Lecture 4 - Business Communications
Lecture 4 - Business Communications
Communications
LECTURE 1
P R E PA R E D BY: AY E M A LO D I
1. What is communication?
2. Types of Communications
Internal External
Communication Communication
Upward Communication
Horizontal Communication
Downward Communication
Downward communication flows from higher levels of the organizational hierarchy to
lower levels.
Examples:
•Executive to manager
•Manager to direct report
Upward Communication
Upward communication flows from lower levels of the organizational hierarchy to
higher levels.
Examples:
◦ Direct report to manager
◦ Manager to high-level executive
Horizontal Communication
Horizontal communication flows between individuals or groups at the same hierarchical
level within the organization.
Examples:
◦ Coworker to coworker
◦ Manager to manager
External Communication in
Organizations
External communication deals with the exchange of information from within the
organization to parties outside of the organization.
External Communication in
Organizations
External communication deals with the exchange of information from within the organization to parties outside of
the organization.
Purposes:
1. Marketing and Promotion: Informing potential customers about products or services to generate interest and
drive sales.
2. Public Relations: Managing the organization's reputation and building a positive public image.
3. Customer Service: Addressing customer inquiries, concerns, and feedback to enhance satisfaction and loyalty.
4. Investor Relations: Communicating with shareholders, potential investors, and financial analysts about the
organization's financial performance and strategic direction.
5. Compliance and Reporting: Providing necessary information to regulatory bodies and adhering to legal
requirements.
6. Partnerships and Collaboration: Engaging with other businesses, suppliers, and partners to foster
collaboration and achieve mutual goals.
External Communication in
Organizations
Channels of External Communication
1. Media Relations: Interactions with journalists and media outlets to secure coverage and manage news about the organization.
2. Advertising: Paid promotional messages delivered through various media channels such as TV, radio, print, online, and social
media.
3. Social Media: Engaging with audiences on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram to build community and
interact directly with stakeholders.
4. Press Releases: Official statements issued to the media to announce significant events, product launches, or corporate
developments.
5. Email and Newsletters: Regular updates sent to customers, clients, and subscribers to keep them informed about the
organization's activities and offerings.
6. Website and Blogs: Online content that provides information about the organization, its products, services, and industry insights.
7. Public Speaking: Presentations, speeches, and panel discussions by organizational leaders at conferences and public forums.
Effective Communication
Effective communication is the successful exchange of information, ideas,
thoughts, and feelings between individuals or groups in a way that the intended
message is accurately received and understood.
It involves not only conveying a message clearly but also ensuring that the
message is understood as intended and receiving feedback to confirm
comprehension.
Benefits of Effective Communication
1. Improved Relationships: Builds trust, understanding, and respect among individuals and groups.
2. Enhanced Productivity: Ensures that tasks and goals are clearly understood, leading to efficient
and effective work.
3. Conflict Resolution: Helps to address and resolve conflicts constructively by facilitating open and
honest dialogue.
5. Increased Engagement: Engages and motivates individuals by making them feel heard and valued.
6. Greater Innovation: Encourages the sharing of ideas and collaboration, fostering creativity and
innovation.
7. Organizational Success: Aligns team members with organizational goals and strategies, leading to
cohesive efforts and success.
Group Activity