Communication refers to transmission of information and apprehension through the utilization of common symbols. The exchange of information between people is known as communication. When one individual apprehends the meaning of message send by another individual and react to it, communication happens.
See Also: Main Theories of Motivation
There are two kinds of information that are received and sent in communication and these are facts and feelings. Here below we will see the process of communication in an organization.
Process of Communication in an Organization
The exchange of information and meaning between people in a continuous process is termed as communication. Following are the five main components that are included in the communication process.
- The Information Source
- The Signal
- The Transmission
- The Destination or Receiver
- The Noise
When there is a sender who has a message to be send to receiver, communication begins. Message must be encoded by sender along with selection of communication channel so that message will be delivered to the receiver.
The message must be encoded in numbers, words or digital symbols in order to communicate facts. On the other hand tone of voice and body language encode the message to communicate feelings.
Communications that give for feedback is known as two way communication because of the reason that receiver and sender interact with each other through it.
Communications are one way that does not give opportunity of feedback. Noise is known as barriers to effective communication.
Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal communication refers to non-spoken aspects of communication like facial expression, person’s manner of speaking, body posture, that express meaning to others.
Internationally the task of communication can particularly become complicate by nonverbal communication. The communication that is send without the use of written or spoken word is regarded as nonverbal communication.
Because people can communicate without speaking through the use of body posture, facial expression, use of space, tone of voice and touching.
People use eye contact and facial expressions to communicate, which is known as occulesics. The study of bodies through postures, gestures, head movements and similar actions is known as kinesics.
Barriers to Effective Communication
The barriers to effective communication are posed by complex factors in the communication.
Perceptual biases are included in individual barriers, which operate as noise by influencing how the receiver collects, organizes and interprets information.
Organizational barriers to effective communication contain status differences, organizational structure & culture and time.
In order to minimize organizational & individual barriers to effective communication, active listening is a good way. In active listening through a variety of behavior and actions, the receiver assumes a conscious and dynamic role in the communication process.
See Also: Different Types of Job Interviews
Information about particular behavior and its effect is refers to as feedback. Managers require giving feedback to the workers about their job performance. Feedback to customers and suppliers is also given by them about different matters.
Improving Communication in Organizations
Working with managers and supervisors, employee relations representatives can facilitate effective communications by building and keeping three kinds of programs which are as follow.
- Information Dissemination
- Employee Feedback
- Employee Assistance
Formal and Informal Communication
Formal Communication Networks: Network that are designated by other official documents, organizational charts and structures.
Informal Communications: From outside of the chain of command of business organization, informal communication flows.
Levels of Communication
Upward Communication: From subordinates to superiors is the upward communication that gives management with useful insight into how the organization is operating and feedback is given to the superiors about either subordinates comprehend the instructions & orders.
Downward Communication: From superior to subordinate, downward communication is transmitted on subjects like performance evaluation, corporate vision & mission, job instruction, what the job consists of and organizational policies & practices.
Horizontal Communication: Lateral or horizontal communication are messages between people in the same department or between departments.
Communication & HRM
Because all the functions of organization like compensating, staffing, training & development, performance appraisal etc, needs communication systems for their executions, therefore HRM depends upon the effective communication systems in the organization for its success.
Communication systems served basic purposes in the organization like keeping employees informed using it as tool to influence culture and to bring about positive change. For dissemination information in the organizations, newsletter, bulletin board and gossips are different sources.
