avoided by most. So to summarize this point, effective communication has to be
concise.

Concrete

Whatever message or information or data is present in your communique, it should be

well-footed. Your arguments should have data that suitably backs it up. A tangible argument is
always easy to understand.

Coherent

Suppose you are telling a story. What if you start from the middle part? Or what if you
state the end in the beginning? Of course, the whole point of narrating a story would become
vain. Similarly, when you are presenting your communique, you need to be coherent. You need
to understand what goes where and what comes when.

The key to a coherent write-up is a well-planned, logical and sequential presentation of

the information. The main ideas should be differentiable and they should follow each other in a
way that is derivative of some rules.

Courteous

We know that all business communications should have some degree of formal flavor.
The presenter should try his best to be honest, respectful, considerate, open and polite with the
receiver of the information. The message when supplemented with proper care and kindness will
definitely find an audience.

A rude presenter will have no audience even if the message he delivers is perfectly
effective and important. Offensive words can put off certain factions of people. You should take
ample care to not be racist or misogynist or any other bad influence on the audience. Even while
using humor you should be very careful that you are not being inconsiderate or cruel to anyone.

Listening For Understanding

Communication doesn’t only mean presenting or generating information. It also means to
receive it. In fact, an effective communication channel must have a transducer and a receiver.
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Half of the faculty for the process is thus a receiver. For the purpose of effective communication,
a receiver should have certain qualifiers.

He should be able to detect the message which may be hidden deep within the chatter or
gibberish. The good listener observes not only what a person speaks of but also the non-verbal
cues. This is what helps in the complete and full understanding of the transmission.

A good listener will have some qualities. He would be emotionally intelligent and
mature, objective in approach and practical. His understanding of the message should not be
influenced by his own personal judgments of either the topic or the presenter. A good listener
should be able to filter through all of these limitations and reach the actual message that the
presenter is relaying before them.

Focus and Attention

Multitasking is the name of the game these days. However, while receiving or
transmitting information; a certain level of focus is essential. Suppose you are in a star
communication channel and are relaying information to multiple sources. You are replying to
emails, sending emails, and answering phones.

Any misplaced communication could be disastrous. Also, while receiving information, if you
lose focus, you may miss the important parts of the message altogether. Hence we say that focus
and attention are very crucial for effective communication.

Emotional Awareness and Control

This is the last but certainly the most important aspect of effective communication. Emotions
will guide you through any situation of life. Whether you accept a message with the intention it
is relaying with or not, depends on the emotional maturity and your emotional intelligence. Both
while relaying information or while receiving it, you have to take extreme care in keeping
yourself in an emotionally stable state.

4.5 Hurdles of Communication

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Now that we understand the types and delivery of communication let’s have a look at
some of the hurdle of communication. Hurdles are many and can occur anywhere in the
communication process. The key Hurdles are;

 Language hurdles

The language used by the sender may not be understood by the receiver. Also, the two-
people communicating may speak the same language but the jargon used to pass the
information may breakdown communication if the receiver doesn’t fully understand it. For
example, if an expert uses industry terminology while communicating to an intern he/she will
not be understood because they are yet to learn the terminology.

 Emotional hurdles

Tthe state of mind of the communicators can hinder the delivery of information. If the
receiver is having issues they are likely to be less attentive, which could lead to poor
communication. The mental state of the sender and receiver influences how the message is
received perceived and sent.

 Physical hurdle:
The environment one is in determines how good communication is. If a receiver of a
message is in a noisy place he is unlikely to hear what message is being conveyed. Vice versa
if an encoder at a musical concert he cannot pass information clearly. Geographical distance
also is a hurdle to communication. Generally, communication is faster over a short distance
as many communication channels are available and less technology is required. If you are to
send a message to a person in Antarctica this may prove difficult as mobile communication is
unavailable or poor. Face to face communication is best as both are in the same place.

 Systematic hurdle

In an organization communication may be barred because they are no channels to

communicate amongst themselves. For example, a junior employee may not be able to access
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the company CEO because no measures have been put in place to allow for that. Systematic
barriers exist in organizations with inefficient communication channels.

 Attitudinal hurdle

Attitudinal hurdle are behaviors or perceptions that prevent people from communicating
effectively. Attitudinal hurdle to communication may result from personality conflicts, poor
management, and resistance to change, or a lack of motivation. Effective receivers of
messages should attempt to overcome their own attitudinal hardule to facilitate effective
communication.

References:

http://cbseacademic.nic.in

http://www.ddegjust.ac.in/studymaterial/bba/bba-206.pdf

https://www.managementstudyguide.com

https://www.businessmanagementideas.com/

https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in