COMMUNICATION

A VITAL ASPECT
TY-BMSW
CONCEPT OF COMMUNICATION
• The word "communication" comes from Latin "com-"
(together),"muni-" (sharing),and"-cation" (process).
• Communication is the process of exchanging information, ideas,
thoughts, or feelings between individuals or groups through a
common system of symbols, signs, or behaviors. It involves a sender
transmitting a message to a receiver, who then interprets and
provides feedback
CONCEPT OF COMMUNICATION
• Communication is the process by which a message or information is
exchanged from a sender to a receiver.
• For example a production manager (sender) may send a message to a
sales manager (receiver) asking for sales forecasts for the next 6
months so they can plan production levels. The sales manager would
then reply (feedback) to the production manager with the
appropriate figure.
• Communication establishes relationships and makes organizing
possible.
DEFINITIONS OF COMMUNICATION
• Communication is the sum of all the things one person does when he
wants to create understanding in the mind of another. It involves a
systematic and continuous process of telling, listening and
understanding. (Louis A Allen)
• Communication can be defined as the process through which two or
more persons come to exchange ideas and understanding among
themselves.
• The word Communication describes the process of conveying
messages (facts, ideas, attitudes and opinions) from one person to
another, so that they are understood. (M.W. Cumming)
IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION
• Communication is to an organisation what the nervous system is to the human body. Effective
Communication will lead to the smooth working of any organisation. It serves as a foundation for
building relationships, solving problems, and coordinating efforts in various social settings. The
following points illustrate the importance of Communication in Organization.

1.Smooth Working of a Organization

2.Basis of Managerial Function
3.Maximum Production and Minimum Cost
4.Prompt Decision and its Implementation
5.Building Human Relations
6.Job Satisfaction and Good Morale
7.Avoids Illusion
8.Contacts with external Parties.
ELEMENTS OF COMMUNICATION

