MODULE 1

FUNDAMENTALS OF COMMUNICATION
MEANING AND COMMUNICATION'S PURPOSE
The term "communication" refers to verbal, written, or electronic messages sent to another person.
Actually, communication is much more than that. It entails making sure that your message reaches the
intended audience and that the recipient comprehends and reacts to it appropriately.
Human communication is a crucial component of conduct, and it is impacted by all the same elements
that affect behaviour.
DEFINITION OF COMMUNICATION IN GENERAL
The Latin term communicare, which meaning "to make common" or "to share," is the origin of the
English word communication. According to Judy Pearson (2008), communication is the process of
employing messages to create meaning. Since communication is an action, an exchange, or a collection of
behaviours rather than a static result, it is regarded as a process. You engage in it as a form of activity. The
best explanation of communication as a process comes from communication pioneer David Berlo (1960):
"If we adopt the concept of process, we regard events and interactions as dynamic, on-going, ever-
changing, continuous. When we refer to anything as a process, we also imply that it lacks a start, stop, or
set order of occurrences. It is not motionless or stagnant. It is in motion. Each ingredient in a process
interacts with the others, affecting them all.
Working definition
Communication is the process of transmitting information and meaning from one individual or
organisation to another by means of mutually understandable symbols. The crucial element is
meaning. Communication has as its central objective the transmission of meaning. The process of
communication is successful only when the receiver understands an idea as the sender intended it.
Both parties must agree not only on the information transmitted but also on the meaning of that
information.
To transfer an idea, we must use symbols (words, signs, pictures, sounds) which stand for the
idea. The symbols must be understood by the person or persons with whom we intend to
communicate. Both must assign the same meaning to the symbols used; otherwise, there is
miscommunication.
ROLE/ PURPOSE OF COMMUNICATION IN AN ORGANISATION
1. Managing the human resource. Communication is the tool with which we exercise influence
on others, bring about changes in the attitudes and views of our associates, motivate them
and establish and maintain relations with them. The primary element in the skills of
management is competence in communication.
2. Communication is central to the success of everything that we do in an organisations
(objectives); our family, school/college, office, hobby group, community group, our city/town
are the organisations in which we live and act. Our activities succeed or fail, and our goals are
achieved or not achieved, according to our ability to communicate effectively with other
members.
3. Building positive interpersonal relation. Communication plays a foundational role in the
development of any healthy interpersonal relationship. It can strengthen a mutual sense of
commitment; it also helps to bridge the gap between people who have misunderstandings.
Indeed, communication plays a critical role in all phases of interpersonal relations, from
creating a relationship to maintenance of relationships.
4. Communication is the glue that holds an organisation together, whatever its business or its size
(creates unity and harmony). Without communication an organisation cannot function at all.
Without effective communication, information cannot be collected, processed, or exchanged;
words and data would remain isolated facts. With effective communication, multinational
organisations which are spread all over the world can function like a single unit.
5. Communication enables an individual to express ideas thoughts and feelings effectively in
writing and in speech. The most important foundation skill for anyone in the new world of
work is the ability to communicate; being able to express your ideas effectively.
6. Communication helps in team building and team-work. Owing to advances in information
technology, companies downsize and decentralize, and work is increasingly carried out by
teams. Team members must be able to work together to identify problems, analyse
alternatives, and recommend solutions. They must be able to communicate their ideas
persuasively to others. Ability to work well in teams, to manage your subordinates and your
relationships with seniors, customers and colleagues, depends on your communication skill.
7. Marketing the products and services. Communication in the form of advertisement and
public relations is needed in order to inform the public and to persuade potential customers
to buy the products. Production of goods is of no use if potential buyers have no
information about the product. Communicating to the public about the product is the
essence of business.
8. Delegation of work horizontally and vertically.
 • Make sense of our world and better understand our experiences in it
• Express our personal needs and understand the needs of others
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Set social and professional boundaries
• Provide and receive needed emotional support
• Anticipate and predict people’s behavior
• Regulate the balance of power in a workplace or social circle
The Importance of Interpersonal Communication
Interpersonal communication is a valuable "soft skill" in many job descriptions. Strong interpersonal
communication skills help people better express their emotions and thoughts and cultivate a stronger
sense of empathy for others.
Interpersonal communication is also a vital part of being a team player or a group leader, things that
recruiters are always looking for.
If you have solid interpersonal communication skills, you can clearly express your intentions and
thoughts, enriching your professional relationships and personal life.
So many conflicts stem from simple misunderstandings. Strong interpersonal communication skills help
reduce the likelihood of these misunderstandings, which subsequently lowers the risk of arguments, hurt
feelings, grudges, and problems with morale.