This document discusses communication in organizations. It covers the main functions of communication, the communication process, directions of communication flow (downward, upward, lateral), barriers to effective communication, and ways to improve communication. The overall goal of the document is to describe how communication works in organizations and what can affect its effectiveness.

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Lecture 5
COMMUNICATION

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LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Identify the main functions of communication
 Describe the communication process and
distinguish between formal and informal
communication
 Identify the common barriers to effective
communication
 Explain the importance of negotiation
 Discuss effective ways of negotiating

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INTRODUCTION
 In any organization, communication is vital as it
helps to accomplish goals, solve problems,
overcome challenges as well as set up
strategies.
 Communication is a process of conveying
information through the exchange of thoughts,
messages, or information, as by speech,
visuals, signals, writing, or behaviour and the
information is being shared between two or
more people.

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FUNCTIONS OF COMMUNICATION
 In an organization, communication plays the
following functions:

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THE COMMUNICATION
PROCESS
 The communication process involves seven
elements which are:

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DIRECTIONS OF
COMMUNICATION
 Communication flows vertically and also
laterally.
 However, vertical communication is further
subdivided into two:
– Downward communication
– Upward communication

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DOWNWARD COMMUNICATION
 Happens when a manager or a person of a
higher position instructs, delegates and shares
information with employees and others who are
one level lower than the sender.
 Downward communication would be well
accepted by the employees should the
employees be given a clear idea or reasons
why the instructions are being made.

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UPWARD COMMUNICATION
 Upward communication is a communication
flow which happens when an employee of a
lower level sends messages to the managers or
supervisors who are of a higher position.
 Types of information shared are:
– Performance reports
– Suggestions for improvements
– Problems and challenges
– Grievances and disputes

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LATERAL COMMUNICATION
 Lateral communication is an exchange of
information which flows among employees of
the same level.
 It has two effects :
– Positive side
• Saves time and facilitates coordination if it is being
monitored successfully
– Disapproving side
• Conflicts would arise and it would affect
productivity

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INTERPERSONAL
COMMUNICATION

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ORGANIZATIONAL
COMMUNICATION
 A network of information which flows through
the organization with the intention to achieve
organizational goals, vision and mission.
 Besides the upward and downward
communication channels, the grapevine, video
conferencing and electronic communication are
being used heavily as communication modes.

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7 BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE
COMMUNICATION

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WAYS TO IMPROVE
COMMUNICATION

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CONCLUSION
 Communication is the basis of every
interpersonal relationship.
 It helps to reduce conflicts and avoid
misunderstanding which would affect
communication among all.
 In an organization, effective communication is
very much needed to ensure that employees
would be able to work in a team to achieve
organizational goals.