Notion of Business Communication and how is it different from other forms of

communication

Communication is an essential element in the success of any business. The process of

transferring information from one person to another, within and outside the business
environment is termed as ‘Business Communication.’ The term ‘Business Communication’
is derived from general communication which is associated with business activities. In other
terms, communication between business parties or people for business-related tasks is
considered as ‘Business Communication.’ Effective business communication is how
employees and management interact to reach organizational goals. Its purpose is to improve
organizational practices and reduce errors.
According to Ricks and Gow defined Business Communication as a system that is
responsible to affect change throughout the whole organization.
According to W.H Business Communication is exchanging business-related different views,
ideas, and news within the related parties.
Prof. J. Haste stated that when the communication occurs between either two or more than
two businesspeople for the purpose of effective organization and administration of business
then it is considered as Business Communication.
Basic elements of Business communication are sender, business information, receiver and
feedback. Moreover, it involves a regular flow of information and feedback is considered as a
crucial and important aspect of business communication. Due to different levels of hierarchy
and involvement of a huge number of people, business communication plays an important
role in different management functions such as planning, coordinating, organizing, directing,
and controlling.
There are three main types of business communication in any organization or business. They
are internal business communication (upward and downward), horizontal or lateral business
communication and external business communication.
Business communication in an organization helps in increasing productivity, helps in
increasing customers, enhances business partnerships, facilitates innovations in business,
information exchange, preparation of plans and policies, execution or implementation of
plans and policies, boost the efficiency of employees, goals achievement, helps in solving
problems or issues, facilitates decision-making, improves worker-management industrial
relations, helps in brand and product/service promotions, reduces chances of conflicts,
increases employee satisfaction level, increases employee loyalty and etc.

Business Communication is more formal, direct and well organized and General
Communication is less formal, indirect and not well organized. Business Communication
uses certain formats to convey message and General Communication has different formats
which are used here according to the will of the communication. In Business Communication
there is no scope of using personal feelings or emotions or opinion in business messages and
General Communication is Personal feelings, emotions and opinions take most of the part of
general communication. Business Communication always deals with practical information
and General Communication sometimes may contain factious information. Business
Communication is impartial and objective and General Communication may be partial and
subjective.