• A Communicator – A speaker, sender, or issuer transmits (Ideas,

facts, or messages (orders, reports, suggestions)) to
Communicatee(Addressee, respondent, or audience)to Influence(The
behavior of the communicate) to Response (Reply or reaction).
FUNCTIONS OF COMMUNICATION
• Communication serves four major functions in an organisation, these are Control,
Motivation, Emotional Expression and Information. Other than these Communication can
also be said to fulfill the following functions in an organisation.
1. Instructive Function
2. Influence Function
3. Integration Function
4. Informing Function
5. Evaluation Function
6. Directing Function
7.Teaching Function
8. Image Projection Function
9.Interview Function
TYPES OF COMMUNICATION
• 1. Verbal Communication : Verbal communication is any type of
words, sound, speech and language. The process of human
communications starts at birth. Babies find a way to communicate
using sounds to get their message across to adults. A baby will cry
when uncomfortable or hungry.
• 2. Nonverbal Communication : This type of communication in the
process consists, in part, of gestures, facial expressions and body
language. If you are telling someone a joke but have an angry
expression on your face, you are conveying a mixed message.
TYPES OF COMMUNICATION
• 3. Written/Visual Communication : Written or visual communication
includes the written word, drawings, songs, graphic design and video.
This process of communication conveys an idea by being read or
seen—relying on visuals. The possibility of misinterpretation with
written communication is abundant. A message is interpreted
depending upon the mood of the reader and the type of grammar,
punctuation and style in which it is written.
PROCESS OF COMMUNICATION
1.The Idea or Message
• The very first step of communication process is the creation of the
message or idea that a person want to convey to others.
Communication can occur on a number of different levels and in a
variety of different formats. Therefore, it is necessary to choose how
the idea is going to convey and to whom it will be communicated as
well. The idea or message must be appropriate for the type of
audience and the size of the audience.
PROCESS OF COMMUNICATION
2. Conveying the Message
• Once the idea has been created and the audience has been selected, then
the next step of the communication process must be taken, which is to
actually convey the message. The message can be conveyed in a number of
different ways: verbally, in written form or through more subtle means
such as hands-on training. It is essential to choose the proper medium
through which to transmit the message. Selecting the right medium can
affect how the message is received.
PROCESS OF COMMUNICATION
3. Interpretation
• The interpretation of the message follows its reception. Once the
message is received, the recipient then determines what it means. If
he has only heard part of the message or has a limited capacity for
understanding the message, he may interpret it differently than it was
intended. Even if the message is heard in its entirety, it can be
misconstrued.
PROCESS OF COMMUNICATION
4. Response And Feedback
• The recipient of the original message interprets the information and
then formulates an appropriate response to the original message. The
response depends largely upon the extent to which the original
message was heard or seen and whether or not it was properly
interpreted. The original sender of the message must determine
whether the recipient properly interpreted the message and provide
additional feedback to ensure proper interpretation
CHARACTERISTICS OF COMMUNICATION
1. It is Unavoidable.
2. It is a Two-way Exchange Of Information.
3. It is a process.
4. It involves a Sender and a Receiver of Information.
5. It could be verbal or non-verbal.
DIRECTIONS OF COMMUNICATON
1. Downward Communication
2. Upward Communication
3. Horizontal Communication
4. Vertical Communication
BARRIERS TO COMMUNICATION
1. Perceptual Barrier: This is one of the most common barriers to
communication because different people interpret our actions, words
and mannerisms in different ways. People want to receive those
messages which are of significance to them. Perceptions of people differ
and depend on the cultural, emotional, personal and spiritual
background of the person.
2. Language Barrier: Language is another barrier to communication.
Sometimes, we don‘t realize and we use such words or phrases which
may or may not be understood by the other person, thus leading to a
barrier. This could be words from a dialect that is not common to the
people in your office or it could be jargon that others don‘t know the
meaning to.
BARRIERS TO COMMUNICATION
3. Interpersonal Barriers to Communication: Interpersonal barriers, on
the other hand, are barriers to communication that come as a result of
the way different people relate to one another. Some people may lack
the social skills, therefore they withdraw.
4. Information Overload: Managers are surrounded with a pool of
information. It is essential to control this information flow else the
information is likely to be misinterpreted or forgotten or overlooked. As
a result communication is less effective.
BARRIERS TO COMMUNICATION
5. Time Pressures: Often in organization the targets have to be
achieved within a specified time period, the failure of which has
adverse consequences. In a haste to meet deadlines, the formal
channels of communication are shortened, or messages are partially
given, i.e., not completely transferred. Thus sufficient time should be
given for effective communication.
6. Distraction/Noise: Communication is also affected a lot by noise to
distractions.Physical distractions are also there such as, poor lightning,
uncomfortable sitting, unhygienic room also affects communication in a
meeting. Similarly use of loud speakers interferes with communication.
BARRIERS TO COMMUNICATION
6. Emotions: Emotional state at a particular point of time also affects
communication. If the receiver feels that communicator is angry he
interprets that the information being sent is very bad. While he takes it
differently if the communicator is happy and jovial (in that case the message
is interpreted to be good and interesting).
7. Complexity in Organizational Structure: Greater the hierarchy in an
organization (i.e. More the number of managerial levels), more is the
chances of communication getting destroyed. Only the people at the top
level can see the overall picture while the people at low level just have
knowledge about their own area and a little knowledge about other areas.
8. Poor retention: Human memory cannot function beyond a limit. One can‘t
always retain what is being told specially if he is not interested or not
attentive. This leads to communication breakdown.
COMMUNICATION IN SOCIAL WORK
• The communication process in social work practice is a dynamic exchange
of information among the client and the social worker within a specific
context. It is the essential part of the helping process in social work
practice. A model is being developed to analyze the communication
process in social work practice.
• The client is a person with needs, and/or problems. Client shared
something of them, whether it is feelings, thoughts, opinions, ideas, values,
needs, or goals. On the other hand, social worker is a helping person with
professional knowledge, skills, competence, and expertness for interacting
with client for developing relationships. The social worker collects data
from the client’s verbal and nonverbal behavior.
COMMUNICATION IN SOCIAL WORK
CONCLUSION
• Communication is a multifaceted process that requires skill,
awareness, and practice. Whether through words, gestures, or visual
cues, how we communicate determines the quality of our
interactions with others. By understanding the different types of
communication, recognizing potential barriers, and applying effective
strategies, individuals can improve their ability to express themselves
and connect with others. Strong communication skills foster
collaboration, resolve conflicts, and lead to success in both personal
and professional arenas. Ultimately, effective communication is about
more than just transmitting information—it’s about creating
understanding and building relationships.
REFERENCES
• Document on communication from Uttrakhand university.
• Journal on Communication By International Journal of Research in
Sociology and Anthropology(IJRSA)
• Document on Communication by BHMAECC-II
THANKS FOR PATIENCE LISTENING