Communicating At Work Chapt. 1

Relational Communication

Messages that shape and reflect the way people regard one another.

Instrumental Communication

Messages aimed at accomplishing the task at hand.

Identity Management

Ways individuals present themselves in interactions, influencing perceptions and relationships.

Communication is Irreversible

Once words and deeds are expressed, they cannot be taken back.

Communication is a Process

Communication involves multiple moving parts, not just a single act.

Communication is Not a Panacea

Communication cannot solve all problems; it is not a cure-all.

Message

Verbal or nonverbal elements conveyed between senders and receivers.

Sender

The person who transmits a message.

Receiver

The person who receives the message and interprets its meaning.

Encoding

The method the sender uses to transmit their message.

Decoding

The way the receiver understands and interprets the message.

Channel

The medium over which the message is delivered.

Feedback

The observable response of the receiver to a sender’s message.

Noise

Factors that interfere with the exchange of messages.

Environmental Noise

Noise arising from the communicators’ surroundings.

Physiological Noise

Physical issues that make sending messages difficult.

Psychological Noise

Internal factors that interfere with understanding, such as biases or preoccupation.

Richness

The amount of information that can be transmitted using a given channel.

Speed

How quickly the exchange of message occurs.

Synchronous Communication

High-speed communication with no time lag; examples include face-to-face and video chat.

Asynchronous Communication

Low-speed communication with a time lag; examples include email and voice mail.

Control

The degree to which one can manage the communication process.

Formal Network

Systems designed by management that dictate communication pathways.

Informal Network

Communication patterns that arise naturally between individuals.

Organizational Charts

Visual representations of hierarchy within an organization.