Communication and Public Relations ATHEER MOHAMMED

Communication Definitions 1. Communication is defined as "any act by which one person gives to or receives from another person information about that person's needs, desires, perceptions, knowledge, or affective states". 2. Communication is the art of transmitting information, ideas and attitudes from one person to another.

3. Communication is the process of meaningful interaction among human beings . 4. Exchange of information, ideas, knowledge, sharing of experience between the sender and receiver through accepted code of symbols. Communication is shared feelings/shared understanding.

The communication process 9

Characteristics of Communication 1 . Completeness . 2. Conciseness . 3. Clarity . 4. Correctness, and 5. Courtesy.

Functions of Communication 1. communication involves a mutual exchange of understanding and is the essence of the basic functions of business management, which include staffing, directing, planning, organizing and controlling. 2. Communication is necessary to effectively function, both inside an organization and when dealing with the outside world.

3. Motivation: Managers use communication to motivate workers to achieve peak performance. By clarifying the expectations of employees and providing incentives for meeting or exceeding expectations, communication can help companies reach specific objectives. 4. Control: A company uses communication as a way to maintain control over employees and their work environment. promotion.

5. Interaction: Communication allows employees to interact with customers and each other. 6. Providing Information: Information is dispersed throughout an organization through written or verbal communication. 7. Providing Feedback: Communication allows for employees, managers and business owners to give and receive feedback on changes that are being considered or have already been implemented.

Direction of communication 1. Downward communication Downward communication flows from people at higher level to those at lower levels in the organization hierarchy. This kind of communication exists especially in organizations with an authoritarian leadership style. Examples of written downwards communication are memo, letters, handbooks, policy statements and procedures. The communication process

2. Upward communication ,This communication travels from subordinates to superiors and continues up the organizational hierarchy. This type of communication is found in participative and democratic organizational environments. Typical means of upward communication are suggestion systems, appeal and grievance procedures, complaint systems, counselling sessions, grapevine, group meetings, morale questionnaires and the exit interview.

3. Crosswise communication( Lateral Communication)  It includes the horizontal flow of information between people on the same or similar organizational levels and diagonal flow between persons at different levels who have no direct reporting relationships

Types of communication 1. Verbal communication. This is the most common of the many types of communication that we all have been using for so long. Verbal means you talk to each other. Expressing words and phrases and sentences is considered a verbal communication.

2. Non-verbal communication. Non speaking, no words uttered, no noise type of communication; this is how a non-verbal communication is defined. This is normally used when one is not capable to speak.

Benefits of communication 1. Communication is a source of information to the organizational members for decision-making process as it helps identifying and assessing alternative course of actions. 2. Communication also plays a crucial role in altering individual’s attitudes, i.e., a well-informed individual will have better attitude than a less-informed individual.

3. Communication also helps in socializing 3. Communication also helps in socializing. It is also said that one cannot survive without communication. 4. Communication assists in controlling process. It helps controlling organizational member’s behavior in various ways.

Barriers to communication The use of nonsense. Over-complicated, unfamiliar and/or technical terms. Emotional barriers and taboos. Some people may find it difficult to express their emotions and some topics may be completely 'off-limits' or taboo. Lack of attention, interest, distractions, or irrelevance to the receiver. Differences in perception and viewpoint. Physical disabilities such as hearing problems or speech difficulties. Physical barriers to non-verbal communication.

Categorization of Barriers to Communication Language Barriers  Clearly, language and linguistic ability may act as a barrier to communication. B: Psychological Barriers  The psychological state of the receiver will influence how the message is received. C: Physiological Barriers Physiological barriers may result from the receiver’s physical state: for example, a receiver with reduced hearing D: Physical Barriers  Communication is generally easier over shorter distances as more communication channels are available and less technology is required.

E: Systematic Barriers Systematic barriers to communication may exist in structures and organizations where there are inefficient or inappropriate information systems and communication channels F: Attitudinal Barriers Attitudinal barriers are behaviours or perceptions that prevent people from communicating effectively.