3. Unit- 1
Meaning of Communication
Origin from the word- communicare (to share, to
have in common)
Exchange of ideas ,opinions and information, facts
and understanding from one person to another.
Not only that we humans communicate. All species
communicate in their own way. However ,
successful communication is the trait that has been
made humans the most successful species.
4. Communication is actually getting the desired
response.
Intentions and outcomes are the two most important
facets of the process of communication
(there must be a proper synchronization between the
two to get the desired results)
8. Characteristics of communication
Two way process (Involves plurality of persons).
Pervasive function
Two people
Different forms of communication
It is an unavoidable process
Encompasses message
Facilitates controlling function
Conflict resolution
Improves external relations
Establishes team spirit
9. Significance or Need
“Communication is the cement that makes organizations .”
- Nobert Winner
The manager has a specific tool :information. He does not
handle people ,he motivates, guides ,organizes people to do
their own work. His tool, his only tool-to do all this is the
spoken or written word or the language.”
-Peter F.Drucker
10. Communication-life blood of
business
Needed for Planning-
(exact , accurate and timely information is
needed.)
Decision making-
(choice of the best alternative among many)
11. Needed for control
(performance appraisal is an example to it)
For coordination
(with the help of communication in all directions)
Giant and global organizations
Conflict resolution
(as human resource is the most difficult to
manage)
13. Purpose /objectives of communication:
To share the information
To communicate the goals and objectives
To issue orders and instructions
To counsel
To advice
To motivate the employees
For quick implementation of ideas
14. Feedback:-
The response of the reciever to the message sent
by the sender is called feedback.
Used to provide the information about the work to
be done
Helps in evaluating the accuracy of particular
communication.
Helps in giving the incentives and punishments.
15. Various kinds of feedback:
Self feedback (like understanding the
mispronunciation etc)
Listener’s feedback( in the form of queries or non-
agreement or various other gestures.)
Positive feedback
Negative feedback
16. Importance of feedback:-
Confirmation about the transmission of message
Finding out the solutions to the problems
Dynamic environment ( for the identification of change
required)
Better understanding (develops mutual trust and
cooperation)
Better planning (by knowing the performance of
employees the further plans can be set ahead)
17. Psychological or mental satisfaction (of the
employees)
Higher level of efficiency
Development of the capacities
19. Three basis of types of communication:-
Channel or network
- Formal and Informal
Direction of message
- Downward
- Upward
- Lateral/horizontal/sideward
- Diagonal
Method of expression
- Verbal and Non -Verbal
20. On the basis of channel or network:
Formal communication:-
Refers to interchange of information officially.
Communication b/w two positions
Pre-defined in the organization structure
Carried out b/w employees while carrying out
their responsibilities and duties
Information flows according to the set norms
Usually in the written form
(Say- through the bulletins and reports of the org.)
21. Advantages of formal comm.:-
Source of inf.can be located
Genuine information
Assigning responsibility (as the source can be easily
identified)
Systematic and logical order
Control (for the feedback)
Orderly and systematic(does not lead to rumours)
22. DISADVANTAGES
Wastage of time(over burden)
Inflexibility
Delay in decision making
Slow moving
Distortion of information(sometimes the distance
between the sender and the receiver is so big that the
information has to pass through many hands and by
the time it reaches the receiver it gets distorted)
23. •Informal Communication arises out of al those channels of
communication that fall outside the formal channels, it is also known as
grapevine communication network.
•Built around the social relationships of members of the organization.
•Informal communication does not flow lines of authority as is the case
of formal communication.
•It arises due to the personal needs of the members of n organization.
•At times, in informal communication, it is difficult to fix responsibility
about accuracy of information. Such communication is usually oral and
may be covered even by simple glance, gesture or smile or silence.
DISADVANTAGES OF INFORMAL COMMUNICATION:
The informal channels of communication may transmit completely imprecise
information that may harm rather than help an organization. Informal
communication contains facts, deceptions, rumors and unclear data.
24. ADVANTAGES
Social satisfaction of employees
Travels faster
Alternative system(in case of urgency)
For effective co-ordination(by sharing grievances)
Instant feedback
Emotional relief
economical
25. Disadvantages :-
Distortion of information
Incomplete information
No authentic source of information
Responsibility can’t be fixed
Unreliable ( anything which is unofficial remains
doubtful)
Creates trouble
leakage
26. Formal & informal communication
Formal
communication
It is an authorized way of
communication &
provides authentic
information. The
messages are
communicated through
scalar chain.
Informal
communication
Informal communication
satisfies the need of
employees to have
friendly relations with
their colleagues. It is
unavoidable & it might be
in a form of humors,
private talks, gossips etc.
27.
28. What is Grapevine and
what is its role in the
Communication
Network?
An organization is a composite of several individuals working together
towards its growth. They are constantly interacting with each other and
with people outside the company.
