Communication: Definition, Types and modes
Explore the essence of communication, its varied types, and the diverse modes through which it manifests. Discover how communication shapes interactions, and societies.
Communication: Definition, Types and modes
what is communication?
communication is the process of sharing ideas, information, feeling, views, facts and understanding from one person to another.
The English word 'Communication' is derived from the Latin word 'communis' लिया गया
which means sharing of ideas, information amongst people.
In the other words communication is the transmission and interaction of facts, ideas, opinion, feelings or attitude.
communication is the essence of management.
Basic function of (planning, organising) management cannot be performed well without effective Communication.
Communication cannot takes place without two parties - receiver and sender
Definitions of communication
1. According to Luther
It is the transmission of commonly meaningful information and it is also a process that involves exchange of behaviours.
2. According to Sanbom
communication is the process of sending and receiving messages
3. According to fortune
It is the procedure whereby one mind effects other mind
4. According to Newstrom and Davis
communication is the transfer of information from one person to another person. It is a way of reaching Others by transmitting ideas, facts, thoughts, filling and values.
5. According to Trewatha
communication is process of transferring and receiving information through use of common symbols so that understanding takes place.
6. According to Emery and others
communication is art of transmitting information , ideas and attitudes from one person to another
7. According to A. kumar
Communication is process of making a message understood by satisfying the need sets and ego sets of a receiver.
Types Of Communication Based On Purpose And Style
BASED ON RELATIONSHIP
1. Intrapersonal communication
Intrapersonal communication refers to the dialogue that happens within an individual. It’s essentially communication with oneself, involving processes like thinking, analyzing, and reflecting1. This can include a range of activities such as self-talk, planning, problem-solving, and daydreaming.
2. Transpersonal communication
Transpersonal communication is a type of communication that occurs between a person and spirits, ancestors, or other divine entities. It is a communication between the self and its beliefs, something that is higher than the body and mind, and beyond the personal or egoic stages. The word "transpersonal" comes from the Humanistic psychologists Abraham Maslow, Carl Jung, and Victor Frankl.
3. Interpersonal communication
Interpersonal communication is the exchange of information between two or more people. It involves both verbal and non-verbal methods, such as speaking, listening, body language, and facial expressions. It’s used in everyday interactions to share ideas, express feelings, and build relationships. Effective interpersonal communication requires skills like active listening, empathy, and openness.
4. Group communication
Group communication is the exchange of messages among members of a group. It’s used to share information, ideas, and work towards common goals. This can happen in person or online, and involves verbal and non-verbal communication. Effective group communication is key for teamwork and achieving objectives together.
Group communication, or team communication, is the process of sending and receiving messages between multiple members of a group. It can involve verbal and nonverbal communication, such as body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and written communication.
5. Mass communication
Mass communication is the process of sharing information with a large audience through various forms of media, like television, radio, newspapers, and the internet. It’s used for entertainment, education, and influencing public opinion. Mass communication can reach many people, often who are unknown to the sender, and has a significant impact on society and culture.
BASED ON ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
1. Formal communication
In the formal channel of communication, the message is transmitted through predefined routes of an organization. Such a channel of communication has clarity regarding the roles and relationships of the members of the organization. It is a structured and systematic movement of messages or information that determines the efficiency and operational ability of an organization. It passes through prescribed channels and maintains formal relations between the participants.
2. Informal communication
Grapevine refers to the informal channel of communication which is non- hierarchical in nature and does not follow any predefined official pattern or communication channels.lt flows in all directions.It is oral in nature and is undocumented. It is personal and results from the social nature of human beings to communicate with each other.
BASED ON THE BASIS OF DIRECTION
1. Vertical communication
Vertical communication refers to the flow of information between different hierarchical levels within an organization. It encompasses both upward communication, where subordinates communicate with their superiors, and downward communication, where superiors disseminate information to subordinates.
2. Horizontal communication
Communication which flows among individuals situated within the same level of an organization is termed as lateral or horizontal communication. The persons concerned could be from the same department or spread across departments but holding the same position or rank.
3. Upward communication
Communication which flows from the lower order of the hierarchical structure of an organization to the superiors is termed as upward communication. It is relatively less common because it has to travel upward and employees are often unsure if their reactions or feelings would be understood. E.g. complaints and grievances, suggestions etc.
4. Downward communication
The flow of communication in an organisation that involves a hierarchical structure is usually downward. The authority is the source of any information and it travels to other designated members of the organisation who will implement the communication. This type of flow of information ensures that the important activities of an organisation are carried out properly and also instill a sense of acceptance of authority. E.g. memos, letters, meetings, speeches etc.
5. Diagonal communication
Communication which occurs across the hierarchy with people from different levels interacting with each other but outside the limits of reporting relationships set up by their position or ranks. E.g. if the vice president of marketing communicates with a sales representative or vice- versa then it is diagonal communication.
ON THE BASIS OF CHANNELS
1. Verbal communication
Verbal communication is the use of spoken words to convey thoughts, idea, and emotions.
1.1 oral communication
Involves the exchange of information through spoken words. It’s a direct, immediate form of communication, often allowing for instant feedback and interaction.
1.2 written communication
Consists of messages conveyed in written or printed form. It’s a formal means of communication that provides a permanent record of the exchange.
2. Non verbal communication
Nonverbal communication is silent communication including kinesics, haptics, silence, paralanguage, chronemics, proxemics, and personal appearance.
Modes of communication
Modes of communication refer to the various methods people use to convey information to one another. These can include verbal communication (speaking), non-verbal communication (body language, gestures), written communication (letters, emails, text messages), visual communication (charts, graphs, images), and digital communication (social media, video calls). Each mode has its own strengths and weaknesses depending on the context and the message being conveyed.
There are three main modes of communication: verbal, nonverbal, and visual.
1. Verbal communication is the use of spoken words to transmit information. This can be done in person, over the phone, or through video conferencing.
2. Nonverbal communication is the transmission of information through body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. It can also include things like gestures, posture, and eye contact.
3. Visual communication is the use of images, graphics, and charts to convey information. This can be used to explain complex concepts, to tell stories, or to simply make information more engaging.
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