What is communication?
Communication is a process of sharing information, through and feelings between people through speaking, writing or body language.
Definition of effective communication
A two way information sharing process which involves one party sending a message that is easily understood by the receiving party. We can still say effective communication is a communication between two or more persons wherein the intended message is successfully delivered, received and understood. In order words the communication is said to be effective when all the parties in the communication, assign similar meanings to the message and listen carefully to what all have been said and make the sender feel heard and understood. In the business context, the communication is effective if the information shared among the company employees contributes towards the organization commercial success.
Types of effective communication
Verbal communication
Verbal or oral communication uses spoken words to communicate a message. When people think of verbal communication, they think of speaking, but listening is an equally important skill for this type of communication to be successful. Verbal communication is applicable to wide range of situation, ranging from informal office discussion to public speeches made to thousands of people.
Improving your verbal communication skill can help you foster better relationship with your co-workers and maintain a large network of contact that you can call on when necessary.
Non-verbal communication
This includes body languages, gestures, facial expressions and even posture. Non verbal communication sets the tune of a conversation, and can seriously undermined the message contained in your words if you are not careful to control it. For example, slouching and shrinking back in your chair during a business meeting can make you seem under confident which may lead people to doubt the strength of your verbal contributions.
Written communication
This is essential for communication complicated information such as statistics or other data, that could not be easily communicated through speech alone. Written communication allows information to be recorded so that it can be referred to at a later date. When producing a piece of written communication especially one that is likely to be referred to over and over again, you need to plan what you want to say carefully to ensure all relevant information is accurately and clearly communicated. It must also be clear, grammatically correct language and concise in order to communicate effective information.
How communication assists the business management in achieving organization objectives and goals
Communication is the lifeblood of an organization it is the vehicle that ensures proper performance of organization functions and achievement of organization goals. The following are the ways they assist the business management achieve their objectives and goals:
- They help them in exchanging information with the internal and external parties.
- They help to supply information needed to formulate plans for attaining organisational goals, because plan is the blue print of future courses actions.
- It enables a plan to be transmitted throughout the organization for implementation, because for a plan to be implemented it requires timely communication with the concerned parties.
- They help in collecting necessary information from various sources for policy formulation, which are guideline for performing organization activities.
- In organizing resources in an effective way is a key challenge to the managers, therefore communication can be use as the vehicles to overcome this challenge.
- They help to coordinate the functions of various departments for easy attainment of organizational goals.
- Communication helps in seeking new ideas and suggestions from the internal and external parties.
- It enables management to communicate with employees both formally and informally which aids in motivating them to work and also creates good understanding between them.
- It enables conveying of employees reactions, opinions, suggestions and complaints to their superiors possible about the plans, policies, programs and strategies of the company.
- Orientation of new employees with the company policies, rules, regulations, and procedures is made possible through communication.
References
Berlo, D. K. (1960). The process of communication. New York, New York: Holt, Rinehart, & Winston.
Danesi, M. (2009), Dictionary of Media and Communications. M.E.Sharpe, Armonk, New York.
Ferguson, S., Terrion, J., (2014). Communication in Everyday Life, Personal and Professional Contexts, Oxford University Press.
Shannon, C. E. A Mathematical Theory of Communication” (PDF). Math.harvard.edu. Retrieved 2017-05-01.
Turner, L. H., & West, R. L. (2013). Perspectives on family communication. Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill.
