Business Communication_Lecture 1_Introduction to Business Communication & Communicating Effectively

Business Communication Overview

• Course Title: Business Communication (COMM1101B)

• Academic Year: 2024/2025

• Cohorts: BSID/24B/PT and BTHM/24B/FT

• Instructor: Mrs. Fadya Nazirkhan

  • Lecturer in Communication, Journalism and PR, SSDT

  • Sworn Russian Interpreter and Translator, Supreme Court of Mauritius

• Caveat: This document is not to be shared outside your cohort.

Reading List

Recommended Texts

1. Adler, R.B (2002), Communicating at Work; principles and practices for business and the professions, 7th Edition, Mc Graw-Hill

2. Jandt, F.E (2004), Intercultural Communication, Sage Publications Ltd.

3. Locker, K.O and Kaczmarek, S.K. (2009), Business Communication; building critical skills, 4th Edition, Mc Graw-Hill.

4. Stanton, N. (1982), Mastering Communication, 3rd Edition, MacMillan Press Ltd.

Supplementary Materials

• Emerald Subject Collection and eBooks: Emerald

• EBSCO: Business Source Complete, Academic Search Complete, Environment Complete & Hospitality & Tourism CompleteEBSCO

Lecture Topics

Lecture 1: Business Communication Defined

1. Definition of Communication

2. Types and Models of Communication

3. Communication Process, its Elements and Cycle

4. Importance of Communication

5. Understanding Business Communication

Definition of Communication

• Origin: Derived from Latin words ‘communis’ (commonness) and ‘communicare’ (to share).

• Understanding: It establishes a common ground of understanding amongst individuals.

Definitions from Various Authors

1. Allen Louis: "Communication is the sum of all things one person does to create understanding in others; a systematic and continuous process of telling, listening, and understanding."

2. Koontz and O'Donnell: "Communication is the transfer of information from one person to another, with or without eliciting confidence."

3. George Terry: "Communication is an exchange of facts, ideas, opinions, or emotions between two or more persons."

4. Keith Davis: "Communication is the process of passing information and understanding from one person to another; it serves as a bridge of meaning."

Types of Communication

• Verbal Communication

• Nonverbal Communication

• Visual Communication

• Written Communication

Models of Communication

1. Aristotle’s Model: Focuses on public speaking and the importance of the audience.

2. Shannon-Weaver Model: Highlights sender-receiver interaction and the interference of noise in communication.

3. Schramm’s Model: Introduces sociological aspects in the communication process.

4. Linear Model: Initially developed for radio/television, used adapted formats for human communication.

5. Transactional Model: An ongoing circular communication process; involves mutual influence between communicators.

Communication Process and its Cycle

• Formation of Ideas: Begins with the sender creating an idea.

• Transmission: Message is sent through a channel to the receiver.

• Feedback Mechanism: Receiver provides feedback that continues the communication cycle.

Elements of Communication

1. Sender: Initiates the communication; decides on format and channels.

2. Encoding: Involves choosing words, symbols, gestures, etc., to convey message.

3. Message: The content formed after encoding.

4. Channel/Medium: The method through which the message is conveyed.

5. Receiver: The recipient of the message; must engage with the content.

6. Decoding: The process by which the receiver interprets the message.

7. Feedback: Response to the message; essential to validate communication.

Noise in Communication

• Refers to obstructions that hinder effective communication (e.g., physical noise, language barriers, cognitive overload).

Importance of Communication

• Enables action initiation.

• Facilitates task management.

• Influences others; fosters empathy and support.

• Realizes collective potential.

Understanding Business Communication

• Essential for a healthy workplace; categorized as a soft skill.

• Facilitates information flow across departments.

• Necessary for effective management and organizational success.

Effective Communication Skills

• Essential for success in various domains (personal and professional).

• Employers prioritize communication skills in their hiring criteria, along with strong work ethic, teamwork, initiative, and analytical skills.

