BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

Define the term ‘communication’.

Communication may be defined as the transmission of a
message from a sender to a receiver using a given channel of
communication.
THE COMMUNICATION PROCESS

THE CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION THAT MAY

BE USED IN A BUSINESS ARE:
1. UPWARD: From employees to management.
2. DOWNWARD: From management to employees.
 3. HORIZONTAL: Between managers or between
employees who are at the same level in the organization.

COMMUNICATION MAY ALSO BE INTERNAL OR

EXTERNAL
1. INTERNAL COMMUNCATION: Involves
information being passed between people who work
in the same organization.
2. EXTERNAL COMMUNICATION: Involves sending
or receiving information and messages to or from
individuals or organisations outside of the business.
COMMUNICATION CHANNELS MAY BE:
1. FORMAL COMMUNICATION CHANNEL
2. INFORMAL CHANNEL OF COMMUNICATION
 What is formal communication channel?
It transmits messages across an organization for the sole
purpose of conducting company business in an official
and structured manner.

What is an informal channel of communication?

It is typically used by employees, friends or social
groups to transmit gossip, personal messages or
opinions (grapevine effect).

COMMUNICATION METHODS:
1. VERBAL / ORAL COMMUNICATION
2. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
3. VISUAL COMMUNICATION

BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION:

 1. Language barriers
2. Cultural barriers
3. Emotional interference
4. Information overload
5. Differences in perception
6. Selecting the wrong channel of communication
7. Accessibility to messages can be difficult
8. Rumours and gossip can distort communications
9. Problems such as power loss, hackers or breakdowns
that can cause electronic communications to stop
working
STRATEGIES FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
1. Select the appropriate channel and means of
communication.
2. Ensure that there is proper timing in the transmission
of the message.
3. Source feedback from the receiver and respond
accordingly.
4. Listen carefully to the receiver’s feedback.
5. Choose words carefully.
6. Be concise. Avoid information overload.
7. Create a culture of ‘openness’ where individuals feel
free to share their ideas or views.