communication
the act of transmitting information, thoughts, and processes through various channels.
Shannon weaver model
- assumes that communication relies on two main components: the sender of the message (also known as the source) and the receiver of the message
- sometimes the flow of messages is interrupted by noise
noise
anything that hampers communication between the sender and the receiver
oral communication
the exchange of info, ideas, and processes verbally, either one on one or as a group
written communication
makes use of the written word in the form of reports, memos, and letters to communicate messages
electronic communication
the transmission of messages through e-mail, videoconferencing, blogs, fax, instant messaging, texting, voice mail, and social networking.
nonverbal communication
the transmission of wordless cues between people
ex: facial expressions, eye gaze, tone of voice, and the way we talk, stand, dress, and present ourselves
barriers to communication
obstacles that interrupt the flow of conveying and receiving messages
key barriers include:
- filtering
- emotions
- information overload
- differing perceptions
overcoming these communication barriers involves active listening, challenging our assumptions about other people and situations, and seeking advice from others to clarify our perceptions
filtering
involves a deliberate distortion of info by somebody who first screens. a message from a sender and manipulates it before sending in on to a receiver
emotions
intense feelings directed at a specific object or person
information overload
the exposure to overwhelming amounts of information
differing perceptions
where our interpretation of situations clashes with the perceptions of others, leading to confusion and misconception
illustrate the types of communication networks in organizations
the flow of communication in an organization can move in three main directions depending on how an organization is structured
downward communication
sends messages from the upper levels of the organizational hierarchy to the lower levels
upward communication
sends messages from the lower levels of the organiztioanl hierarchy to the higher levels
lateral communication
sends messages between and among similar hierarchical levels across organizations
formal networks
transmit the messages established and approved by the organizational hierarchy
informal networks
handle the unofficial sharing of info between employees and across company divisions
discuss the importance of effective cross cultural communication
- the ability to communicate across different cultures is essential to building trust in organizations
key barriers to cross-cultural communication include:
- ethnocentrism (the tendency to believe your culture or ethnicity is superior to everyone else’s)
- the use of language such as slang
- euphemisms (or proverbs)
overcoming these barriers involves learning a few key phrases, getting to know different cultures, promoting appreciation of cultural differences, being open to trying new things, and being accommodating to different customs and traditions
