What is Business Communication ?

Communication is neither transmission of message nor message itself. It is the mutual

exchange of understanding, originating with the reciever. Communication needs to be
effective in business. Communication is essence of management. The basic functions of
management (Planning, Organizing,Staffing, Directing and Controlling) cannot be performed
well without effective communication. Business communication involves constant flow of
information. Feedback is integral part of business communication. Organizations these days
are verly large. It involves number of people. There are various levels of hierarchy in an
organization. Greater the number of levels, the more difficult is the job of managing the
organization. Communication here plays a very important role in process of directing and
controlling the people in the oragnization. Immediate feedback can be obtained and
misunderstandings if any can be avoided. There should be effective communication between
superiors and subordinated in an organization, between organization and society at large(for
example between management and trade unions). It is essential for success and growth of an
organization. Communication gaps should not occur in any organization.

Business Communication is goal oriented. The rules, regulations and policies of a company have to
be communicated to people within and outside the organization. Business Communication is
regulated by certain rules and norms. In early times, business communication was limited to paper-
work, telephone calls etc. But now with advent of technology, we have cell phones, video
conferencing, emails, satellite communication to support business communication. Effective business
communication helps in building goodwill of an organization.

Business Communication can be of two types:

1. Oral Communication - An oral communication can be formal or informal. Generally business

communication is a formal means of communication, like : meetings, interviews, group
discussion, speeches etc. An example of Informal business communication would be -
Grapevine.
2. Written Communication - Written means of business communication includes - agenda,
reports, manuals etc.

Components of Communication Process

Communication is a process of exchanging verbal and non verbal messages. It is a continuous
process. Pre-requisite of communication is a message. This message must be conveyed
through some medium to the recipient. It is essential that this message must be understood by
the recipient in same terms as intended by the sender. He must respond within a time frame.
Thus, communication is a two way process and is incomplete without a feedback from the
recipient to the sender on how well the message is understood by him.
 Communication Process
The main components of communication process are as follows:

1. Context - Communication is affected by the context in which it takes place. This context may
be physical, social, chronological or cultural. Every communication proceeds with context.
The sender chooses the message to communicate within a context.
2. Sender / Encoder - Sender / Encoder is a person who sends the message. A sender makes
use of symbols (words or graphic or visual aids) to convey the message and produce the
required response. For instance - a training manager conducting training for new batch of
employees. Sender may be an individual or a group or an organization. The views,
background, approach, skills, competencies, and knowledge of the sender have a great
impact on the message. The verbal and non verbal symbols chosen are essential in
ascertaining interpretation of the message by the recipient in the same terms as intended by
the sender.
3. Message - Message is a key idea that the sender wants to communicate. It is a sign that
elicits the response of recipient. Communication process begins with deciding about the
message to be conveyed. It must be ensured that the main objective of the message is clear.
4. Medium - Medium is a means used to exchange / transmit the message. The sender must
choose an appropriate medium for transmitting the message else the message might not be
conveyed to the desired recipients. The choice of appropriate medium of communication is
essential for making the message effective and correctly interpreted by the recipient. This
choice of communication medium varies depending upon the features of communication. For
instance - Written medium is chosen when a message has to be conveyed to a small group of
people, while an oral medium is chosen when spontaneous feedback is required from the
recipient as misunderstandings are cleared then and there.
5. Recipient / Decoder - Recipient / Decoder is a person for whom the message is intended /
aimed / targeted. The degree to which the decoder understands the message is dependent
upon various factors such as knowledge of recipient, their responsiveness to the message,
and the reliance of encoder on decoder.
6. Feedback - Feedback is the main component of communication process as it permits the
sender to analyze the efficacy of the message. It helps the sender in confirming the correct
interpretation of message by the decoder. Feedback may be verbal (through words) or non-
verbal (in form of smiles, sighs, etc.). It may take written form also in form of memos, reports,
etc.

Oral Communication - Meaning, Advantages

and Limitations
Oral communication implies communication through mouth. It includes individuals conversing with
each other, be it direct conversation or telephonic conversation. Speeches, presentations, discussions
are all forms of oral communication. Oral communication is generally recommended when the
communication matter is of temporary kind or where a direct interaction is required. Face to face
communication (meetings, lectures, conferences, interviews, etc.) is significant so as to build a
rapport and trust.
Advantages of Oral Communication
 There is high level of understanding and transparency in oral communication as it is
interpersonal.
 There is no element of rigidity in oral communication. There is flexibility for allowing changes
in the decisions previously taken.
 The feedback is spontaneous in case of oral communication. Thus, decisions can be made
quickly without any delay.
 Oral communication is not only time saving, but it also saves upon money and efforts.
 Oral communication is best in case of problem resolution. The conflicts, disputes and many
issues/differences can be put to an end by talking them over.
 Oral communication is an essential for teamwork and group energy.
 Oral communication promotes a receptive and encouraging morale among organizational
employees.
 Oral communication can be best used to transfer private and confidential
information/matter.

