communication in business a2 business studies - people
DESCRIPTION
Communication Transferring information from one part of the business to another that leads to some outcome, changed behaviour or changed practice Formal Communication – exchange of information through official channels. E.g. board meetings, memos Informal Communication – information exchange outside of official channels E.g. gossipTRANSCRIPT
Communication in Business
A2 Business Studies - People
CommunicationTransferring information from one part of the business to another that leads to some outcome, changed behaviour or changed practice
Formal Communication – exchange of information through official channels. E.g. board meetings, memos
Informal Communication – information exchange outside of official channels E.g. gossip
Communication process
Sender or Instigator
Channel Medium Receiver
Change in payment systems
Finance Dept
Feedback
Communication
Good quality communication is essential for a business to function effectively.
Good communication co-ordinates, motivates, enables feedback, and clarifies roles and responsibilities of staff in a business. It enables all staff in a firm to work towards a common goal.
Communication overload may result in large organisation with many layers of hierarchy
The Communication Process
Message (the information
that is transmitted)
Receiver (the audience at
whom the message is targeted)
The sender (Initiates the
communication)
Feedback (was the message
received and understood?)
Medium (how the message is
passed on e.g. e-mail)
Communication Methods
– Verbal – face to face– Written– Electronic– Visual – Audio– Group meetings– Notice boards– Text!
Communication Medium:
– Letters– Memo– Report– Notice board– Faxes– Telephone– E-mail– Face to face– Body language– Video/video conferencing– Internet
Choice of Medium used is affected by:
Need for a record
Direction of the information flow - one-way/two-way?
Number of people to be reached
Confidentiality
Nature of the information – length, complexity, speed of transfer
Cost of the medium
Barriers to Successful Communication Ability of the sender – how much the sender understands of the message they
are trying to send
Content – including technicalities and jargon (word with technical or special meaning)
Method of communication – including style and body language where appropriate!
Skills and attitude of the receiver
Organisational factors – complexity of the organisation, scope of the organisation
Cultural attitudes
Noise - any interference which makes the message difficult to receive
Perceptions, prejudices and stereotypes
Inappropriate target for the message
Technical capabilities – ICT!
Improving communication Train employees in communication skills
Avoid the danger of generating too much information and evaluate information needs for a task
Recognise that cultural and linguistic differences exist
Delayering the organisation – the removal of middle management
Decentralisation – the delegation of decision-making authority from head office to local branches. Reduces the volume of communication and empowers local managers.
Improving communication
Information and communication technology – ICT can make the communication process quicker and cheaper.
However ICT can be expensive, often needs replacing due to technological change and staff may need training to use it.
E.g. the internet,email, intranet, mobile phones, answer phones, videoconferencing
ICT can lead to information overload, and an increase in time workers spend on tasks
Communication Complete the communication worksheet
Read pages 188 - 191 about communication in large organisations
Ensure you understand the terms: Communication overload Decentralisation And the importance of ICT in communication
Answers the case study questions page 193 - 194 AQA A2 textbook