Communication; Process and Elements

Effective communication serves as the cornerstone for success, facilitating the transmission of crucial information among stakeholders. "Communication is the process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior." - American Psychological Association (APA).

Elements of the communication process:

The sender

The sender is the person who initiates communication and exchanges thoughts or information. This might include a management giving instructions to subordinates, a salesperson pitching a product to a client, or a team member providing thoughts at a meeting.

 The message

The message is the most important aspect of communication, conveying the intended information. Ideas, feelings, research findings, recommendations, instructions, and even organisational policies are all examples of messages that can be included in corporate communication.

Encoding

Encoding is the process of translating ideas into symbols, words, gestures, or other forms that the recipient can understand. Encoding ensures that the message is packaged in an appropriate manner for effective transmission.

 The Channels

The encoded communication travels through multiple channels to reach its destination. Business communication channels may include face-to-face encounters, emails, memos, presentations, virtual platforms, and social media, each chosen based on its suitability and efficacy in reaching the desired audience.

The Reciever

The recipient of a message is crucial to communication. The receiver, whether a colleague, boss, client, or partner, must be open to incoming communication and capable of decoding and interpreting the information sent.

 Decoding

The act of decoding involves the receiver's cognitive process of interpreting the encoded information into a meaningful understanding once they have received it. Successful decoding depends on the recipient's capacity to understand and place the message in the context of their own experience.

Feedback

Communication is an interactive process that involves constant information exchange. Feedback is the technique by which the recipient answers to the sender, providing insights, clarifications, or reactions depending on their understanding of the communication. This discourse fosters mutual understanding, alignment, and clarity.

 Noice

Noise can disrupt communication and prevent messages from being transmitted and received smoothly. Noise can take many forms, including external distractions, semantic ambiguity, cultural differences, and even technology glitches, all of which can impede communication clarity and effectiveness.