Written Communication
This is a form of non-verbal communication. These are paper-based methods of communication, including letters, memorandum, reports, notices, executive summaries, research proposals and abstracts. Letters and memos tend to be used for internal communication.
Visual Communication
This is another form of non-verbal communication. Visual aids can enhance communication. They are easy to understand, can communicate ideas quicker than words, cheaper to produce, cater for visual learners and can have longer-lasting impact. These include graphs and charts, sign language and body language.
Formal and Informal Communication
Informal Communication
This is when there are informal channels for communications, such as grape-vine communication [gossip]. This may hinder communication; however it also has a number of benefits. It may serve to foster a sense of belonging, security and mutual support and pool ideas from different groups.
Formal Communication
These are the official channels of communication, often marked by written communication. The most common example of this is passing information from a manager to a subordinate.
Barriers to Effective Communication
Noise is any barrier to effective communication. It can occur for a number of reason, including:
- High costs
- Technological breakdowns
- Language barriers
- Accents
- Jargon
- Culture
- Attitude
- Geographical location
- Internal politics
- Poor presentation skills
- Negative body language
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Distortion and slowness down the hierarchy – Chinese whispers
- Physiological barriers
Information and Communication Technology
ICT includes email, fax, video-conferencing, telephone and mobiles. These methods are much faster and often cheaper to use than traditional methods, and greater quantities of information can be sent at once. These methods are often able to overcome geographical barriers, allowing better communication, especially in multinational companies. As technological progress is made, these methods continue to improve.
However, there are still disadvantages to these communication methods. They tend to have high set-up costs, such as for laying down land-lines or setting up internet for the business. There will also be ongoing fees from the internet service provider. There is also the risk of the programs crashing, or the internet or phone lines being hacked and compromised. This is especially a risk for e-commerce with online credit card payments. For video conferencing, there may still be a time-lag.
Consequences of Poor Communication
- Low morale
- Greater error and reworking
- Loss of competitiveness
- Lack of control