Communication Types in Business Environment

Internal Communication

• Channel examples: face-to-face meetings, emails, townhalls, webinars, internal newsletters.

External Communication

• Channel examples: websites, social media, emails, conferences.

Importance of Communication

1. Ensures smooth workflow.

2. Aids in decision-making and implementing policies.

3. Builds relationships and boosts job satisfaction.

4. Facilitates conflict resolution and fosters innovation.

Business Communication Overview

Course Title: Business Communication (COMM1101B)

Academic Year: 2024/2025Cohorts: BSID/24B/PT and BTHM/24B/FTInstructor: Mrs. Fadya NazirkhanPosition: Lecturer in Communication, Journalism and PR, SSDTProfessional Credentials: Sworn Russian Interpreter and Translator, Supreme Court of Mauritius

Caveat: This document is not to be shared outside your cohort.

Reading List

Recommended Texts

• Adler, R.B (2002), Communicating at Work: Principles and practices for business and the professions, 7th Edition, McGraw-Hill.

• Jandt, F.E (2004), Intercultural Communication, Sage Publications Ltd.

• Locker, K.O. and Kaczmarek, S.K. (2009), Business Communication: Building critical skills, 4th Edition, McGraw-Hill.

• Stanton, N. (1982), Mastering Communication, 3rd Edition, MacMillan Press Ltd.

Supplementary Materials

• Emerald Subject Collection and eBooks: Access to a variety of academic articles and eBooks relevant to business communication.

• EBSCO: Database access including Business Source Complete, Academic Search Complete, Environment Complete & Hospitality & Tourism CompleteEBSCO.

Lecture Topics

Lecture 1: Business Communication Defined

• Definition of Communication: Communication is the act of sharing information, thoughts, or feelings between individuals or groups, enabling a common understanding and facilitating interaction.

• Types and Models of Communication: Explore the various forms through which communication occurs, including verbal, nonverbal, written, and visual elements, as well as the models that describe these processes.

• Communication Process, its Elements and Cycle: A comprehensive look at the stages of communication from idea formation to feedback exchange.

• Importance of Communication: Understanding why effective communication is paramount in business environments.

• Understanding Business Communication: Delve into the role of communication in organizations and its impact on success.

Definitions of Communication

• Etymology: Originating from the Latin terms ‘communis’ (meaning common) and ‘communicare’ (meaning to share), communication sets the foundation for shared understanding within groups.

• Definitions from Various Authors:

  • Allen Louis: "Communication is the sum of all things one person does to create understanding in others; a systematic and continuous process of telling, listening, and understanding."

  • Koontz and O'Donnell: "Communication is the transfer of information from one person to another, with or without eliciting confidence."

  • George Terry: "Communication is an exchange of facts, ideas, opinions, or emotions between two or more persons."

  • Keith Davis: "Communication is the process of passing information and understanding from one person to another; it serves as a bridge of meaning."

Types of Communication

• Verbal Communication: Involves spoken or written words to convey messages.

• Nonverbal Communication: Consists of gestures, body language, and facial expressions that provide context to verbal messages.

• Visual Communication: Employs visual aids such as graphs, charts, and images to enhance understanding.

• Written Communication: Engaging in letter writing, reports, emails, and more, providing a permanent record of messages.

Models of Communication

• Aristotle’s Model: Emphasizes the significance of the audience in public speaking.

• Shannon-Weaver Model: Illustrates sender-receiver dynamics, including potential interferences (noise) affecting the message.

• Schramm’s Model: Integrates sociological aspects into the communication exchange, focusing on shared understanding.

• Linear Model: Originated for radio and television communications but adapted for understanding human interactions.

• Transactional Model: Portrays a continuous, circular process where communicators mutually influence one another.

