Communication

The word “communication” is derived from the Latin “communis,” meaning “to share,”

The origin of the word communication is from the latin verb "communicare" means to make common.

DEFINITION

Communication is defined as a process of generating, exchanging, understanding and transmitting the information between two individuals.
“Communication is a process by which two or more people exchange ideas, facts, feelings or impressions in ways that each gains a ‘common understanding’ of meaning, intent and use of a message.”(According to Paul Leagens)
"Communication is a sharing of ideas and feelings in a mood of mutuality."(According to Edgar Dale)
"Communication is the transmission and interchange of facts, ideas, feelings or course of action." (According to Leland brown)
"Sending, giving or exchanging ideas and information, which it often expressed non verbally or verbally" [According to Webster]
"Communication as a process of transmitting and receiving verbal and non verbal messages that produce a response." [According to Murphy and Hildebrandt]

Purposes-

To obtain information.
To collect assessment data.
To initiate intervention.
To improve nurse client relationship.
To evaluate outcome of intervention.
To encourage participation in decision making.
To ensure patient safety.
To maintain interpersonal relationship.
To give psychological support.
To initiate action.
To influence others
To solve problem.
To exchange information between nursing personnel.
To maintain social relationship among human beings.

Elements of Communication

Sender - It refers to a person who initiates and transmit message, the sender is also called encoder.The sender (communicator) is the originator of the message.(it means the person who is starting the information or thinking of sharing informatio
Message-The information in the form of an idea, thought, attitude, feeling and opinion etc. (is the information which the sender wishes to share with another person)
Encoding - Translating the thought, idea, opinion, into specific signs and symbol.
Channel - The medium or the means, It is the method how the sender will deliver the message to another person
Decoding - The process of interpreting the encoded message of the sender by the receiver.
Receiver - The person willing to share the message with the sender.
Feedback - It is the message that the receiver returns to the sender.It is the flow of information from receiver to the sender, the reaction to the message.

Types/Classification of Communication

A. On the Basis of Relationship -

On the basis of relationship is the communication are two types -

1. Formal - Exchange of ideas or informations between two or more persons in a Organizational structure is known as formal communication. (It is the one that flows through the official channels normally used within the organizational setup)

Eg- Communication between doctor and nurse in a hospital regarding care of the patient.

Advantages-

Control
Accuracy
Reliable
Coordination
Authentic information
Filtering of information
Large geographical area
Efficiency
Clarity

Disadvantages-

Time consuming
Information distortion
Expensive
Lack of flexibility
Creats misunderstanding

2. Informal communication -

Exchange of ideas, thought or information among the people of informal group like talking to friends.

Advantages -

Highly rapid
Check on emotions
Valuable feedback
Morale Booster

Disadvantages -

Spreads rumors
Affects productivity
Distorts messages
Lacks control

B. On the Basis of Flow-

On the basis of flow is the communication are three types-

a. Downward Communication - The word "Downward" refers to the flow which is directed from higher to a lower level. Downward communication is a process of sending message from a superior to a subordinate. Eg-Transmission of a message from a doctor to a nurse.

Advantages-

Increase efficiency
Helps maintain good relations
Plans and Policies
Mission and goals
Helps to infors subordinates
Completeness
improve discipliane

Disadvantages -

Reduction of efficiency
Not reliable
Delay
Time consuming
Chance of error
Conflict
Lack of control

b. Upward Communication-

Upward Communication flows from one level of an organization or a group to a higher level. This is just opposite to downward communication. Upward communication flows from the bottom to the top i.e. from the subordinate to superiors in the form of suggestion, complaints and reports. Eg- Communication from nurse to doctor.

Advantages-

Decision making
Giving feedback
Providing suggestions
Motivating
Maintaining Good relations
Developing creativity
Development of plan
Prompt appreciation

Disadvantages -

Fear
Lack of initiative
Non responsive management
Distoration
By Passing

c. Horizontal communication -

Exchange of ideas or information between the two persons of same designation is called horizontal communication. Eg - Transmission of message from a second grade staff nurse to an another second grad staff nurse.

Advantages-

More complete information
Mutual understanding
Coordination
Harmonious Relation
Motivation
Less distortion
Quikness
Departmental communication
Job satisfaction

Disadvantages-

Overload
Lack of cooperation
Wastage of time
Lack of coordination
Specialization
lack of control
Lac of discipline

C. On the Basis of Expression -

On the basis of expression is the communication are two types-

1. Verbal communication -

Verbal communication refers to the form of communication in which message is transmitted verbally. Communication done through spoken words is called verbal communication.

Verbal communication are two types-

Oral
Written

Advantages of verbal communication-

Less Time consuming
Immediate feedback
More direct and simple
More communicative and effective

Disadvantages-

Not convenient for long messages
Various communication gaps
Possibility of more easily misunderstood word.

Oral-Oral communication is communication by means of spoken words.

Advantages-

Time saving
Speed
Develop relations
Economical
Convey the exact meaning of words
Flexible
Personal touch
Feedback

Disadvantages-

Lacks accountability
Lacks legal validity
Not always effective
Lack of planning
Problem of retention
Possibility of misunderstanding
Lack of evidence
Limited time
Costly
Noise

Written - Written communication is the expression of language by means visible signs.

