MEANING OF COMMUNICATION

There are various definitions and meaning interpreted by different scholars.

T.S. Matthews says that Communication is something so difficult that we can never put it in simple words. But we do need a definition to understand the concept.

In his book Communication in Business, Peter Little defines communication as the process by which information is transmitted between individuals and/ or organizations so that an understandable response results.

W.H. Newman and C.F.Summer Jr. defines communication as, “Communication is an exchange of facts, ideas, opinions, or emotions by two or more persons”.

Obviously, ‘information’ is the key word in the first definition. But this definition does not indicate the objects about which information is to be transmitted. This is precisely what is provided in the second definition. Communication transmits information not only about tangible facts and determinable ideas and opinions but also about emotions.  When a communicator passes on or transmits some information, he may also, either intentionally or unconsciously, be communicating his attitude or the frame of his mind. And sometimes the latter may be more relevant to the reality that is being communicated.

The following definition offered by William Scott in his book ‘Organization Theory’ should appear comprehensive and specially satisfying to the students of ‘business  communication’ since it touches all aspects of the communication process: “Administrative communication is a process which involves the transmission and accurate replication of ideas ensured by feedback for the purpose of eliciting actions which will accomplish organizational goals.”

This definition emphasizes four important points:

The process of communication involves the communication of ideas.

The ideas should be accurately replicated (reproduced) in the receiver’s mind, i.e., the receiver should get exactly the same ideas as were transmitted. If the process of communication is perfect, there will be no dilution, exaggeration or distortion of the ideas.

The transmitter is assured of the accurate replication of the ideas by feedback, i.e., by the receiver’s response which is communicated back to the transmitter. Here it is suggested that communication is a two-way process including transmission of feedback.

The purpose of all communication is to elicit action. It is quite comprehensive definition and covers almost all aspects of communication. But two comments can be made on it:

1. The concept of ideas should be adequately enlarged to include emotions also.

2. Even in administrative communication the purpose may not always be to elicit action. Seeking information or persuading others to a certain point of view can be equally important objectives of communication.