Informal communication in an organization usually flows through
Grapevine and Rumor. Ideally, the network of formal communication may
be adequate to meet the needs of exchanging information within an
organization, but in reality, this is seldom true. Employees in an
organization feel inadequately informed in a formal system. They often feel
that the management uses formal channels to conceal information rather
than reveal the real messages to them. The employees, therefore, modify the
formal methods of communication by bringing in an informal
communication system, known as “grapevine.”
30. On the basis of “Direction”
1. Downward communication
- to tell what to do and how to do? (i.e. give the
instructions)
- to explain the things
- to control
- to train the employees
- to motivate the employees
31. How ?
Handbooks and pamphlets :
- during the introduction or orientation program
, these are given to the new comers .
Posters and bulletins:
House journals (contains new products , policies
)
Training
circulars
32. Why? (merits)
To communicate the goals , objectives of the
organization to the subordinates
To communicate the plans and policies i.e. how to
accomplish those objectives.
To explain the authority and responsibility of the
employees i.e. what is expected of them.
Job satisfaction (on their better performances )
33. Demerits :
Distortion of message ( in case of large organizations
)
Incomplete message/information( that leads to
inefficiency)
Time consuming ( in case of many levels in
organizational hierarchy)
Filtration of information
34. Upward communication:
The way of communicating the information or idea
from subordinates to superiors
Meant for seeking the clarifications , clarifying
doubts ,sharing work experience , suggestions etc.
Very important for getting the feedback.
35. How? Ways of communication:
Suggestion system ( complaint or suggestion boxes
are kept at the convenient places )
Counseling ( in some org. workers are encouraged to
seek counseling from their superiors to further help
them to utilize their potential efficiently)
Grievance procedure ( say unions solve their
grievances through this procedure)
36. Open door policy( managers’ doors are open for the
workers or employees for their problems and
complaints)
Questionnaire (to locate the problems of the
employees)
Periodical meetings (informal gatherings at the
regular interval)
Ombudsperson ( complaint officer in the absence of
trade unions)
38. Demerits:
Filtration of information
Fears and apprehensions
Time consuming
Inattention by the subordinates
39. Horizontal /lateral/Sideward
Communication:
Transmission of message at the same level and status
Useful for achieving coordination
Type of informal communication
By telephone calls and letters
Communication within a team Is an example of this
category of communication(members co-ordinate
task , work together , and resolve conflicts)
40. Objectives :
To coordinate various individuals and departments
To solve the problems which involve the efforts of
various specialists
To exchange the information among various
departments
To promote social relations
It can be both- oral and written
41. Merits :
Speedy flow of info
Facilitates problem solving and
coordination(through meetings, discussions, f2f
comm)
Develops mutual trust and confidence
Strengthening group efforts
Relieves top managers comparatively from problem
solving
42. Demerits:
Rivaling attitude(since it occurs between
people of same rank , there may exist a sense
of rivalry among them, so no spontaneous
flow of information. )
Sometimes people conceal their information
to deprive someone from real news.
43. Personal likes and dislikes(towards
particular person) also obstruct the
free flow of information
Difference in perceptions may lead to
inter-dept. conflicts
Discouraging attitude of
mgmt(thinking that people will
become friendly and affect work n be a
threat to mgmt)
44. Diagonal communication:
Comm. b/w employees at different departments and
at different positions
When information flow is neither horizontal nor
vertical.
Helps in increasing the efficiency of organizational
activities.
Ensures cordial relationships
But, it departs from the normal chain of command.
45. UPWARD COMMUNICATION
Counseling
Reports
Open door policy
Complaint & suggestion box
LATERAL COMMUNICATI
Co-ordination
Internal
Common understanding
Mostly informal
DOWNWARD COMMUNICATION
Written orders
Bulletin boards
Company magazine
Financial report to employees
DIAGONAL
COMMUNICATI
ON
Transfer of
information to
people who are
not in same
department nor
same level.
46. On basis of media of expression
Verbal communication
Verbal communication is the use of sounds
and words to express yourself, specially in
contrast to using gestures or
mannerisms(habitual gesture or way of
speaking)
Types
Oral and written.
47. Oral communication
Process of expressing information or ideas by word
of mouth.
Face to face discussion, speeches, television,
radio, telephone
Merits
Saves time
Instant feedback
Cheaper
Flexible
Effective for all
49. Written communication
It involves any type of message that makes use of the
written word
Ex. Memos, reports , letters , mails
Merits
Authoritative document
Permanent record
Effective control
50. demerits
Lacks personal touch
Unsuitable for illiterate people
Takes time
Can be expensive
others
51. Effective communication
Two way communication
Transfer of message with transmission of
understanding
Creation of desired impact on the other person
Correct and free from errors
Complete in all respects so that readers queries are
answered.
53. B A R R I E R S M E A N S H U R D L E S / H I N D R A N C E S
O R O B S T A C L E S W H I C H A F F E C T / H A M P E R
T H E F R E E F L O W O F C O M M U N I C A T I O N
Barriers of communication
54. Types of communication barriers
Semantic barriers (concerned to the language)
Socio-psychological barriers (concerned to the
societal factors and other psychological factors)
Personal barriers (concerned to the person’s
individual thoughts, may be a part of psychological
barriers)
Physical and mechanical barriers
Organizational barriers
55. 1.Semantic barriers
Semantic is the “science of meaning”
The branch that deals with linguistics and meanings
These arise from the use of language-oral or written.
