Types of Communication
There are different types of Communication. These are often categorised differently by different scholars. We will discuss different types of Communication in this blog. Since this chapter is a long one, I have split it into different volumes to help students. This will be a series called Types of Communication-1,2,3,4,5,6
1.
Verbal Communication and Non- Verbal Communication
2. Inter-personal Communication and Intra-personal Communication
3.
Group Communication and Public Communication
4.
Mass-Line Communication
5.
Formal Communication and Informal Communication
6. Mass Communication
VERBAL COMMUNICATION
Verbal Communication is communication based on Language and is verbal.
However, we need to remember that verbal communication that uses words could be
both Vocal Verbal Communication and Non-Vocal Verbal Communication.
Vocal Verbal Communication
Vocal Language includes communication which includes spoken Language. It
includes Oral Communication. Vocal communication or oral communication refers
to messages that are communicate or transmitted using sound waves from one
individual to another. Speaking is verbal communication. 'The defining
distinction of oral communication is that it involves the production and
transmission systems of the human voice and is aimed towards the auditory
reception system of one or more other persons.’(Introduction to communication
and media studies, edited by John Joshva Raja and Samson Prabhakar)
Non-Vocal Verbal Communication
Non-vocal verbal communication includes written communication. Written
communication that uses language and is verbal is considered to be Non-Vocal
Verbal Communication. It can also include Braille, or other similar
alternatives to verbal language.
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NON- VERBAL COMMUNICATION
Albert Mehrabian, Professor Emeritus of Psychology, UCLA,
known for his publications on the relative importance of verbal and nonverbal
messages says, “There are basically three elements in any face-to-face
communication:
- Words
- Tone of voice
- Nonverbal behaviour
Non- verbal communication includes communication without words.
Communication need not be only with words. When persons are involved in verbal
communication, we often observe other unspoken elements that happen
simultaneously which include body movements or body language. A person may
speak with a bright smile or with a frown. The smile or the frown add to the
meaning of the message. Non-verbal language of communication is equally
important as verbal communication.
Dance, architecture, artefacts, rituals, signs like the nodding of the
head, etc are all part of Non-Verbal Communication.
There are different elements in Non verbal communication.
In his book, Bodily Communication originally published in 1975, John
Michael Argyle, mentions what he calls the five primary functions of Nonverbal
Behavior (Argyle, 1988).
1.
Expression of Emotion -
emotions are expressed mainly through the face, body, and voice.
2.
Communication of Interpersonal Attitudes -
the establishment and maintenance of relationships if often done through
nonverbal signals (tone of voice, gaze, touch, etc.).
3.
Accompany and Support Speech- vocalization
and nonverbal behaviors are synchronized with speech in conversation (nodding
one’s head or using phrases like “uh-huh” when another is talking).
4.
Self-Presentation - presenting
oneself to another through nonverbal attributes like appearance.
5.
Rituals - the use
of greetings, handshakes or other rituals.
There are different dimensions of non-verbal communication.
Dance as Non-verbal Communication:
Dance is expressive. It communicates. Dance is often used to tell a story or narrate an event. It can also be simply entertainment or creativity. Dance is an integral element of many cultures. Different cultures have traditional dances that depict their culltural heritage and richness.
Dance is expressive. It communicates. Dance is often used to tell a story or narrate an event. It can also be simply entertainment or creativity. Dance is an integral element of many cultures. Different cultures have traditional dances that depict their culltural heritage and richness.
- Bhava: In
India, Many of the classical dances have the element of 'Bhava'
which expresses different feelings or emotions like anger, sorrow,
anxiety, etc. In other western countries, it could be Ballet or any
other Dance performance.
- Mudra: One of the very
important features of Indian classical dance is the Mudra. Mudra are
the hand gestures made by the artists. These are made to narrate a
story. Mudras are like sign language. They have a
meaning. So, the Mudra for peacock is quite different from a Mudra that
indicates a deer.So while Bhavas show expressions, Mudras show
the action. Classical dance in India is beautifully mahifested through
Bhavas and Mudras, which are non-verbal by nature.