Disadvantages/Limitations of Oral Communication

 Relying only on oral communication may not be sufficient as business communication is

formal and very organized.
 Oral communication is less authentic than written communication as they are informal and not
as organized as written communication.
 Oral communication is time-saving as far as daily interactions are concerned, but in case of
meetings, long speeches consume lot of time and are unproductive at times.
 Oral communications are not easy to maintain and thus they are unsteady.
 There may be misunderstandings as the information is not complete and may lack essentials.
 It requires attentiveness and great receptivity on part of the receivers/audience.
 Oral communication (such as speeches) is not frequently used as legal records except in
investigation work.

Written Communication - Meaning,

Advantages and Disadvantages
Written communication has great significance in today’s business world. It is an innovative activity of
the mind. Effective written communication is essential for preparing worthy promotional materials for
business development. Speech came before writing. But writing is more unique and formal than
speech. Effective writing involves careful choice of words, their organization in correct order in
sentences formation as well as cohesive composition of sentences. Also, writing is more valid and
reliable than speech. But while speech is spontaneous, writing causes delay and takes time as
feedback is not immediate.
Advantages of Written Communication

Written communication helps in laying down apparent principles, policies and rules for
running of an organization.

It is a permanent means of communication. Thus, it is useful where

record maintenance is required.

It assists in proper delegation of responsibilities. While in case of oral

communication, it is impossible to fix and delegate responsibilities on
the grounds of speech as it can be taken back by the speaker or he may
refuse to acknowledge.

Written communication is more precise and explicit.

Effective written communication develops and enhances an

organization’s image.

It provides ready records and references.

Legal defenses can depend upon written communication as it provides valid records.

Disadvantages of Written Communication

Written communication does not save upon the costs. It costs huge in terms of stationery and
the manpower employed in writing/typing and delivering letters.

Also, if the receivers of the written message are separated by distance and if they need to clear
their doubts, the response is not spontaneous.

Written communication is time-consuming as the feedback is not immediate. The encoding and
sending of message takes time.
 Effective written communication requires great skills and competencies in language and
vocabulary use. Poor writing skills and quality have a negative impact on organization’s
reputation.

Too much paper work and e-mails burden is involved.

Non Verbal Communication - Actions Speak

Louder than Words
Scenario 1 – You are sitting in front of an interview panel with arms crossed. So far you have not
been asked a single question, however, your crossed arms have spoken louder than the words.

Tip 1 – Never keep your arms crossed especially during formal one-on-one meetings. It suggests you
are not open to feedback and could also suggest that you are trying to dominate the situation.

Scenario 2 – You are giving a presentation to a group of 20 people. You keep your gaze fixed at the
centre of the class / room through the presentation – your gaze has spoken louder than your words.

Tip 2 – Your gaze at one person should not be more than 4 - 5 seconds while delivering a
presentation / communicating with a large group unless you are addressing an individual.

Scenario 1 and 2 clearly demonstrate the importance of Non Verbal Communication.

What is Non Verbal Communication ?

It is communication of feelings, emotions, attitudes, and thoughts through body movements / gestures
/ eye contact, etc.

The components of Non Verbal Communication are:

 Kinesics: It is the study of facial expressions, postures & gestures. Did you know that while in
Argentina to raise a fist in the air with knuckles pointing outwards expresses victory, in
Lebanon, raising a closed fist is considered rude?
 Oculesics: It is the study of the role of eye contact in non verbal communication. Did you
know that in the first 90 sec - 4 min you decide that you are interested in someone or not.
Studies reveal that 50% of this first impression comes from non-verbal communication which
includes oculesics. Only 7% of comes from words - that we actually say.
 Haptics: It is the study of touching. Did you know that acceptable level of touching vary from
one culture to another? In Thailand, touching someone's head may be considered as rude.
 Proxemics: It is the study of measurable distance between people as they interact. Did you
know that the amount of personal space when having an informal conversation should vary
between 18 inches - 4 feet while, the personal distance needed when speaking to a crowd of
people should be around 10-12 feet?
 Chronemics: It is the study of use of time in non verbal communication. Have you ever
observed that while AN employee will not worry about running a few minutes late to meet a
colleague, a manager who has a meeting with the CEO, a late arrival will be considered as a
nonverbal cue that he / she does not give adequate respect to his superior?
 Paralinguistics: It is the study of variations in pitch, speed, volume, and pauses to convey
meaning. Interestingly, when the speaker is making a presentation and is looking for a
response, he will pause. However, when no response is desired, he will talk faster with
minimal pause.
  Physical Appearance: Your physical appearance always contributes towards how people
perceive you. Neatly combed hair, ironed clothes and a lively smile will always carry more
weight than words.

Remember, “what we say” is less important than “how we say it” as words are only 7% of our
communication. Understand and enjoy non verbal communication as it helps forming better first
impressions. Good luck!

