The Communication Process and Strategies for Effective Communication

Communication is defined as a two-way course of action which includes the passing on of information from (sender) to (receiver).  Note that effective communication is very vital when coping with the human elements from employment to departure in the business.

For communication to be successful there must be response or feedback.

One should note that the principal purpose of communication in any business is to get task completed.

Means of Communication
1. Oral – This involves all kinds of verbal or vocal communication, e.g. interviews, meetings, face to face etc…..

2. Written – This involves all kinds of items that are written or printed, e.g. reports, letters, memos etc…..

3. Visual – This involves all kinds of items that can be visible or visual, e.g., posters, television, power point presentations etc…..

Types of communication

 Formal Communication -These are representative processes permitted by administration.

These involves bulletins, letters, memos, meetings, broadcast on notices boards, memoranda, speaking over public address systems, e-mails, interviews,  performance appraisals, company magazines or newsletters. etc.

 Informal Communication -These are unauthorized or unofficial methods of communication by administration.

These involve gossip, rumours, the grapevine, hush-hush and signals also casual dialogue between workers.

Barriers to Communication

1. Twist or distortion of messages e.g. gossip or the grapevine can without a doubt twist messages.

2. Unsuitable forms of transmission e.g. a notice of a training workshop must be stated in writing and not by word of mouth.  If this type of workshop is not stated in writing it may seem informal and insignificant.

3. Physical or material barriers e.g., fault in electronic equipment, faulty telephone lines, bad communication service providers etc…..