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INTRODUCTIONCommunication is the process of passing information

and ideas from one person to another. It is the exchange of written or verbal information. In fact, communication means

to convey a message by one person to another so that another person may understand, follow and implement the

messages. The process of communication has become very wide and very easy with the latest scientific development.

DEFINITION OF COMMUNICATIONA few definitions by some of the prominent writers on the

subject are given below:(1) “Communication is an exchange of facts, ideas,

opinion or emotions by two or more persons”.Newman, Summer

(2) “Communication is the process of passing information and understanding from one person to another”.

Theo Haimann

NATURE OF COMMUNICATIONThe basic characteristics of communication are as

follows:1.Communication involves at least two persons. One who

sends the message and the second who receives the message.

2.Communication is a two-way traffic. The process of communication is not completed until the message has been understood by the receiver.

3.The basic purpose of communication is to create an understanding in the minds of the receiver of information.

4.Communication may take several forms e.g., order, instruction, report, suggestion, grievance, observation etc. The message may be conveyed through words spoken or written or gestures.

IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATIONThe role of communication is summarized in the following

points:5.Communication helps the management in making

understand employees the objectives, plans, and policies of the enterprise.

6.Communication develops understanding between the superior and the subordinates.

7.Communication helps in controlling the performances of different individuals and departments of the enterprise.

8.Communication facilitates decision making by providing necessary information in time.

9.Communication provides unity of direction to various activities of the enterprise.

6.Communication is an effective device for achieving participation by the workers.

7.Communication facilities change on the part of employees by modifying their behaviour.

COMMUICATION PROCESSThe Communication process has the following steps:1.The sender formulates the message he wants to convey to

others.2.The sender will translate the message into words, symbols or

any other form which he feels will make the receiver understand the message (This is known as encoding of message).

3.The encoded message is transmitted to the receiver with the help of certain method. The sender may use spoken words or written words for this purpose.

4.The message is received by the receiver.5.The receiver of the message decodes the message and draws

meaning from the message.6.The receiver will take the necessary action and will send his

response to the sender of the message. This is also known as feed back information.

ELEMENTS OF COMMUNICATIONThe process of communication consists of the following

components:1. CommunicatorThe person who conveys the message is known as

communicator or sender.MessageIt is the subject matter of any communication. It may

involve any fact, opinion or information.2. Communication SymbolThe sender of information organizes his idea into a series

of symbols (words, sign, etc.) which, he feels will communicate to the intended receiver or receivers.

3. Communication ChannelCommunication channel are the media through which the

message passes. It may be either formal or informal.4. ReceiverThe person who receives the message is called receiver

TYPES OF COMMUNICATIONCommunication may be classified on the following bases:

1. On the Basis of Organizational Relationshipa)Formal Communication.b)Informal Communication.

2. On the Basis of Directionc)Downward Communication.d)Upward Communication.e)Horizontal Communication.

3. On the Basis of Channel or Method of Expressionf)Oral Communication.g)Written Communication.h)Gestural communication.