Communication and Importance

Communication comes from the Latin word 'communicare,' meaning "to share." It is the process of exchanging information, ideas, or feelings between people.

Key Definitions:

  Herta Murphy: "Communication is a process of transmitting and receiving verbal and non-verbal messages."

  Jacques: It is "the sum total of directly and indirectly, consciously and unconsciously transmitted feelings, attitudes, and wishes."

 De Vito describes it as "transmitting a message from a sender to a receiver, through a channel, with the interference of noise," and notes that it is "always changing, always in motion."

Communication mainly involves sender, message, channel, receiver, noise.

  Sender: The person who sends the message.

  Message: The information, idea, or feeling being communicated.

  Channel: The medium used to send the message (e.g., speaking, writing).

  Receiver: The person who receives and interprets the message.

  Noise: Any interference that affects the clarity of the message.

• Effective communication ensures the message reaches the receiver accurately.

•  Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.

Features of Communication :

1. One-Way or Two-Way: Communication involves a sender and a receiver; feedback may or may not be provided.

2. Continuous: It is a never-ending process; communication never stops.

3. Dynamic: Communication is always changing and adapting based on the situation, medium, and people involved.

4. Goal-Oriented: Both sender and receiver have specific purposes or goals when communicating.

5. Contextual: Effective communication requires a shared context or background between the sender and receiver.

Objectives and Functions of Communication : Importance

1. Sharing Information: Helps in giving and receiving information, expressing opinions, and sharing thoughts and feelings.

2. Seeking and Giving Advice: Essential for seeking guidance or providing advice in decision-making.

3. Assigning Duties: Crucial in hierarchical structures for directing, leading, guiding, assigning tasks, and giving instructions.

4. Role in Various Fields: Vital in education, business, public and private organizations, and government for smooth functioning.

5. Counselling and Motivation: Used for persuading, motivating, training, maintaining discipline, and other functions.