Arti-factual Communication:
Dress, Ornaments and personal artifacts reveal a lot about one's personality, taste and choices. Arti-factual communication basically means messages that are conveyed by hand-made objects. Thus, one's dressing, aesthetics, colour, jewellery, hairstyle, Clothes, etc are considered arti-factual. Often, our cultures and our society dictate the way we wear clothes, use ornaments or carry ourselves. For instance, in India, especially in Rural India, the symbol of a Married Hindu Woman is indicated by the red vermillion powder that she uses on her forehead on the hair partition. In some other states, the symbol of Marriage is either Red Bangles or Green Bangles or the Mangal Sutra. A funeral Dress code is often white in most corners of India, while for Chirstians in States like Goa, it is Black. These are all elements of Nion-verbal Communication.
Dress, Ornaments and personal artifacts reveal a lot about one's personality, taste and choices. Arti-factual communication basically means messages that are conveyed by hand-made objects. Thus, one's dressing, aesthetics, colour, jewellery, hairstyle, Clothes, etc are considered arti-factual. Often, our cultures and our society dictate the way we wear clothes, use ornaments or carry ourselves. For instance, in India, especially in Rural India, the symbol of a Married Hindu Woman is indicated by the red vermillion powder that she uses on her forehead on the hair partition. In some other states, the symbol of Marriage is either Red Bangles or Green Bangles or the Mangal Sutra. A funeral Dress code is often white in most corners of India, while for Chirstians in States like Goa, it is Black. These are all elements of Nion-verbal Communication.
Body movements and Gestures and Kinesics:
A loving gaze from a mother for her child can be very consoling. A pat on the back for a great performance can be very encouraging for a student. An angry look can frighten a student who has done mischief. All these are examples of Body Movements and Gestures. In India, People join hands in a respectful manner while saying Namaste. In some other Asian Countries, people bow to welcome you. In Western countries, People give a warm handshake to welcome you. These are all elements of Non verbal communication.
A loving gaze from a mother for her child can be very consoling. A pat on the back for a great performance can be very encouraging for a student. An angry look can frighten a student who has done mischief. All these are examples of Body Movements and Gestures. In India, People join hands in a respectful manner while saying Namaste. In some other Asian Countries, people bow to welcome you. In Western countries, People give a warm handshake to welcome you. These are all elements of Non verbal communication.
Gestures are movements of the head, hand, leg or body that express an
idea or emotion.
The word 'Kinesics' means the study of body movements, facial
expressions, childlike behaviours and gestures that was developed by Ray L.
Birdwhistell in the 1950’s. Facial expressions communicate feelings and
emotions,. Often expressions communicate the attitude of a person and give an
idea regarding the personality of an individual. A laughter, smile, frown,
narrowed eyes, etc could exhibit friendliness, anger or disbelief .
Eye-contact and Oculesics:
A look can often express emotions. An angry look leads to the narrowing of the eyes or the dilation of the eye lid. Children often have their eyes wide open when they are fascinated or surprised. The study of eye contact and pupil dilation in terms of Non-verbal communication is called Oculesics.
A look can often express emotions. An angry look leads to the narrowing of the eyes or the dilation of the eye lid. Children often have their eyes wide open when they are fascinated or surprised. The study of eye contact and pupil dilation in terms of Non-verbal communication is called Oculesics.
Personal Characteristics:
The way a person carries oneself does matter. Often, small elements like Body odur, choice of clothes, etc become non-verbal elements of communication.
The way a person carries oneself does matter. Often, small elements like Body odur, choice of clothes, etc become non-verbal elements of communication.
