communication channel

Examples of communication channel in the following topics:

• Choosing the Type of Communication

  • In communications, a channel is the means of passing information from a sender to a recipient.
  • Determining the most appropriate channel, or medium, is critical to the effectiveness of communication.
  • Oral communications tend to be richer channels because information can be conveyed through speech as well as nonverbally through tone of voice and body language.
  • Written communication is an effective channel when context, supporting data, and detailed explanations are necessary to inform or persuade others.
  • Here are some examples of different communication channels and their advantages:

• Upward Communication

  • Upward communication is often made in response to downward communication; for instance, employees answering a question from their manager.
  • In this way, upward communication indicates the effectiveness of a company's downward communication.
  • The communication channel, or mode of sharing information, strongly influences the upward communication process.
  • The availability of communication channels affects employees' overall satisfaction with upward communication.
  • This is likely to make employees feel satisfied with their level of access to channels of upward communication and less apprehensive about communicating upward.

• Quality of Written and Oral Expression

  • The quality of written and oral communication depends on the effective use of language and communication channels.
  • We can assess the quality of expression by considering such factors as content and use of communication medium.
  • In addition to word use, communicators can employ visual and nonverbal elements to convey meaning.
  • The communication medium is the channel through which information flows from sender to recipient.
  • Channels include email, telephone, written reports, and oral presentations.

• Noise as a Barrier to Communication

  • The efficacy of communication is impacted by how much noise there is in the communication channel.
  • That is to say, issues in communication pertaining to distraction could affect the sender, the message itself, the channel it is being sent through, or the recipient of that message.
  • Every organization faces certain barriers to communication.
  • Shannon and Weaver argue there are three particular layers of communication problems:
  • Certain attitudes can also make communication difficult.

• Informal Communication

  • Informal communication occurs outside an organization's established channels for conveying messages and transmitting information.
  • While formal communication follows practices shaped by hierarchy, technology systems, and official policy, informal communication faces fewer restrictions.
  • Formal communication usually involves documentation, while informal communication usually leaves no recorded trace for others to find or share.
  • In the past, many organizations considered informal communication (generally associated with interpersonal, horizontal communication) a hindrance to effective organizational performance and tried to stamp it out.
  • While informal communication is important to an organization, it also may have disadvantages.

• Core Culture

  • Core culture, as the name denotes, is the root of what observable culture will communicate to stakeholders.
  • Core culture is more ideological and strategic, representing concepts such as vision (long-term agenda and values), while observable culture is more of a communications channel (i.e., stories, logos, symbols, branding, mission statement, and office environment).
  • Upper management must decide which values and ethos will constitute the core of the organizational culture, and then instill this internally, in their employees, and communicate it externally, to stakeholders (via observable culture).

• The Nature of Efficient Communication

  • Efficient communication achieves its desired effect with the least amount of effort and resources.
  • To create effective oral and written communication one should consider the audience, the format and content, and the channel or mode of transmission.
  • These are all important points to consider when crafting a communication strategy.
  • Next they consider the purpose of their communication.
  • Visual aids complement strategy and structure in oral or witten communications.

• Defining Communication

  • Communication requires a sender, a message, and a recipient, although the receiver may not be present or aware of the sender's intent to communicate at the time of communication.
  • Communication requires that the communicating parties share some area of commonality.
  • Perhaps the most time-honored form of communication is storytelling.
  • Business communication encompasses marketing, brand management, customer relations, consumer behavior, advertising, public relations, corporate communication, community engagement, reputation management, interpersonal communication, employee engagement, and event management.
  • Many organizations have a communications director who oversees internal communications and crafts messages sent to employees.

• Learning to Listen

  • Using active and reflective listening skills can help improve the effectiveness of oral communication.
  • Effective oral communication is the responsibility of both the sender and the recipient.
  • For the sender, content, channel choice, and understanding of the audience matter most.
  • Reflective listening focuses on personal elements of the communication rather than the abstract ideas.
  • The listener should show empathy and concern for the person communicating.

• Frontline Management

  • Frontline managers who are responsible for dealing directly with the operating personnel need very high interpersonal skills to motivate, supervise, and guide their subordinates, as well as communicate with managers of higher levels.
  • The store manager is a frontline manager, carrying out these responsibilities and communicating with headquarters.