26 pages
Communication is the transmission of information and understanding through the use of common symbols from one person or group to another. This chapter explores the communication process, various communication flows within organizations, the impact of technology on communication, barriers to effective communication, and techniques for improving organizational communication.
Communication is the transmission of information and understanding through common symbols from one person or group to another
The communication model includes seven key elements: communicator, encoding, message, medium, decoding, receiver, feedback, and noise
Nonverbal communication through body language, facial expressions, and gestures is as important as verbal communication
Organizations use four main communication flows: downward, upward, horizontal, and diagonal
Information richness varies by communication medium, with face-to-face communication being the richest
Technology has transformed organizational communication through email, instant messaging, videoconferencing, voice mail, smartphones, and electronic meetings
Multiple barriers can impede effective communication including frame of reference, selective listening, filtering, status differences, and communication overload
Improving communication requires both enhancing message quality and improving understanding of others' communications
Key improvement techniques include following up, utilizing feedback, empathy, repetition, building trust, effective timing, and simplifying language
Ethical communication requires avoiding deception, preventing harm, and treating all organization members justly
Multicultural communication must consider differences in words, space, time, and behavior across cultures