Communication Concepts and Models

Communication Definitions

• Communication is a continuous process.
• Communication is the process by which information is transmitted between individuals and/or organizations so that an understanding response results (Newman).
• Ellis and McClintock have proposed a transaction model of communication.

Communication Types

• Advertising – mass communication
• Grapevine - informal communication
• Email – written communication

Communication Models

• Transaction Model - proposed by Ellis and McClintock

Communication Significance

• Crisis management
• Inspiring team spirit
• Corporate branding

Communication Objectives

• Motivation - primary objective

Communication Process

• Encoding: Converting ideas into symbols.

Communication Channels

• Print media – oldest form of mass communication
• Digital media – modern mass communication

Types of Communication

• Formal communication: Planned and deliberate
• Informal communication: Unscheduled and spontaneous
• Intrapersonal communication: Communication with oneself (e.g., talking to yourself)
• Interpersonal communication: Communication between two people (e.g., a conversation)
• Group communication: Communication between more than two people (e.g., a meeting)
• Mass communication: Communication to a large audience via media (e.g., television, newspapers)
• Downward communication: Information flows from higher levels to lower levels.
• Upward communication: Information flows from lower levels to higher levels.
• Horizontal communication: Information flows among members of same rank.
• Outward communication: Information flows from an organization to the outside world.
• Inward communication: Information flows from the outside world to the organization.
• Verbal communication: Uses spoken words.
• Non-verbal communication: Uses body language, gestures, and facial expressions.

Nonverbal Communication Examples

• Gestures: Culture-specific non-verbal communication.

Communication Trends

• Open door policy – strengthens upward communication

Technology & Communication

• Morse Code: Invented by Samuel Morse in 1838 for telegraphs.
• Telephone: Invented by Alexander Graham Bell.

Communication Methods

• Fax: Provides written record, fast, crosses time zones and countries.
• Teleconference: Useful for multiple parties across locations.

Communication Elements

• Sender: Source of the message
• Receiver: Destination of the message
• Message: Information being communicated
• Channel: Medium used for transmitting message
• Feedback: Response from the receiver

Other Communication Elements

• Salutation: Greeting used in written communications.
• Enclosure: Attachment included with a letter.
• Feedback: Response to a message.
• Procedure: Set of steps for completing a task.

Communication Advice & Persuasion

• Advice: Non-obligatory, often given by laypersons
• Order: Obligatory, given by professionals.
• Reprimand: Used to warn or admonish.

Work Environment

• High morale: Motivated and cheerful staff

Color Schemes in Design

• Complementary: Uses opposite colors on the color wheel.

Explore the various definitions, types, and models of communication in this quiz. Understand the significance and objectives of communication, as well as the different channels used in conveying messages. Challenge your knowledge about formal and informal communication methods.