Communication
Communication is the meaningful interaction with people in such a manner that the ideal that the ideal thought is same and getting the feedback also. Communication is commonly defined as “the exchange of thoughts, ideas, feelings, information,opinions, and knowledge”. It also involves mutuality of understanding.
Definitions of Communication:
- Communication is meaningful interaction.
- Communication is information sharing.
- Communication is a link force.
- Communication is understanding.
- Communication is fundamental requisite of life.
Important Characteristics of Communication:
- It is a 2-way process.
- Communication process happens between or among two or more parties. (Sender and Receiver)
- Communication involves exchange of ideas, feelings, information, thoughts, and knowledge.
- Communication involves mutuality of understanding between Sender and Receiver.
- There are two types of Communication i.e., Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication.
Guidelines for Effective Communication
- Communication should be occurred in a quiet place that is free from distraction.
- The persons language and culture are taken into account and not disregarded.
- Communication should be clear, brief and precise.
- It should be well-planned.
- Meaningless and unnecessary words should be avoided.
- Message should pass through a proper channel.
- Take the receiver’s interest.
- Avoid negative statements while communicating.
- Each person has an opportunity to respond.
- Communication must be open and conveys respect and trust. Patronizing speech or talking to the person with dementia in a childlike way may either foster a sense of helplessness and dependency or trigger an angry and defensive response.
- Sensory aids (hearing aids, spectacles) are appropriately utilized and sensory impairments (wax, cataracts) are treated.
- Use proper followup to ensure that the communication was properly understood.
- Inappropriate and delayed responses should be investigated and corrective measures must be taken.
- The communication should be complete.
- The voice should be well-modulated.
- Maintain eye-contact. Explanations should not be long.
- Share correct information about the culture of others. Do no promote misinformation.
- Be a good listener.
- Spend quality time with persons whose backgrounds are different than yours.
- Encourage people to share experience, such as cultural similarities and differences, as well as concerns.
- Learn to understand why someone believes what he/she believes, including why something is very important.
Barriers to Effective Communication
Organizational Communication and also communication in social life is hampered because of a number of barriers. These barriers create distortions, misunderstandings and problems. These barriers are:
- Physical barriers like noise, time and distance.
- Semantic barriers (Science of Words). For example, wrong interpretation of words or grammatical errors.
- Wrong medium of communication.
- Psychological barriers like closed mind, status consciousness, attitudes, ego, values, etc.
- Barriers resulting from inattentiveness, faulty transmission or poor retention.
- Barriers due to information gaps or due to lack of information.
- Barriers resulting out of difference in perceptions, outlook and approach.
- Barriers resulting from illiteracy, ignorance, superstition in a country.
Lack of Communication leads to:
- Information gap
- Alienation
- Problems in relationship
- Misunderstandings
- Crisis situations
- Deviation from performance
- Emergence of organizational conflicts
- Loss of trust and confidence
- Birth of organizational conflicts
- Disintegration
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