Importance of Communication in an
Organization
Effective Communication is significant for managers in the organizations so as to perform the basic
functions of management, i.e., Planning, Organizing, Leading and Controlling. Communication helps
managers to perform their jobs and responsibilities. Communication serves as a foundation for
planning. All the essential information must be communicated to the managers who in-turn must
communicate the plans so as to implement them. Organizing also requires effective communication
with others about their job task. Similarly leaders as managers must communicate effectively with
their subordinates so as to achieve the team goals. Controlling is not possible without written and oral
communication.

Managers devote a great part of their time in communication. They generally devote approximately 6
hours per day in communicating. They spend great time on face to face or telephonic communication
with their superiors, subordinates, colleagues, customers or suppliers. Managers also use Written
Communication in form of letters, reports or memos wherever oral communication is not feasible.

Thus, we can say that “effective communication is a building block of successful organizations”.
In other words, communication acts as organizational blood.

The importance of communication in an organization can be summarized as follows:

1. Communication promotes motivation by informing and clarifying the employees about the
task to be done, the manner they are performing the task, and how to improve their
performance if it is not up to the mark.
2. Communication is a source of information to the organizational members for decision-
making process as it helps identifying and assessing alternative course of actions.
3. Communication also plays a crucial role in altering individual’s attitudes, i.e., a well
informed individual will have better attitude than a less-informed individual. Organizational
magazines, journals, meetings and various other forms of oral and written communication
help in moulding employee’s attitudes.
4. Communication also helps in socializing. In todays life the only presence of another
individual fosters communication. It is also said that one cannot survive without
communication.
5. As discussed earlier, communication also assists in controlling process. It helps controlling
organizational member’s behaviour in various ways. There are various levels of hierarchy and
certain principles and guidelines that employees must follow in an organization. They must
comply with organizational policies, perform their job role efficiently and communicate any
work problem and grievance to their superiors. Thus, communication helps in controlling
function of management.

An effective and efficient communication system requires managerial proficiency in delivering and
receiving messages. A manager must discover various barriers to communication, analyze the
reasons for their occurrence and take preventive steps to avoid those barriers. Thus, the primary
responsibility of a manager is to develop and maintain an effective communication system in the
organization.
Communication Flows in an Organization
In an organization, communication flows in 5 main directions-

1. Downward
2. Upward
3. Lateral
4. Diagonal
5. External

1. Downward Flow of Communication: Communication that flows from a higher level in an

organization to a lower level is a downward communication. In other words, communication
from superiors to subordinates in a chain of command is a downward communication. This
communication flow is used by the managers to transmit work-related information to the
employees at lower levels. Employees require this information for performing their jobs and
for meeting the expectations of their managers. Downward communication is used by the
managers for the following purposes -

Providing feedback on employees performance

1.

Giving job
instructions

Providing a complete understanding of the employees job as well

as to communicate them how their job is related to other jobs in the
organization.

Communicating the organizations mission and vision to the

employees.

Highlighting the areas of attention.

Organizational publications, circulars, letter to employees, group meetings etc are all
examples of downward communication. In order to have effective and error-free
downward communication, managers must:

 Specify communication objective

 Ensure that the message is accurate, specific and unambiguous.
 Utilize the best communication technique to convey the message to the
 receiver in right form

2. Upward Flow of Communication: Communication that flows to a higher level in an

organization is called upward communication. It provides feedback on how well the
organization is functioning. The subordinates use upward communication to convey their
problems and performances to their superiors.

The subordinates also use upward communication to tell how well they have understood the
downward communication. It can also be used by the employees to share their views and
ideas and to participate in the decision-making process.

Upward communication leads to a more committed and loyal workforce in an organization

because the employees are given a chance to raise and speak dissatisfaction issues to the
higher levels. The managers get to know about the employees feelings towards their jobs,
peers, supervisor and organization in general. Managers can thus accordingly take actions for
improving things.

Grievance Redressal System, Complaint and Suggestion Box, Job Satisfaction surveys etc all
help in improving upward communication. Other examples of Upward Communication are -
performance reports made by low level management for reviewing by higher level
management, employee attitude surveys, letters from employees, employee-manager
discussions etc.

3. Lateral / Horizontal Communication: Communication that takes place at same levels of

hierarchy in an organization is called lateral communication, i.e., communication between
peers, between managers at same levels or between any horizontally equivalent
organizational member. The advantages of horizontal communication are as follows:

It is time saving.

It facilitates co-ordination of the task.

It facilitates co-operation among team members.

It provides emotional and social assistance to the organizational members.

It helps in solving various organizational problems.

It is a means of information sharing

It can also be used for resolving conflicts of a department with other department
 or conflicts within a department.

4. Diagonal Communication: Communication that takes place between a manager and

employees of other workgroups is called diagonal communication. It generally does not
appear on organizational chart. For instance - To design a training module a training manager
interacts with an Operations personnel to enquire about the way they perform their task.
5. External Communication: Communication that takes place between a manager and external
groups such as - suppliers, vendors, banks, financial institutes etc. For instance - To raise
capital the Managing director would interact with the Bank Manager.