What is Business Communication? Why do we need it?

The Concept of Communication

The word communication has been derived from the Latin word 'communis' that means ‘common’. However, communication incorporates, besides commonality, the concepts of transfer, meaning and information. The communication can be defined as the process through which two or more persons come to exchange ideas and understanding among them.

The definition involves two aspects in communication:

First, there is something, which is transmitted, such as, facts, feelings, ideas, etc. It implies that there must be a receiver if communication is to occur. The sender of message must consider the receiver while structuring his message from a technical standpoint as well as in delivering it. When the receiver is not considered, there is either no response or there is wrong response.

Second, the definition emphasizes the understanding element in the communication. Sharing of understanding would be possible only when the person, to whom the message is meant, understands it in the same sense in which the sender of the message wants him to understand. Thus, communication involves something more than mere transmission of the message or transmission and physical receipt thereof. The correct interpretation of the message is important from the point of view of organizational efficiency. As such, the greater the degree of understanding present in the communication, the more the likelihood that human action will proceed in the direction of accomplishment of goals.

How do we define communication?

"Communication is something so simple and difficult that we can never put it in simple words," says T.S. Mathews.

But we do need a definition to understand the term. In his book Communication in Business, Peter Little defines communication as follows:

“Communication is the process by which information is transmitted between individuals and / or organizations so that an understanding response results.”

Another very simple definition of 'communication' has been provided by W.H. Newman and C.F. Summer Jr:

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

Significance of Communication:

Effective business communication is how employees and management interact to succeed in organizational goals. Its purpose is to improve organizational practices and reduce errors.

The importance of business communication also lies in:

1. Presenting options/new business ideas

2. Making plans and proposals (business writing)

3. Executing decisions

4. Reaching agreements

5. Sending and fulfilling orders

6. Successful selling

7. Effective meetings

All organized activity during a company relies on the method of business communication. This could be anything from managerial communication to technical communication with vendors.

And once communication becomes unclear, the company’s core systems risk falling apart. Data shows that 60% of internal communications professionals don't measure internal communications. Potential reasons include not knowing where to start, the next steps, or how to calculate ROI.

If you feel the same, consider this:

Strong business communications during a company will likely end in higher employee engagement.

Companies with an engaged workforce see a 19.2% growth in operating income over a 12-month period. Those with low engagement scores earn 32.7% less.

How much more successful would you be if you had better employee engagement?

And how are you able to ensure a business communication process which will make it possible?

#businesscommunication #ROI #nitie2020