Advantages-

Permanent Record
Documentary evidence
Legal evidence
Accurate and organized
Less chances of misunderstanding
Noise free
Lasting impact
Fixation of responsibility

Disadvantages-

Time
Lack of flexibility
Differety interpretation
Lack of personal
Writting skills
Feedback slow
Costly
Problem to storage

2. Non-Verbal communication-

Non verbal communication can be defined as communication done without speaking or writing. Non verbal communication takes place without the use of words. (It is the type of communication that involves wordless conversation, also referred as body language)

This transmission can be through-

Facial expression,
Body posture,
Eye contact etc.

Principles of Communication

As far as possible, the sender and the receiver of the message should use same language.
Avoid to use technical words unnecessarily.
Avoid abbreviations which are not in use.
Preferably there should be direct communication. Because it is more effective than indirect communication. In direct communication, both the sender and receiver of the message. Can see or hear one another and ask questions directly to clarify their confusions.
Non verbal communication is much closer to the truth and reality than verbal communication so both the sender and receiver of the message should pay attention to the non verbal communication also along with verbal communication
As far as possible communication should be done in comfortable and peaceful environment as presence of too cold or too hot, lack of privacy etc, interfere the communication process.
Giving and receiving feedback is very essential to make the communication more effective.
During communication both the sender and receiver of the message should select appropriate medium for sharing informations and ideas.
The message which is being transmitted should be easily and thoroughly understood.
The message should be interesting and according to the needs of receiver.
During communication, both the sender and receiver of the message should respect social. religious and cultural beliefs of each others
During communication, audio visual aids, bodily gestures, facial expressions etc, should be used properly
During communication only latest and reliable informations should be transmitted. Avoid to give false assurance as it blocks the communication process.
During communication, be sensitive to the needs of others and recognize symptoms of anxiety.

Factors Influencing Communication -

Gender
Length of Message
Perception
Environmental
Cultural Differences
Lack of feedback
Use of language
Clarity of message
Disabilities

Gender - Males and females communicate differently and may interpret the same communication differently.
Length of Message - The length of message also affects communication process. You need to be sure that it serves the purpose and appropriate for the receiver.
Perception - Perception is the way events are interpreted through sensory stimulation. Thoughts are stimulated by perceptions and feelings responds to thoughts.
Environmental - There are several environmental factors which affect the communication. Some of the environmental factors are noise, physical distance, space, climate and place.
Cultural Differences - One of the important factor influencing communication is the difference in culture. The customs and social behaviour of a particular people or society is known as culture.People in different areas have different cultures Cultural differences, bothe within or outside the organization can affect the communication
Use of Language - Use of language is an important factor in communication. Uses of language, sentences, grammer are essential in communication. Improper use of grammer can lead misinterpretation in communication
Lack of Feedback - Feedback is important as it enables confirmation of understanding to be made by both peoples. The lack of feedback can sometimes create problems as it can lead to confusion.
Clarity of Message-It is message conveyed in a clear manner. The clarity of message is affect the communication.
Disabilities - Disabilities such as impaired sight, dyslexia and poor mental health can also be barriers to good communication.

Barriers of Communication -

Barriers of communication there are-

1. Physiological Barriers -

Difficulties in hearing
Difficulty in speaking
Poor concentration
Difficulty in expression
Lack of attention

2. Environmental Barriers-

Uncomfortable climate condition
Noise
Lack of privacy
Uncomfortable seating
Poor ventilation
Poor lighting

3. Emotional Barriers-

Lack of interest
Anxiety
Jealousy
Emotional disturbances
Anger
Depression

4. Intellectual Barriers -

Level of understanding
Low IQ
Lack of knowledge
Misinterpretation of words

5. Social Barriers -

Cultural differences
Language

6. Organizational Barriers -

Poor organizational culture
Rules and Regulation
Inadequate facilities
Climate
Status and relationship

Effective communication

"Effective communication is a process of exchanging ideas, thoughts, knowledge and information such that the purpose or intention is fulfilled in the best possible manner.

Use

It helps in decision making.
It helps to understand the a person situation.
It improves public relations.
It increases job satisfaction and loyalty.
It is helps fosters trust with others.
It helps preventing or resolving problems.
It providing clarity and direction.
It improves productivity.

Characteristics 7 C's of Effective Communication -

The 7 C's of effective communication there are-

Complete
Courtesy
Clear
Consideration
Concise
Correct
Concrete

Complete-The information or the message should be complete. A complete message contains the facts required by the receiver. Incompleteness of the message may lead to misunderstanding and confusion between sender and receiver.
Clear-Clarity is the soul of a message. Clarity of information is the most importance. Clarity helps to understand the message easily. Every message should be conveyed in a clear manner.
Correct-The message being communicated must be correct. Correctness refers to correct grammer and spelling Correct information has greater impact on the audience.
Concise-Conciseness means brief and complete. The information you want to transmit should be Concise. Conciseness is a necessity for effective communication.
Consideration-Consideration is to put you in the place of the receiver. It means preparing every message with the message receiver in mind.
Courtesy-Courtesy is an important of effective communication. Courtesy is the most important quality of the messenger. Courtesy means politeness. It is an attitude that shows respect for others. The sender of the message should be sincerely, polite, reflective and enthusiastic.
Concrete-Concrete communication refers to exchange of specific, definite and exact information instead of vague and general information. It is convincing and acceptable to the recipient as there is no ambiguity in it.