Touch, Tactile Communication, Haptics:
A touch can indicate anything. A touch can be consoling, comforting, loving, romantic or even aggravating, especially when it is unwanted. A handshake, a kiss, a pat, holding hands, high fives, are all non-verbal communication. The study of communication using touch was termed as Tactile communication. Today, the study of touch is popularly called Haptics.
A touch can indicate anything. A touch can be consoling, comforting, loving, romantic or even aggravating, especially when it is unwanted. A handshake, a kiss, a pat, holding hands, high fives, are all non-verbal communication. The study of communication using touch was termed as Tactile communication. Today, the study of touch is popularly called Haptics.
Touch in different cultures would mean differently.
For instance, in India, in an urban set up like a city, you are permitted to
hold hands as friends with either a boy or a girl. But this is totally
unacceptable in the remote villages in India. Any element of non-verbal
communication is enriched by the culture one lives is. The cultural context,
signs and symbols, manner of touch, etc differs not just from country to
country but from State to state.
Para-verbal communication,
Para-language or Vocalics:
Para-verbals or para-language is an element of non-verbal communication and conveys emotions and attitudes, consciously or unconsciously. For instance a person who yells while saying that he is not getting irritated has already proved through the tone of his voice that s/he is actually aggravated or irritated. We often hear people saying, "that tone is so sarcastic!" a whistle, a tone, a raise in one's pitch while talking, a deliberately produced cough or sigh, are all indicators of Non-verbal communications that communicate much more than words alone. Vocalics is the study of paralanguage, which includes the vocal qualities that go along with verbal messages, such as pitch, volume, rate, vocal quality, and verbal fillers (Andersen, 1999)
Para-verbals or para-language is an element of non-verbal communication and conveys emotions and attitudes, consciously or unconsciously. For instance a person who yells while saying that he is not getting irritated has already proved through the tone of his voice that s/he is actually aggravated or irritated. We often hear people saying, "that tone is so sarcastic!" a whistle, a tone, a raise in one's pitch while talking, a deliberately produced cough or sigh, are all indicators of Non-verbal communications that communicate much more than words alone. Vocalics is the study of paralanguage, which includes the vocal qualities that go along with verbal messages, such as pitch, volume, rate, vocal quality, and verbal fillers (Andersen, 1999)
Luis Kumpiluvelil sdb and C. S. Rayudu have written
on this topic in their books, 'Basics of Communication' and 'Communication'.
They further divide Paralanguage into four parts:
- Voice Qualities: It
includes factors such as pitch, resonance, volume, rate and rhythm.
- Vocal characteristics: Embracing
laughter, coughing, throat-clearing and sighing.
- Vocal qualifiers: Referring
to variations in pitch and volume
- Voice segregates: Including
the silent sounds such as ‘ahs’, 'hmm', and ‘ers’ and pauses. These
clues influence meaning.
Silence:
Silence can actually communicate a lot. A silence could indicate anger, frustration, ignorance or attitude. It could mean a refusal. Silence is also an element of Non-verbal communication.
Silence can actually communicate a lot. A silence could indicate anger, frustration, ignorance or attitude. It could mean a refusal. Silence is also an element of Non-verbal communication.
Space and distance or Proxemics:
Space or distance around us is an important factor that can speak volumes about individuals. O Minu Agnus says that Proxemics can be defined as the study of means in which individuals make use of the physical space in the interaction between the individuals. This process of owning the space by above said means differ from culture to culture. ( IRWLE VOL. 8 No. I)
Space or distance around us is an important factor that can speak volumes about individuals. O Minu Agnus says that Proxemics can be defined as the study of means in which individuals make use of the physical space in the interaction between the individuals. This process of owning the space by above said means differ from culture to culture. ( IRWLE VOL. 8 No. I)
If two people are standing close to each other and
are communicating freely, it indicates they know each other well to be so
close. But at a bus stop, even if you are standing in a queue, and you receive
a push from a stranger, it could lead to a fight, if the stranger's push seemed
deliberate and transgressing your space. A public speaker speaks from a podium
which is at a distance with a crowd that knows him from far. The same public
speaker after returning home, takes his baby on his lap and speaks to her.
