Communication works for those who work for

it.
Republic of the Philippines - John Powell
University of Eastern Philippines
University Town, Northern Samar

Written Report
In
Dev Com 211
(Communication Breakdown and
Convergence of Media)

First Semester, SY: 2014-2015

Laurence Brian M. Hagutin

AB Political Science - 4

Virginia G. Balanon, Ph. D.

Course Professor
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I. Introduction
Communication and media are probably the words which are commonly used.

Perhaps human beings usually associate these words to a person or a group of persons

talking and exchanging ideas and information. In depth, communication is a process

which involves different aspects in different ways. At the same time, media also takes

place in various aspects. Communicators classify its impacts in the good sides and the

down sides or flaws of the communication.

Apparently, this report covers the topics about communication breakdown and

convergence of media. In communication, there is this flaw which is called

communication breakdown. Communication breakdown, as defined, refers to failure in

exchange of information. On the one hand, in media, there is this convergence of media.

According to Jenkins, it is a flow of content across multiple media platforms. In short, it

is the meeting point or fusion of the different tools used in the media before to the point

of development of the latter in the present.

II. Discussion
Communication Breakdown
What is communication breakdown? Communication breakdown, as defined

above, refers to failure in exchange of information. It may be a result of language

barrier, lack of clear information, time pressures, emotions, and distractions.

However, Ruben (1978) argued that communication does not break down. Machine

breaks down or quit but human beings continue to communicate even when they do

not wish to do so. In addition, Rothwell (1992) said that The view that

communication breakdowns occur comes from recognition that we do not always

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achieve our goals through communication. But failure to achieve our goals may occur

even when communication between the parties in conflict is exemplary.

The next question lies into its existence. How is this possible? The

managementstudyguide.com enumerated some reasons for communication

breakdown:

1. Perceptual and Language Differences: For example, a person is on leave for a

month due to personal reasons (family member being critical). The HR Manager

might be in confusion whether to retain that employee or not, the immediate

manager might think of replacement because his teams productivity is being

hampered, the family members might take him as an emotional support.

2. Information Overload: Managers are surrounded with a pool of information. It is

essential to control this information flow else the information is likely to be

misinterpreted or forgotten or overlooked.

3. Inattention: For example a traveler may pay attention to one NO PARKING

sign, but if such sign is put all over the city, he no longer listens to it. Thus,

repetitive messages should be ignored for effective communication.

4. Time Pressures: Often in organization the targets have to be achieved within a

specified time period, the failure of which has adverse consequences. In a haste to

meet deadlines, the formal channels of communication are shortened, or messages

are partially given, i.e., not completely transferred.

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5. Distraction/Noise: Communication is also affected a lot by noise to distractions.

Physical distractions are also there such as, poor lightning, uncomfortable sitting,

unhygienic room also affects communication in a meeting. Similarly use of loud

speakers interferes with communication.

6. Emotions: For example, if the receiver feels that communicator is angry he

interprets that the information being sent is very bad. While he takes it differently

if the communicator is happy and jovial (in that case the message is interpreted to

be good and interesting).

7. Complexity in Organizational Structure: For instance, only the people at the top

level can see the overall picture while the people at low level just have knowledge

about their own area and a little knowledge about other areas.

8. Poor retention: Human memory cannot function beyond a limit. One cannot

always retain what is being told specially if he is not interested or not attentive.

This leads to communication breakdown.

Convergence of Media
What is convergence of media? It is important here to consider the fact that

much difficulty and disagreement had arisen in defining the notion of media

convergence. Most theorists agree that in general terms convergence means coming

together of two or more things, however a variety of different arguments have been

put forward in an attempt to define what exactly is coming together (Grant and

Wilkinson, 2009). On the one hand, convergence can be viewed as coming together

of different equipment and tools for producing and distributing news (ibid.). Jenkins
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(2006:3), on the other hand, defines convergence as flow of content across multiple

media platforms, suggesting that media audiences nowadays play a crucial role in

creating and distributing content, and convergence therefore has to be examined in

terms of social, as well as technological changes within the society.

Drawing on the definitions of media convergence outlined

above, it can be argued that one of the ways of understanding

media convergence is in terms of interaction between old and new

forms of media. This concept can be explained more clearly using

the example of television industry and its development over the

years. The idea of transition from analogue media to digital media

stands at the core of media convergence debate. The term

analogue is used to describe something that resembles something

else (Dewdney and Ride, 2006:227); therefore signals transmitted

through television can be seen as being analogous to the light and

sound of the actual scene (ibid.).

III. Conclusions

As discussed in the previous reports on communication, the reporter learned that

communication is inevitable. Whether the process halts in the interpersonal way or in the

face to face communication, eventually, intrapersonal or communication within oneself

subsists. Indeed, communication does not stop. As regards the communication

breakdown, it has been duly proven that in some instances, it exists. Therefore, a

communicator must be critical and open-minded to lessen its negative impact in the

communication process.
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In a simple concept as stated in the discussion, convergence of media can be

explained more clearly using the example of television industry and its development

over the years. The materials being employed in the creation of this form of technology

would be impossible without the invention of the screen, wires, speakers, etc. In other

words, it is the point of coming together the early invented parts to the present

innovative techs. Significantly, development is very vital. And it becomes more vital

when communication involves in the process. Both are now become the actions and

bases of living, whether in a community of persons or in the states of the world.

IV. References

Flor, Alexander G. and Ongkiko, Ila Virginia C. Introduction to Development

Communication. Los Banos, Laguna: UPOU and SEMEO SEARCA, 1998.

http://www.ask.com/question/definition-of-communication-breakdown

http://www.managementstudyguide.com/communication_barriers.htm

http://mconvergence.wordpress.com/about/
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