Business Communication

Business Communication

Introduction

Humans have communicated with one another in some shape or form ever since time immemorial. Principles of communication are founded on a mixture of ancient oral and written traditions. Business communication is a broad-based concept that describes any kind of communication whose goal is to improve the value of a business. This could be internal communication, such as rules, guidelines and motivational material, or it could be external communication. Communication is the lifeblood of an organisation.

The two words ‘information’ and ‘communication’ are often used interchangeably, but they signify quite different things. Information is giving out; communication is getting through. – Sydney J. Harris.

Concept of Communication

The word ‘communicate’ has been derived from the Latin word ‘communicate’, which means to ‘share’ and ‘participate’. Communication is a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs of behaviour. It is the expression of facts, opinions, ideas or feelings. Communication is a two way process. There must be at least two persons to complete the process. One takes up the role of a sender and the other take up the role of receiver. Webster’s dictionary states that “communication is the act of exchanging information and understanding from one person to another”.Whether we communicate through writing or speaking, language continues to play an important role. The increasing use of telephone, mobile, recording devices, such as Dictaphone, answering machines, live broadcasting and telecasting and video conferencing have nowadays, shifted the focus from writing to speaking.

Definition

“Communication is an intercourse by words, letters, symbols or messages and is a way that one organisation member shares meaning and understanding with another” -Koontz and o Donnell.

“Communication is the exchange of facts, ideas, opinions or emotions by two or more persons”- Newman and summer

Characteristics of Communication

·           There must be some message to be sent.

·           There must be some purpose for communication.

·           It involves more than two person.

·           It deals with transmission of facts and feeling of two persons.

·           Transmission of every message is sent through a channel.

·           Medias or transmission of communication are numerous.

·           Communication is a continuous process.

·           Channels in communication are systematic and predetermined.

·           It is a process of telling, listening and understanding.