Space matters!
E T Hall, the most popular founder of Intercultural
Communication, sets forth a theory about how people react to others at various
distances from their own bodies, indicating thereby a sense of territoriality,
similar to that shown by animals or birds and develops notation for this
purpose.” (Blyth 1976; p 117)
Edward T. Hall described four levels of social
distance that occur in different situations
- Intimate distance - 6 to 18 inches (15 to 45
cm): This indicates the physical distance for
the ones we are close to or we have an intimate relationship with, such as
with close family or a partner.
- Personal or friend distance - 1.5 to 4 feet
(45cm to 1.2 metres): Physical distance at
this level usually occurs between people who are family members or close
friends as you are comforatble standing in their presence.
- Social distance - 4 to 12 feet (1.2 metres to
3.6 metres): This distance is
generally used with individuals who are acquaintances. For instance, it
could be your baby sitter, or a co-worker in your company whom you feel
free to talk to.
- Public or audience distance - 12 to 25 feet
(3.6 metres to 7.5 metres): This is the distance
adopted by speakers, preachers, teachers in a classroom, etc.
Chronemics:
Punctuality is often considered as a sign of discipline. Arriving on Time and time consciousness are often used as standards to judge a person in today's world. This example indicates that 'Time and Punctuality' reveal something about a person's life style. Thus time is an element of Non-verbal Communication. The study of this role of Time in the field of Communication, is called Chronemics.
Punctuality is often considered as a sign of discipline. Arriving on Time and time consciousness are often used as standards to judge a person in today's world. This example indicates that 'Time and Punctuality' reveal something about a person's life style. Thus time is an element of Non-verbal Communication. The study of this role of Time in the field of Communication, is called Chronemics.
We have just finished two types of Communication.
In my next post, we will go for types of communication- 2 where I discuss
'Inter-personal Communication and Intra-personal Communication'. The only
reason for doing this, is the length of the post. Thanks all!
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INTER- PERSONAL COMMUNICATION
Interpersonal Communication is a term that is basically attributed to a
face to face communication between two persons. It is communication or a
dialogue which is direct and personal and unmediated by media technology. In
Inter-personal Communication the feedback is immediate. Context plays an
important role in Interpersonal communication. The cultural, environmental and
situational context all play a very important role in the process of
Interpersonal Communication.
Keval J Kumar highlights three stages of Inter-personal communication in
his book, 'Mass Communication in India.' he says,
1.
"The phatic stage:
The phatic stage occurs when ritualised greetings are exchanged. They are only a formalised manner of showing interest and attention. The phatic stage then is patterned according to social and cultural norms and rituals.
The phatic stage occurs when ritualised greetings are exchanged. They are only a formalised manner of showing interest and attention. The phatic stage then is patterned according to social and cultural norms and rituals.
2.
The personal stage:
The second stage, called the personal stage, introduces a more personal element into the conversation. During this period, persons lower their social guard a little and are prepared to take some risk in exposing themselves and their feelings. They may be willing to talk about personal matters such as one’s profession, the family, health problems and the like. Professional discussions rarely go beyond this stage.
The second stage, called the personal stage, introduces a more personal element into the conversation. During this period, persons lower their social guard a little and are prepared to take some risk in exposing themselves and their feelings. They may be willing to talk about personal matters such as one’s profession, the family, health problems and the like. Professional discussions rarely go beyond this stage.
3.
The intimate stage:
This stage is reserved for friends and relatives as there is a degree of intimacy depending upon the closeness of the relationship. Interpersonal communication achieves its highest form in this mode, and words seem inadequate."
This stage is reserved for friends and relatives as there is a degree of intimacy depending upon the closeness of the relationship. Interpersonal communication achieves its highest form in this mode, and words seem inadequate."
