Course: Business Communication

Name: Muqadas Fatima

Roll no: 20U03013
Section: B
Date of Submission: 10th September 2022
Submitted to: Madam Rumessa Naqvi

Question 1) What is a ‘barrier’ to Communication?

Answer) Barriers can be defined as anything that stands in the way of something else or
limits the freedom of movement around that thing. The term "barriers to communication"
refers to any factor that makes it more difficult to convey ideas and information clearly and
concisely. Any of the eight steps in the general communication model—from idea
generation to encoding to transmission to travelling through the medium or channel to
reception to decoding to response generation and feedback—can be impeded by barriers.
Distractions, multiple messages, spam, ignored messages, cultural differences, language
barriers, physical obstacles, sensory overload, and other forms of interference are all
examples of potential barriers. Handwriting that is difficult to read and unwelcoming body
language or attitudes can also be obstacles to communication. According to Vodafone,
"Noise" consists of "un-clear details, complex language, complicated technical terms and
jargon."

Question 2) Describe difference between verbal and non-verbal forms of communication.

Answer) Verbal Communication:
Talking to one another is what we mean when we talk about verbal communication.
Conversations that rely on the spoken word or the ones that take place face to face is an
example of verbal communication. More over word of mouth is interpersonal
communication at its purest form. Verbal communication can be done In-person or through
the use of various mediums such as call, video call meet and greet etc.

Non-Verbal Communication:
Visual and written media are examples of nonverbal communication. Most of the time, this
is communicated through nonverbal means. Various types of visual media are incorporated,
such as in-store displays, press releases, and product bulletins. Many different strategies can
be used for non-verbal communication. Advertisements on suitcases, newspapers,
televisions, and other media; also possible on SMS and text messages.

Question 3) Explain how an intranet maybe used within an organization.

Answer) It is a computer system based within a company that allows messages and data to
be shared. It’s a key tool used to promote better communication. It works like internet but
within close circle and limited people have access to it. So, it can be assumed from this that
companies use intranet to communicate and share data while keeping it confidential.

Uses of Organizational Intranet:

 To Aid flow of organization
  Used to make announcements and post schedules
 Used to convey any messages regarding problems
 Postings about events
 Internal networking
 Aids vertical communication

Example:
XYZ’s private intranet allows for efficient internal communication and the promotion of
quiet, undisturbed conversation among employees. The anonymous reporting of unethical
behavior and the facilitation of communication between Honda's offices around the world
are two other examples of the intranet's usefulness.

Question 4) Given the rate of stakeholders the company is forced with, evaluate the
external communication strategies adopted by Vodafone.
Answer) By integrating its core vision of transparency and open-ness across all channels and
mediums, Vodafone is able to effectively manage the flow of information and external
communication with its many different audiences, which include customers, suppliers, local
authorities, partners, government organizations, the community, welfare organizations,
regulators, shareholders, and non-governmental organizations. To maintain credibility and
trust and a sense of familiarity with organizational practices that prevent confusion and
miscommunication amongst external stakeholders, it is important that the organization
integrates its core values into everything it does. So that all of the stakeholders feel heard
and respected, they make sure that communication through all external media is a two-way
street, rather than a broadcast of information to the masses. Vodafone has been able to
successfully cater to all external stakeholders without confusions and with a sense of mutual
trust and respect for everyone's opinions and positions through the use of tools such as
consultations, open feedback, focus groups, round-table sessions, quarterly meetings, press
releases, and public relations.

Question 5) Compare the communication strategy of Vodafone with the communication

strategy used by your own service provider.
Answer) Vodafone believes in communicating openly and transparently with all it’s stake
holders within the bounds of commercial confidentiality. To communicate with its
customers verbally it has stores or contact centers where its staff is available to talk to
customers about all the issues.

On the other hand, if we talk about Jazz, it has many offices and branches to address its
customers and stakeholders’ group. Internal communication is also managed effectively and
they tend to deliver information as much clear and concise that is possible.