Communication Process and its Cycle

1. Formation of Ideas: Begins with the sender conceptualizing the message they wish to convey.

2. Transmission: The crafted message is transmitted through an appropriate channel to the recipient.

3. Feedback Mechanism: The receiver conveys feedback to the sender, which informs the subsequent communication processes.

Elements of Communication

• Sender: Initiates the message, selecting the format and channel for delivery.

• Encoding: Involves the transformation of thoughts into communicable symbols, words, or gestures.

• Message: The content that is created after encoding, intended to inform or communicate.

• Channel/Medium: The route taken to convey the message, such as phone calls, emails, or face-to-face discussions.

• Receiver: The audience or individual who is meant to receive and interpret the message.

• Decoding: The act of interpreting or understanding the message as received.

• Feedback: The response from the receiver, crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of communication.

Noise in Communication

Definition: Refers to any interference that disrupts or distorts effective communication, including physical noise, language barriers, and cognitive overload.

Importance of Communication

• Action Initiation: It lays the groundwork for starting processes and making decisions.

• Task Management: Helps organize tasks and assign responsibilities effectively.

• Influence on Others: Fosters understanding, empathy, and support within teams or organizations.

• Collective Potential: Unlocks and realizes the full potential of collaborative endeavors.

Understanding Business Communication

Significance: Viewed as a critical soft skill essential for promoting a positive workplace atmosphere, facilitating open information exchange, good management, and overall organizational success.

Effective Communication Skills

Importance: Critical for both personal and professional advancements, with employers citing strong communication skills as a top priority alongside teamwork, initiative, and analytical capabilities.

Communication Types in Business Environment

Internal Communication

• Channel Examples: Face-to-face meetings, internal emails, townhalls, webinars, and internal newsletters foster a cohesive work environment.

External Communication

• Channel Examples: Websites, social media platforms, emails, and conferences manage the organization’s relationship with the public and clients.

Additional Importance of Communication

• Workflow Efficiency: Promotes seamless interaction and reduces misunderstandings.

• Decision-Making: Aids in making informed decisions and executing policies effectively.

• Relationship Building: Enhances interpersonal relationships, increasing employee satisfaction and retention.

• Conflict Resolution: Provides tools for resolving disputes and fostering a culture of innovation.

Business Communication Overview

Course Title: Business Communication (COMM1101B)Academic Year: 2024/2025Cohorts: BSID/24B/PT and BTHM/24B/FTInstructor: Mrs. Fadya NazirkhanPosition: Lecturer in Communication, Journalism and PR, SSDTCaveat: This document is not to be shared outside your cohort.

Reading List

Recommended Texts

• Adler, R.B (2002), Communicating at Work, 7th Edition, McGraw-Hill.

• Jandt, F.E (2004), Intercultural Communication, Sage Publications Ltd.

• Locker, K.O and Kaczmarek, S.K. (2009), Business Communication, 4th Edition, McGraw-Hill.

• Stanton, N. (1982), Mastering Communication, 3rd Edition, MacMillan Press Ltd.

Supplementary Materials

• Access to Emerald Subject Collection and EBSCO databases.

Lecture Topics

Lecture 1: Business Communication Defined

• Definition: Communication involves sharing information to create understanding.

• Types: Verbal, nonverbal, visual, and written communication.

• Models: Aristotle’s, Shannon-Weaver, Schramm’s, Linear, and Transactional models that illustrate different communication processes.

• Process and Cycle: Idea formation, message transmission, feedback.

• Elements: Sender, encoding, message, channel, receiver, decoding, feedback, and noise.

• Importance: Communication initiates action, aids management, influences relationships, and fosters collaboration.

• Business Communication: Critical for workplace dynamics and organizational success.

Effective Communication Skills

• Employers prioritize communication skills alongside teamwork and analytical abilities.

Communication in Business Environment

• Internal: Meetings, emails, internal newsletters.

• External: Social media, emails, conferences.

• Importance: Enhances workflow, decision-making, relationships, and conflict resolution.