Communication Networks
A network is a collection of computers, servers, mainframes, network devices, peripherals, or other devices connected to one another to allow the sharing of data. An excellent example of a network is the Internet, which connects millions of people all over the world. A communication network is the pattern of directions in which information flows in the organization. Channels (networks by which information flows) are either formal networks or informal networks. Formal networks follow the authority chain and are limited to task-related communications. The informal network is free to move in any direction, skip authority levels, and is as likely to satisfy group members’ social needs as it is to facilitate task accomplishments.
Principles of Communication:
To have effective communication certain principles are to be followed.
They are as follows:
Clarity:
The principle of clarity means the communicator should use such a language which is easy to understand. The message must be understood by the receiver. The words used should be simple and unambiguous. The language should not create any confusion or misunderstanding. Language is the medium of communication; hence it should be clear and understandable.
Adequacy and Consistency:
The communicator must carefully take into account that the information to be communicated should be complete and adequate in all respect. The inadequate and incomplete message creates confusion and delays the action to be taken. Adequate information must be consistent with the organizational objectives, plans, policies, and procedures. The message which is inconsistent may play havoc and distort corporate interests.
Integration:
The principle of integration portrays that through communication the efforts of human resources of the organization should be integrated towards the achievement of corporate objectives. The very aim of communication is to achieve the set target. The communication should aim at coordinating the activities of the people at work to attain corporate goals.
Economy:
The unnecessary use of the communication system will add to cost. The system of communication must be used efficiently, timely i.e. at the appropriate time and when it is necessary. The economy in the use of the communication system can be achieved in this way.
Feedback:
The purpose of communication will be defeated if the feedback is not taken from the receiver. The confirmation of the receipt of the message in its right perspective from its receiver fulfills the object of communication. The feedback is essential only in the case of written communication and messages sent through messengers. In the case of an oral type of communication, the feedback is immediately known.
Need for Communication Network:
The route through which the communication passes from the sender or communicator to its receiver or communicate refers to a communication network. For effective communication this network is essential. The managerial effectiveness will also depend upon the availability of an adequate network.
Attention:
The message communicated must draw the attention of the receiver staff and ensure action from him in the right perspective. The efficient, sincere and prompt manager succeeds in drawing the attention of his subordinates to what he is conveying.
Processes of Communication Networks
Network communication, or internetworking, defines a set of protocols (that is, rules and standards) that allow application programs to talk with each other without regard to the hardware and operating systems where they are run. … A process that requests services on the network.
The processes are 1. Sender 2. Transmission 3. Noise 4. Receiver 5. Feedback.
1. Sender:
Communication starts with the sender, who is the initiator of the message. After generating an idea, the sender encodes it in a way that can be comprehended by the receiver. Encoding refers to the process by which the sender translates his thoughts into a series of verbal and non-verbal actions that he feels will communicate the message to the intended receiver. For example, translating the thought into any language.
2. Transmission:
The information that the sender wants to communicate is transmitted over a channel through which the message travels to the receiver. A channel connects the sender to the receiver. Channels for communication may include a memorandum, a computer, a telephone, a telegram, or a television. The choice of a channel depends on the communication situation. For instance, when dealing with confidential information, direct face-to-face interaction or a sealed letter are more effective channels than a telephone conversation.
3. Noise:
Noise is anything that has a disturbing influence on the message. Since noise hinders communication, the sender should choose a channel that is free from noise. Noise may occur at the sender’s end, during transmission, or at the receiver’s end.
5. Receiver:
The receiver is the person to whom the message is transmitted. In order to decode the message, the receiver has to be ready to receive the message. That is. the receiver should not be preoccupied with other thoughts that might cause him to pay insufficient attention to the message. Decoding refers to the process of translation of symbols encoded by the sender into ideas that can be understood. Communication can be considered effective only when both the sender and the receiver attach similar meanings to the symbols that compose the message. For example, a message in technical jargon requires a recipient who understands such terms. Communication is not complete unless it is understood by both the sender and the receiver.
6. Feedback:
A message generated by the receiver in response to the sender’s original message is known as feedback. Feedback is necessary to ensure that the message has been effectively encoded, transmitted, decoded and understood. It helps a sender evaluate the effectiveness of his message so that he can modify his subsequent messages. Feedback also confirms whether there has been any change in the behavior of the individual or in the organization as a result of communication. The communication model discussed above provides the basic framework of the communication process, identifies the key elements (sender, transmission, receiver, noise, and feedback), and shows their relationships. This framework helps managers pinpoint communication.
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