Module 1: Basic Communication Foundations

What is Communication?

  • Definition: Act of sharing, imparting, or exchanging information.

Types of Business Communication

  • Intrapersonal: Individual thinking, feeling, self-reflection.

  • Interpersonal: Communication between two people or small groups.

  • Public Communication: Organization communicates with a larger audience (e.g., live speeches, CEO keynotes).

  • Mass Communication: Transfers an organizational message to dispersed audiences (e.g., television, newspapers, social media).

Importance of Communication in Business

  • Business cannot exist without effective communication.

  • Understanding the question: Do you agree?

Communication Models

  • Overview of various models of communication:

Laswell’s Model

  • Linear model of communication.

  • Flows in one direction, termed as one-way communication.

  • Takes into account 'noise' and barriers between the channel and the audience.

Shannon and Weaver’s Model

  • Similar to Laswell’s model, it recognizes interference that can distort messages.

  • Emphasizes the one-way nature of the communication process.

Berlo’s Model

  • Communication relies on the background of the sender and receiver.

  • Importance of context: How backgrounds shape understanding and affective communication:

  • S (Source): Influenced by the individual's skills, knowledge, attitudes, and cultural background.

  • M (Message): Actual information being conveyed; includes content, structure, and code.

  • C (Channel): Medium of message delivery (e.g., face-to-face, email).

  • R (Receiver): Interprets the message based on personal background and context.

Dance’s Helical Model

  • Developmental model emphasizing continuous and evolving communication.

  • Stresses that past experiences influence current conversations.

  • Each interaction is built on previous exchanges.

Foulger’s Ecological Model

  • Two-way communication model.

  • Meaning is constructed through interaction, not just sent and received.

  • Broader social, cultural, and historical factors shape communication.

  • Focus on the co-creation of meaning through feedback.

The Context of Business Communication

  • Differentiation between business and society:

  • Business: Collection of private and commercially oriented organizations.

  • Society: A broad group that includes individuals, organizations, interest groups, and communities.

Stakeholders in Business Communication

  • Definition: Individuals or groups affected by an organization.

  • Key stakeholders include:

  • Employees

  • Investors

  • Suppliers

  • Customers

  • Industry/Trade Associations

  • Governments

  • Communities.

Elements in the Social Contract

  • Rules of engagement between business and society:

  • Business, Society, Stakeholder Groups.

  • Laws or Regulations: Guide interactions ("Rules of the Game").

  • Communication ensures shared understanding.

Impacts on Business Communication

  • Globalisation: Need for effective collaboration across cultures; co-create shared meaning.

  • Digital Communication: Managing varied platforms and channels for effective communication.

Ethical Communication and Codes of Conduct

  • Importance in fostering trust and credibility:

  • Builds professional relationships and enhances reputation.

  • Guides decision-making based on organizational values.

  • Examples of codes of conduct in various professions (e.g., Marketing, Accounting).

Key Terms

  • Social Contract

  • Stakeholder

  • Ethics

  • Communication Barriers

  • Linear Communication

  • Globalization

  • One-Way Communication

  • Two-Way Communication

  • Communication Helix

  • Ecological Model.