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INTRA- PERSONAL COMMUNICATION
In Intra-personal communication, the sender
and the receiver is the same. When one tries to reflect, interpret a map, or do
self- talk, it is called Intra-personal communication. Luis Kumpiluvelil sdb
says, "Thus, transmission of information takes place through the nerve
impulses in the brain rather than the sound in the air or written words on a
page."
Intra-personal Communication includes
interpreting maps, texts, signs and symbols, the stomach growling when hungry
or upset, self talk, reading aloud, writing one’s thoughts or observations,
day-dreaming or nocturnal dreaming, reflecting, contemplating and meditating.
Intra-personal communication can be understood as
‘communication within oneself’ or as ‘talking within the individual self or
with the self’ (David). Activities such as thinking, calculating, planning,
imagining, recollecting and also unconscious activities can be included as the
process of intra-personal communication (David Gill and Bridget Adams,
1988:82).
'Intra-personal communication is the origin of all
the other forms of communication. The mind is always in communication with
internal messages, in processing them constantly before they are expressed
outwardly in Public. The self-concept of a person is formed through
Intra-personal communication.' (Introduction to communication and media
studies, Edited by John Joshva Raja and Samson Prabhakar)
Keval J. Kumar, in his book, 'Mass Communication in
India,' says that It ‘is individual reflection, contemplation and meditation.
Transcendental meditation for instance is an example of such communication.
Conversing with the divine, with spirits and ancestors, may be termed
‘transpersonal’ Communication. This is a vital experience in the religious and
monastic life, and in ashrams and places of prayer.
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GROUP COMMUNICATION
When we speak of Group Communication, we are
speaking about a group. When two or more persons interact with each, have a
common goal and consider themselves as part of a Group, It is termed as Group
Communication.
A group according to MacIver is a , “mean any
collection of human beings who are brought into social relationship with one
another”. Robert K. Merton says “A social group is a number of people who
define themselves as members of a group; who expect certain behaviour from
members that they do not expect from outsiders and whom others define as
belonging to a group.”
While Bottomore defines it a bit more elaborately
as he says, “A social group is an aggregate of individuals in which
(i) definite relations exist between
the individuals comprising it, and
(ii) each individual is conscious of the
group itself and its symbols”
Group members contribute to building of belonging
and become a source of information and Knowledge. Belonging to a group in some
cases also gives a feeling of security and can boost Social identity. It is the
interaction among the group that gives it nature rather than Physical
proximity.
An individual may belong to one or more groups at
the same time. For instance, a person may belong to a group of friends from
one's college. However, the same individual may belong to another group that is
a football lover's group in one's residential colony.
Luis Kumpiluvelil sdb says, 'Group Communication is
one form of interpersonal communication. The persons in the group may belong to
a homogenous or heterogenous group depending on their social context. Group
Communication can take place at formal and informal levels.'
Most Sociologists refer to three types of Groups.
These include
1. Primary Group
2. Secondary Group
3. Reference Group
Primary Group:
In the words of C.H. Cooley, “By primary I mean
those characterised by intimate face-to-face association and co-operation.
These are primary in several senses but chiefly in that they are fundamental in
framing the social nature and ideals of the individual”.
Primary groups are usually characterised by
physical proximity, small size, similarity of background or culture and
common interests.
Secondary Group:
A secondary group unlike a Primary group is not
small in size. It need not have face to face interactions and the relations are
casual and impersonal by nature. According to Ogburn, “The groups which provide
experience lacking in intimacy are called secondary groups”.
Secondary groups are goal oriented by nature,
however, the roles assigned are clearly specified. The member may be scattered
across the globe, but it is the goal that gets them together.
Reference Group:
According to Encyclopedia.com, "The term
“reference group” was first used by Hyman, who elaborated the concept and
explored some of its properties in 'The Psychology of Status' (1942)." He
says,"Reference group is the group to which the individual refers in the
sense that he identifies himself either consciously or unconsciously with it.