Rightly said-
“As thinking can corrupt the language ,the language
can also corrupt the thinking”
56. Types of semantic barriers:-
Poor Vocabulary(lack of knowledge
about words and their meanings,
can be overcome by studying more)
Jargon- specific or technical
language
Different languages
57. Unclarified Assumptions (due to the assumptions of
sender)
Words with different meanings/variety of
meanings:( the word ‘charge’ has around 15
meanings)
Badly expressed message( lack of clarity, precision,
wrong dictation, poor sentence construction etc)
Body language and gestures: (when verbal and non-
verbal communication don’t go in matching)
58. 2.Physical barriers
Physical barrier is the environmental and natural
condition that act as a barrier in communication in
sending message from sender to receiver.
59. Physical and mechanical barriers:types
Noise
Types of noise:
Environmental noise-(to cold or too hot weather,
body odor etc )
Physical noises-(loud speakers ,gossips etc)
Psychological noises-(ego clash, preoccupied
thoughts ,fatigue ,anxiety etc)
Semantic noise-(use of technical language , jargons
which makes difficult for receiver to decode the
message)
60. 2.Distance : between the sender and receiver
3.Time : Information is always ‘time bound’.
Information late is always obsolete.
4.Information Overload: leads to errors in
implementation of information.
5.Faulty Equipments : say-low ink in fax machine
,distractions at phone
61. 3.Organizational barriers :
Which arise due to the structure of organization, its
culture and its peculiar style of working .
Types of organizational barriers:
1.Status Relationship-
(due to the various levels in the organization)
(status refers to the regard and attitude displayed
and held towards a position by the members of
organization.)
62. 2. Rules and regulations :-
(may lead to the delay in action or reluctance in the
convey of message)
3. Complex organizational structure :-
( Like- long communication lines
several layers of supervision
co-existence of specialists )
63. Superior-sub-ordinate relationship-
(in case there is a lack of cordial relationship b/w
bosses and employees ,then there may be a fear
among employees to be the victims of boss’ anger
and the employers think that the workers may raise
their voices high.)
64. 4.Personal barriers
…which arise due to the personal traits of either the
sender or receiver.
1.lack of confidence in subordinates
2.Ignoring communication
4.Emotional conflicts (say, being over emotional)
5.Poor listening
6.Poor retention
7.Halo effect
65. 5.Psychological Barriers
These barriers arise from motives ,
emotions, social values, different
perceptions , etc.
These create psychological distance, cause
misunderstanding among people at work
and hinder the communication process.
Examples:
Premature evaluation
66. Many people think that
communicating is easy.
It is after all something we've
done all our lives.
There is some truth in this
simplistic view.
Communicating is
straightforward.
What makes it complex,
difficult, and frustrating are the
barriers we put in the way.
Here are the 7 top barriers.
67.
68. How to overcome these barriers?
1.Two way communication
2.Make best use of body language
3.Improved relationship
(mutual trust among employers and employees)
4.Timely information (MIS may be used by the mgmt)
69. 5. Clarity of message
(no ambiguity ,language should be clear and simple)
6.Dynamism
(there must be flexibility to adapt to certain sudden or
drastic changes)
7.Consistency of message
(consistent with the rules , objectives ,policies and
programmes of the org.)
70. 8.Feedback-(must be taken regularly ,even the non
verbal communication must be taken into
consideration)
9.Empathetic listening-(to avoid premature evaluation
71. Self development
Personal development covers activities
that improve awareness and identity,
develop talents and potential, build human
capital and facilitate employability,
enhance the quality of life and contribute
to the realization of dreams and
aspirations.
Personal development takes place over the
course of a person's entire life
72. The process by which a person’s
character or abilities are gradually
developed
Communicating to oneself- “I love myself”
73. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Communication skills is the ability
to use language (receptive) and
express (expressive)information.
Effective communication skills are
a critical element in our career and
personal lives.
74. These include…
Oral communication skills
Presenting in a summarized way
Audience analysis
Familiar language
Be time-bound
be interactive
75. Listening skills
Free from presumptions and pre-
perceived ideas
Avoid external distractions
Smiling face
Being patient
To void premature evaluation
76. Writing skills
Decide the purpose of writing
Avoid use of jargons
Be concrete
Be grammatically correct
Collecting relevant material from
different sources
77. Body language skills
Maintaining eye contact with the
audience or speaker
Varying the pitch of voice with the
emotional contents of the message
Keeping the smiling face
Stiff body(not lean body gesture)
78. Reading skills
There are certain things one cannot learn through
personal experience or observation but one can have
insight into them by looking into to experiences of
the others.
Eg. Business executives generally prefer newspapers
, magazines and journals to grasp the information.
80. Interpersonal skills
Being empathetic
Negotiation
Problem solving
Decision making
Speaking on the phone
Chatting with friends at a party