A process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system

Communication is a very important aspect of our lives and is a part of our basic functionality. Communication can be very easily understood as the Basic Exchange of Information. It is nearly impossible to go through a day without the use of Communication. Communication is sending and receiving information between two or more people.

We have discussed communication in layman’s terms, now let’s look at the proper definition of communication.

“Communication [ derived from a Latin word communicare, meaning ‘to share’] is the  act  of conveying  meaning  from  one  entity or  group  to  another through  the  use  of  mutually understood sings , symbols and semiotic rules.”

–Wikipedia Let’s look at Another definition of communication,

“A process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols , sings or behaviour.”

–Merrian-Webster

Now,  let’s compare both  the  definitions. Both the definitions focus on two things which are “exchange of information” and “medium” of exchange of information. For communication, there should be some information which we have to exchange otherwise communication cannot  take  place , secondly the  medium  is  very  important  for the exchange  of  information. Medium can be anything , for example message that we have to share can be sent through a letter/application [ i.e; in written] or can be explained through symbols , like when we wave to someone just to say hello or sometimes we can convey the message using our body language[ I.e;- behaviour ].

Communication is so important, that directing abilities of a manager mostly depends upon his/her communication skills. He/she should have the capacity to clearly explain his/her views, ideas, facts, etc. and make the subordinates understand them. How much professional knowledge and intelligence a manger possesses becomes immaterial if he/she is not able to communicate effectively with his/her subordinates and create understanding in them.

The process of communication can be explained in the figure given below:-

The elements involved in the communication process are explained below:-

1. Sender:- Sender means the person who conveys his thoughts or ideas to the receiver .
2. Encoding:- it is the process of converting the message into communication symbols such as words , pictures, gestures, etc.
3. Message:- It is the content of ideas , feelings , suggestions , order, etc. intended to be communicated.
4. Channel:- channel or media is the path through which encoded message is transmitted to the receiver , e.g., face to face , phone call , internet , etc.
5. Receiver:- The who receiver communication of the sender.
6. Decoding:- it is the process of converting encoded symbols of the sender.
7. Feedback:- it includes all those actions of receiving indicating that he has received and understood the message of sender.
8. Noise:- Noise means some obstruction or hindrance to communication , e.g., a poor telephone connection, an inattentive receiver , faculty decoding , etc.

Communication can be broadly categorised into two parts.

1. Verbal communication:- The use of auditory language to exchange information with some other people. It includes sounds , words , or speaking, the tone , volume and pitch  of one’s voice can all contribute to effective verbal communication.
2. Non-verbal communication:- Communication between people through non-verbal or visual cues . This includes gestures , facial expression, body movement , timming. Touch and anything else that communicate without speaking.

Non-verbal communication is more effective than verbal communication.

Aditya Kaushik
MBA-FP[2018-20]