Introduction to Communication

 INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION

The term Communication has been derived from the Latin word 'communis' which means 'common'. Communication is the process by which we exchange meanings, facts, ideas, opinions or emotions with other people. The word 'Communicare' means to 'share' or 'participate'. So, any transmission of a meaningful message, which is understood, is communication. 

                    The word business stands for any economic activity which is undertaken with a view to earning profit and the communication undertaken in the process of this activity is termed "business communication". From its very origin, communication has been the backbone of any business. Communication is the most vital ingredient of an organization.

Since communication gives life to an organization; it is the lifeblood of the organization too.  

Here are some of the definitions which can be referred to while studying communication-

"Communication is the sum of all the things, a person does when he wants to create an understanding in the mind of another. It involves a systematic and continuous process of telling, listening and understanding."

- Allen Louis

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Communication has been defined 

"as the transfer of information from one person to another, irrespective of whether or not it elicits confidence."

- Koontz and O' Donell

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"Communication is an exchange of facts, ideas, opinions or emotions, by two or more persons."

- George Terry

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"Communication is defined as "the process of passing information and understanding from one person to another. It builds, bridges of meaning between people, enabling them to safely cross the rivers of misunderstanding."

- Keith Davis

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Effective communication is "purposive interchange, resulting in workable

understanding and agreement between the sender and receiver of a message"

- George Vardman in his book Effective Communication of ldeas

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"Communication is an interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information, through speech, writing, or signs"

- Robert Anderson

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"Communication is the process by which information is passed between, individuals and/or organisations by means of previously agreed symbols."

- Peter Little

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"Communication is any behaviour that results in an exchange of meaning."

- The American Management Association

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"Communication may be broadly defined as the process of meaningful interaction among human beings. More specifically, it is the process by which meanings are perceived and understandings are reached among human beings."

- D.E. McFarland

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According to Hudson,

"Communication in its simplest form is conveying of information from one person to another"

References - 

Sehgal, M K and Vandana Khetarpal. Business Communication. New Delhi: Excel Books, 2006. Paperback.

Singh, Nirmal. Business Communication Principles, Methods and Techniques. Delhi: Deep and Deep Publications pvt. ltd., 2006. Paperback.

Sinha, K. K. (2000). Business Communication. Delhi, 2000. Paperback