C H A P T E R

1
NATURE, PROCESS AND TYPES
OF COMMUNICATION
1.1 MEANING OF COMMUNICATION
The word communication has been derived from the Latin ‘Communicare, which means “to share”.
Communication may, therefore, be defined as the process of sharing (exchanging) information,
ideas, thoughts, feelings and emotions between two or more persons.

1.2 PROCESS OF COMMUNICATION

The communication process consists of the following elements:

Sender Message Encoding Channel Receiver

Noise

Channel Feedback

Sender : Sender is the person who initiates the process of communication. The sender may
1.
be a speaker, a writer, an actor, a painter, etc.
Encoding : The process of converting the message into words, symbols, pictures, etc. is called
2.
encoding
Message : Message means whatever is to be communicated. It is the heart of communication
3.
process
Channel : The medium through which the message is sent is called channel. It may be a speech,
4.
a letter, an e-mail, SMS, gesture, sound, etc.
Receiver : The person to whom the message is sent is the receiver. The receiver may be a
5.
listener, a reader or a viewer.
Feed back : The reaction or response to the message is called feedback
6.
Noise : Any disturbance, hurdle or barrier to communication is the notice
7.

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4 Part I : COMMUNICATION

1.3 TYPES OF COMMUNICATION

Communication is of several types and may be classified as follows:

COMMUNICATION

on the basis on the basis

of channel of purpose
and style
Verbal
Non-verbal Formal
Visual
Auto-visual Informal
1. VERBAL COMMUNICATION : In verbal communication words and language are used to
convey the message. Verbal communication is of two types:
(a) Oral communication : It means communication through spoken words. It may be face-
to-face (lecture, seminar, conference, meeting, informal conversation, chit-chat, gossip,
or telephone). Clear voice and tone are necessary for effective oral communication.
Speaking at too fast/slow speed or two high/low volume impairs oral communication:
(b) Written communication : Communication via SMS, e-mail, letter, brochure, hand book,
report is written communication. Such communication is essential in case of formal
business interactions (memo, proposal, press release, contract, etc.) and legal documen-
tation. Grammar, vocabulary, writing style, etc. determine the effectiveness of written
communication.
Verbal communication is the easiest and fastest form of communication. Even then it con-
stitutes a very small part (about 7 per cent) of all human interactions.
NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION : Communication without using words is called non-ver-
2.
bal communication. Non-verbal communication may take the following forms:
(a) Body Language : Communication through facial expressions, gestures, stance, touch
and other physical signs is called body language. For example, leaning forward may
indicate interest and acceptance whereas leaning backward may mean rejection and
lack of interest. Body language (e.g. smile, frown, clenching of hands etc. can transmit
emotions which cannot be expressed through words. Body language constitutes a major
part (about 55 per cent) of all communication.
(b) Paralanguage : Pitch, tone, quality, etc. of voice is known as paralanguage. The way one
speaks, rather than words, reveal the intent of the speaker. Paralanguage constitutes
about 38 per cent of all communications.
(c) Aesthetics : Music, dancing, painting sculpture and other forms of art serve as means
of communication. These convey the feelings and thoughts of artists.
(d) Appearance : Dress and grooming create the first impression. In offices, there is a dress
code. Formal dress for men may consist of shirt, trouser, coat and leather shoes. For
women, it may consist of saree, suit, shirt, trouser or skirt.
(e) Symbols : Symbols may relate to religion, status, ego, etc. These convey the special
meaning. For example, the number of stars on the shirt of a police officer reveal his/
her status.
 CH. 1 : NATURE, PROCESS AND TYPES OF COMMUNICATION 5

VISUAL COMMUNICATION : In visual communication, signs, drawing, graphic design, colour,

3.
illustration and other visual aids are used to convey the message. For example, colours are
used to control traffic. Visuals such as graphs, pie chart, flow chart, etc. convey considerable
information in a clear and concise manner. These are a powerful medium and are an essential
part of official presentations.
AUDIO-VISUAL COMMUNICATION : Use of voice and visuals together is called audio-visual
4.
communication. Radio is an audio medium while television and films are audio-visual media
of communication. Combination of spoken words and pictures is a very powerful form of
combination.
5. FORMAL COMMUNICATION : Communication through the organisational hierarchy (chain
of command) and in accordance with the policies, rules and conventions of the organization
is called formal communication. It can be both oral and written. Formal communication can
be in the following patterns:
(a) Vertical communication : Flow of information downwards and upwards in the organi-
zation is called vertical communication. Managers pass down orders and instructions
to their subordinates for implementation. Subordinates transmit reports, suggestions,
grievances and requests to their superiors.
(b) Horizontal communication : Communication between individuals/departments at the
same level of authority is known as horizontal communication. For example, heads of
production and marketing departments hold a meeting to discuss quality and price of
a product.
(c) Diagonal Communication : This type of communication takes place between employ-
ees working in different departments and at different levels of authority. Such cross
functional communication reduces the chances of distortion or misrepresentation. For
example, the marketing manager may directly ask a factory manager about the cost
and quality of output.
INFORMAL COMMUNICATION : When two or more employees in an organization exchange
6.
views without following the official rules and procedures it is called informal communication
or grapevine.
Grapevine. It is unofficial, friendly and casual. It is based on common interests and attitudes.
It helps to satisfy social needs of employees and to build relationships. For example, during
the lunch break, employees working in different departments of an organization may discuss
new leave rules.

1.4 NETWORKS OF COMMUNICATION

The pattern used to share information is known as communication network. Members of an organi-
sation use various types of communication flows as per their needs. In some organizations there are
prescribed networks for communication. Main types of communication networks are given below:
VERTICAL NETWORK : This network is used for communication between a superior and
1.
a subordinate. It is a two-way communication in which immediate feedback can be available
Superior
Feedback
Message

Subordinate
6 Part I : COMMUNICATION

CIRCUIT NETWORK : When two employees at the same level of authority communicate
2.
with each other, it is a circuit network.

Feedback Message

CHAIN NETWORK : In this network, communication flows through the chain of command.
3.
The message flows from the chief executive downward to different levels of employees. In
the following, diagram A gives command to B, C, D, E, F and G working at different levels
in the hierarchy. In chain network

B E

C F

D G
Communication gets delayed as it has to pass through several layers. Communication may
be distorted due to filtering at various levels.
WHEEL : In this network, a single authority gives orders and instructions to all the em-
4
ployees around him. They also report directly to him. This network may be efficient for a
small organization provided the central authority is competent. But in a large organization
all decisions cannot be taken by one person.

B C

G A D

F E

STAR NETWORK : In this network members of an organization communicate through

5.
multiple channels. They exchange information with each other freely without any obstacle.
Star network encourages group communication and teamwork in the organization.