"In simple words a reference group is any person
or group that serves as a point of comparison (for reference) for an individual
in forming either general or specific values, attitudes, or behavior (Schiffman
& Kanuk, 2000). Given that social networks are conformed in different
manners in different cultural contexts, reference group influence varies across
cultures (Childers & Rao, 1992).
Reference groups have basically two functions
(Kelley, 1965): A normative function that sets and enforces standards for the
individual, and a comparative function that serves as a comparison point
against which an individual evaluates himself and others (Cocanougher &
Bruce, 1971).
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PUBLIC COMMUNICATION
Any information that occurs between individuals and groups of people or
Public can be termed as Public Communication. Often Mass media is used as a
means to reach out to a large audience.
A speech given on a stage to an audience is one
instance of Public communication. Politicians speaking in a public rally, or a
huge company advertising on a public platform are examples of Public
Communication.
Nicole Papa (2017) says, "Public communication
is the sending and receiving of messages on a large scale that impacts groups
of people. For the communication to be considered effective, the messages must
be clearly and accurately sent and received with a high degree of
comprehension."
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MASS LINE COMMUNICATION
The term Mass-Line Communication is attributed to Mao
Zedong and the Chinese Communist Party. It is a political, leadership method
that involved communication with the masses which was non- manipulative and
mindful of their needs and knowledge. It includes communication that consulted
the masses themselves. It is a bottom-up type of Communication rather that the
top-down approach.
Encyclopedia of Anti-Revisionism On-Line states two
important statements of Chairman Mao, which can be used to describe the Mass
line Communication. It says, that Chairman Mao pointed out: “The masses in any
given place are generally composed of three parts, the relatively active, the
intermediate and the relatively backward. The leaders must therefore be skilled
in uniting the small number of active elements around the leadership and must
rely on them to raise the level of the intermediate elements and to win over
the backward elements.”
We, thus note that in Mass Line communication, the
leaders do not dominate and over power the masses, rather, rely on the masses
themselves to deal with the issues concerning them. In a communication like
this, the masses were to inspired and energised to stand for their rights. It
was a similar technique that was observed in the life of Mahatma Gandhi during
the freedom struggle in India.
Chairman Mao also wrote that “In all the practical
work of our Party, all correct leadership is necessarily ’from the masses, to
the masses,’ This means: take the ideas of the masses (scattered and unsystematic
ideas) and concentrate them (through study rum them into concentrated and
systematic ideas), then go to the masses and propagate and explain these ideas
until the masses embrace them as their own, hold fast to them and translate
them into action, and test the correctness of these ideas in such action.”
(Encyclopedia of Anti-Revisionism On-Line)
In India, Gandhiji led to a massive
revolution through movements like the Satyagraha and the Dandi March. Thousands
of Indians rallied with him.
In her book, 'Dynamics Of Mass
Communication Theory And Practice' by Uma Narula, writes on the concept of Mass
Line Communication. She says, "Mass Line Concept of Communication is
identified with non- elitist leadership. Gandhi (India) suggested bottom- up Communication
between the people and the development functionaries. This concept of
communication presupposes
(i) People’s Participation and leadership
in community activities and development
(ii) Opinion leadership as significant
communication links between people and the concerned, and development
functionaries."
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BUSINESS COMMUNICATION- FORMAL AND INFORMAL
Formal and Informal Communication are two categories
which are often discussed in the realm of Business Communication or
communication involved in an organisation. Communication in an
organisation is a means to achieve organisational gols or targets. The transfer
of information is important in any given organisation, institute or Business
firm to achieve success. Lack of Communication could lead to chaos. In Business
Communication or communication in any organisation there are two types of
communication. These are:
1. Formal Communication
2. Informal Communication
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FORMAL COMMUNICATION
Formal communication refers to communication that
takes place officially in the form of official messages and news. It is an
official Communication that occurs through recognised channels and means within
a given organisation or Business entity and has a laid down structure.
