LECTURE 1: UNDERSTANDING WORKPLACE COMMUNICATION

COMMUNICATION Communication is the process of sending and receiving messages. The essence of communication is sharing, providing data, information, and insights in an exchange that benefits both you and with whom you are communicating.

THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION SKILLS Stronger decision making and faster problem solving. Earlier warning of potential problems. Increased productivity and steadier workflow. Stronger business relationships. Clearer and more persuasive marketing messages.

CHALLENGES FOR BUSINESS COMMUNICATORS The ongoing development of new Information Technologies. The increasingly global nature of business. Growing diversity in the workplace and in types of workplace.

MAIN CATEGORIES OF BUSINESS COMMUNICATION Internal-Operational Communication External-Operational Communication Personal Communication

COMMUNICATION NETWORKS OF THE ORGANIZATION The Formal Network The Informal Network

THE FORMAL NETWORK The formal network consists of the official, more stable lines of communication. Each company has its preferred communication forms or genres for conducting its business.

THE INFORMAL NETWORK The informal network, consisting largely of personal communications, is highly complex and ever changing. Grapevine

VARIATION IN COMMUNICATION ACTIVITY BY BUSINESS How much and what kinds of communicating a business does depends on the nature of the business, its operating plan, its environment, its geographic dispersion, and the people involved.

WHAT IS AN ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE? 12

ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE Organizational culture is the ways of perceiving or doing things; it is the medium of preferred values and practices in which the company’s members do their work. Each business has its own organizational culture, which has a strong effect upon, and is strongly affected by, the company’s communication.

A MODEL OF BUSINESS COMMUNICATION Organizational Contexts Professional Contexts Personal Contexts

THE PROCESS OF COMMUNICATION Sensing a communication need Defining the situation Considering possible communication strategies Selecting a course of action Composing the message Sending the message Receiving the message Interpreting the message Deciding on a response Replying to the message