Communication Paper

Communication Paper

The Communication Process

Communication could be defined as “a process of information exchange and sharing of relevant information between individuals” (Keyton, 2011). The word 'communication' was derived from the Latin word communis which refers to being common. A number of definitions have been proposed for communication. However, the underlying premise remains the same i.e. exchange of information. Hence, in a broader perspective if exchange does not occur no communication is said to take place. The figure below highlights the vital elements of in the communication process.

Source: Cheney, 2011

The communication process is vital to the effective functioning of any individual or organization. Two vital elements in every communication exchange are the receiver and the sender of the message. The sender is responsible for initiating the communication process. The sender of the message is the person who intends to convey a message or an idea across. While, the receiver of the message is the intended target of the sender. Both, the sender and receiver are vital to communication (Canary, 2011). It is the responsibility of the sender to encode the message in a decent manner by choosing proper symbols, words or gestures required to convey the message. Messages are formed as a result of encoding and could be verbal or non-verbal.

In the communication process, messages are always sent through a channel or channel and are responsible for carrying the information. For example, the medium could be a telephone call, report, email or a face to face interview. The other half of communication occurs when the receiver decodes the received message successfully and makes sense out of it. Noise influences the quality of message and hinders effective communication. External barriers to communication include emotions, noise, language barriers and interruptions. While, internal barriers are made up of the quality of message itself. In the end, feedback occurs when a receiver responds to the sender's initial message. Feedback is vital in determining if the purpose of the message has achieved.

Three Common Small-Group Networks

In the communication process, three formal small group networks exist. They include:

Circle Network

Chain Network

Wheel Network

A number of differences exist between the groups. For instance, the Chain network only follows a fixed and defined formal chain of command. The circle network requires a leader to be the centre of all communications in a group. The leader is responsible for ensuring a smooth flow of information and to act as the centre for initiating communication. As opposed to circle and chain networks, the wheel network is marked by a distinct feature of 'openness' i.e. it requires all members of the group to participate equally in the communication process. Hence, the wheel network allows all members to get involved and induces their participation (Turkalij & Fosic, 2008).

If we compare the three small group networks on the basis of accuracy, leader emergence, satisfaction and speed; it can be ascertained that each network has its own applicability and value. Many organizations conform to the chain or circle networks while other contemporary organizations apply ...