Thus, Official Letters, Memos, Emails, Reports,
Official Minutes of the Meetings, Communication between Superiors and
subordinates and vice versa, Communication between employees in the department
or across the Department, etc are all part and parcel of Formal Communication.
In simple terms , Formal communication is associated
with job or business or work related matters.
Formal Communication has different categories:
i) Downward communication
ii) Upward Communication
iii) Horizontal communication
ii) Upward Communication
iii) Horizontal communication
iv) Diagonal communication
i) Downward Communication
In Downward Communication, the
flow of communication is in a top to down approach, i.e. from the Top
Management downwards to the subordinates or employees. Such a communication
could comprise of Orders, Plans, Policy Implementation Directives, Rules, Memos,
Emails concerning the same, etc.
ii) Upward
Communication
In Upward Communication, the
flow of communication is in a bottom to top approach, i.e. from the lower
levels of any institute, organisation or business entity, towards the higher
level in the same firm. In simple terms, from the subordinates or employees
upwards to the Top Management.
Upward Communication is an
important element of Formal Communication, as it is the feedback in response to
the communication that comes from the higher level to the lower level. The
authority is thus informed about how the desired plans, policies and projects
are being responded or attended to.
Upward Communication also
permits the subordinates to present their opinion, ideas or plans, project
implementation schemes, or their disappointments.
The Higher level or Authority
then makes decisions based on the response received through the Upward
Communication.
iii)
Horizontal communication
As the term suggests,
Horizontal communication is communication that happens between members on the
same level in an organisation heirarchy. Horizontal Communication is also
called Lateral or Side-ward communication. So, it could be communication
between two managers who are working in different departments of the same
company, or it could be communication among two subordinates or employees
working under one manager or one boss, etc.
Horizontal Communication is equally important as it is an important means of communication that leads to passing of information, co-ordination, attempts at working together, exchange of important Data and Co-ordination of activities that require team effort and project implementations. The communication at this level could be oral or written. However, in business firms, written communication is always a better means to implement important projects.
iv) Diagonal communication
Communication can occur across levels. For instance a manger could communicate with an employee from the production team in a Company. This example shows communication occuring diagonally between different structural levels in an organisation.
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INFORMAL COMMUNICATION
One of the most common forms of
communication is what we term as informal communication. A chat between two
individuals working in the office over a cup of tea or between employees during
lunch,etc are examples of informal communication. In simple terms any
communication in an organisation that is not formal and structured is informal
communication. Office gossip is also considered to be an informal type of
communication.
Grapevines
Grapevines is a peculiar term
attributed to informal communication that happens in all offices cutting across
all departments. It is a natural human instinct to build friendships, start
communication in any given workplace. Grapevines can also spread rumours. This
is a dangerous trend as the news spreads fast and the management has a tough
time controlling such grapevines and maligning or tarnishing of
reputations. It could also be a rumour that puts the firm in danger. Grapevines
are often the cause for gossip. However, at times, officials have also made use
of grapevines to send across messages. Grapevines are chats that occur during
breaks, recesses or in between impromptu chats in offices. Grapevines can be
work oriented or people related as it could include casual discussions on work
related matters or gossip about members and their errors.
MASS COMMUNICATION
In most instances “The sender often is a person in some large media organization, the messages are public, and the audience tends to be large and varied” (Berger 121). However, with new media coming in messages today, the sender can also be a single individual whose post or file or information could reach out to a large number of recipients through social networking forums.
Thus Mass communication uses Mass media like Print technology (newspapers, books and Magazines), Television, Radio, Internet, Digital technology, etc.
P.S: The Books and Online materials have
been mentioned for the convenience of the students. You may read them online,
or read the books available on the mentioned authors from your library for
further study or buy the same online.
Good day Miss, can you give me a real-life scenario focusing on mass line communication?
ReplyDeleteThis is useful to improve communication and pitch presentation skills. Thanks for sharing this detailed information about communication.
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