BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

COURSE OUTLINE
Communication is a vital component in human societies and business entities. It is the
life blood of any organization. Its importance cannot be taken for granted.
Communication permeates the entire human nature to the extent that without it, it
would be difficult if not impossible to have human social life. Business relies on the
sharing of information upon which decisions are based. Communication takes place at
various levels ; personal(intrapersonal), between two people (interpersonal), in groups
(social) and between machines (extra personal) communication. Each of these levels
has its own dynamics.

COURSE AIM: This course aims at introducing a student to the nature and dynamics
of communication at all these levels mentioned earlier. .

LEARNING OUTCOMES: By the end of this course students should be able to:

1. Describe the nature of communication.

2. Develop relevant writing skills.

3. Conduct meetings effectively.

4. Manage interviews effectively.

5. Make effective presentations.

6. Conduct organizational communication audits.

COURSE CONTENT

UNIT 1: DESCRIBING THE NATURE OF COMMUNICATION – 8 HRS

1.1 Definitions and concepts in communication

1.2 Functions of Communication in Organizations

1.3 Models of Communication

 1.3.1 Linear model

1.3.2 Interactive model

1.3.3 Transactional model

1.4 Communication and Symbolic Interactionism

1.5 Channels of Communication in Organisations

1.5.1 Vertical

1.5.2 Horizontal

1.5.3 Bypassng

1.5.4 Diagonal

1.5.5 Grapevine

1.6 Barriers to Effective Communication

1.7 Contexts of Communication within organizations

1.7.1 Intrapersonal Communication

1.7.2 Interpersonal Communication

1.7.3 Public/Group Communication

1.7.4 Mass Communication

1.8 Methods of Communication in Organizations (Advantages and

Disadvantages)

1.8.1 Written Communication

1.8.2 Oral Communication

1.8.3 Visual Communication

1.8.4 Use of ICTs in organizational communication

UNIT 2: DEVELOPING RELEVANT WRITING SKILLS – 12HRS

2.1 Summarizing information

 2.1.1 Note taking and note making

2.1.2 Writing synopsis of written texts

2.2 Organising information in written texts

2.2.1 Paragraphing

2.2.2 Cohesion and Coherence

2.2.3 Referencing and citing

2.2.4 Use of abbreviations and acronyms

2.3 Writing Business Documents (types, functions, structure and

content of…)

2.3.1 Letters

2.3.2 Memoranda

2.3.3 Reports

2.3.4 Position papers

UNIT 3: CONDUCTING MEETINGS EFFECTIVELY – 8 HRS

3.1 Types of meetings

3.1.1 Formal meetings

3.1.2 Informal meetings

3.2 Meeting procedures and conventions

3.3 The roles of key players

3.3.1 Chairperson

3.3.2 Minutes recorder

3.3.3 Members

3.4 Documentation of Meetings

3.4.1 Agenda and notice of meetings

 3.4.2 Minutes of meeting (purpose and format)

3.4.3 Types of minutes

3.4.3.1 Narrative minutes
3.4.3.2 Resolution minutes
3.4.3.3 Action minutes
3.4.4 Use of Action sheet

UNIT 4: MANAGING INTERVIEWS EFFECTIVELY – 8 HRS

4.1 Types of interviews in organizations (nature and purpose)

4.2 Preparing for job selection interviews
5.2.1 Physical arrangements and other logistics
5.2.2 Interview documentation
4.3 Conducting job selection interviews

UNIT 5: MAKING EFFECTIVE PRESENTATIONS – 9 HRS

5.1 Preparing for the presentation

5.1.1 Purpose

5.1.2 Target audience analysis

5.1.3 Collecting and organizing information (presentation outline)

5.1.4 Presentation venue and facilities

5.2 Making the presentation

5.2.1 Personal, psychological and physical preparedness

5.2.2 Facing the audience: techniques for effective delivery

UNIT 6: CONDUCTING ORGANISATIONAL COMMUNICATION AUDITS –
4 HRS

6.1 Definition(s) of communication audit

6.2 Purpose of communication audit

6.3 Procedure(s) of conducting communication audit

6.4 Benefits of conducting communication audit

METHODS OF TEACHING

 Lectures
 Group discussions
 Tutorials
 Exercises

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Written assignments, Presentations.

 Continuous Assessment %
 Final Examination %

Continuous Assessment will comprise:

 Test %
 Practical Communication Assignment %

REQUIRED READING

 Burton S.H (1983) People and Communication, Longman: New York

 Bovee C.L & Thill, J (2010) Business Communication Today,

Prentice Hall: New Jersey.

 Evans D.W. (1990) People, Communication and Organisations,

Prentice Hall: New York.

 Goodall H.L & Goodall, S (2002) Communicating in Professional Contexts,

Wadsworth: London.
RECOMMENDED READING

 Griffin R. W., (2002) Management, Houghton Muffin Company: New York

 Hybels, S & Richard L. Weaver II, R.L, (1989) Communicating Effectively,

Random House: New York

 Stanton N., (2009) Communication, Macmillan: London