Introduction
What will the world be or should I say what will the world look like without communication? Often times (thinking aloud) I asked myself these questions and sincerely the “world” can’t just live without it. Somehow, it adds meaning to the existence of life itself. Even, right from the outset, the entire universe was created out of nothing but a simple ten (10) letter words: “let there be…” which is still a communication- God talking to the universe (in its emptiness) which immediately obeyed and took form. Because communication is unavoidable and essential that’s why it has taken many dimensions. I will deal with this aspect in another publication but at this stage let’s first of all get into the basics of communication.
Without mincing words, communication is the act of sharing ideas, dissemination of information using words, sounds and signs. It is important to note that before communication can take effect, one or two person(s) or even an element such as computer must be involved.
In its definition, Businessdictionary1 stated clearly that communication is a two-way process of reaching mutual understanding, in which participants not only exchange (encode-decode) information, news, ideas and feelings but also create and share meaning. In general, communication is a means of connecting people or places. In business, it is a key function of management- an organization cannot operate without communication between levels, departments and employees.
Though, it is not only in Business that communication is important, it is in every sphere of life- it is just part of our everyday activity. In a nut shell, it is a means of expression that takes place in a “specific” form when people come together or meet each other.
For Business to thrive well communication could be strengthened in different ways, part of which includes the installation and use of communication gadgets: computers (to speed up projects), mailing systems (internet), scanning devices (for security) etc., investment in the development of staff communication skills via workshops, seminars etc., and not trivializing the effect of organizational communication. The approach to marketing communication is crucial too. In this area, I refer to management of corporate identity, the strategic product and service messaging. I will wrap up by mentioning that it is when we don’t under estimate the power of communication that we can fully reap its benefit.
Be cautious:
“When we speak or listen,
Our attention is focused on words rather than body language;
Meanwhile our judgment includes both...”
1. http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/communication.html
