Function of Communication

Function of Communication
1. Control- can be used tocontrol the behaviour of human beings. It can be used to regulate the
nature and amount of activities humans engage in.
2. Motivation- is the ability to stimulate desire in employees and consists of appreciation,
recognition, and support.
3. Emotion Expression - is part of the emotion regulation process and functions as a way
to communicate internal states to others.
4. Information- is to provide data and information so that employees can effectively complete
their job.
Essential Characteristics of Communication
1. Two or More Persons

The first important characteristic of communication is that there must be a minimum number
of two persons because no single individual can have an exchange of ideas with himself.
2. Exchange of Ideas
Communication cannot be thought of in the absence of exchange of ideas. In order to complete
the process of communication there must be an exchange of ideas, orders, feelings, etc., among
two or more than two persons.
3. Mutual Understanding
Mutual understanding means that the receiver should receive the information in the same spirit
with which it is being given. In the process of communication, it is more important to
understand the information rather than carry it out.
4. Direct and Indirect Communication
Communication can be both direct and indirect. Direct communication means face-to-face
conversation, while indirect communication is through other means.
5. Continuous Process
Communication is an endless process, as is the case with business where the manager
continuously assigns work to his subordinates, tries to know the progress of the work and gives
directions.
6. Use of Words as well as Symbols
There can be many means of communication, like the written, the oral and symbolic. The
examples of symbolic communication are the ringing of bell for closing a school or a college,
saying something by the movement of the neck, showing anger or disapproval through eyes,
giving some decision by the raising of a finger in cricket, etc.
Views of Communication
1. The Transmission View of Communication

The transmission view of communication is the commonest in our culture perhaps in all
industrial cultures and dominates contemporary dictionary entries under the term. It is defined
by terms such as "imparting," "sending," "transmitting," or "giving information to others."
2. The Ritual View
A ritual view of communication is directed not toward the extension of messages in space but
toward the maintenance of society in time; not the act of imparting information but the
representation of shared beliefs.
3. Communication as Symbolic Culture
A ritual view does not exclude the processes of information transmission or attitude change. It
merely contends that one cannot understand these processes aright except insofar as they are
cast within an essentially ritualistic view of communication and social order.
Obstacles or barriers to effective communication
・The use of jargon.

Over-complicated, unfamiliar and/or technical terms.
・Emotional barriers and taboos.
Some people may find it difficult to express their emotions and some topics may be completely
'off-limits' or taboo. Taboo or difficult topics may include, but are not limited to, politics,
religion, disabilities (mental and physical), sexuality and sex, racism and any opinion that may
be seen as unpopular.
・Lack of attention, interest, distractions, or irrelevance to the receiver.
・Differences in perception and viewpoint.
・Physical disabilities such as hearing problems or speech difficulties.
・Physical barriers to non-verbal communication.
Not being able to see the non-verbal cues, gestures, posture and general body language can
make communication less effective. Phone calls, text messages and other communication
methods that rely on technology are often less effective than face-to-face communication.
・Language differences and the difficulty in understanding unfamiliar accents.
・Expectations and prejudices which may lead to false assumptions or stereotyping.
・Cultural differences.
The norms of social interaction vary greatly in different cultures, as do the way in which
emotions are expressed. For example, the concept of personal space varies between cultures
and between different social settings.
Basic Functions of Communication
1. Information function - to convey information.Giving information…

2. Command or Instructive fuction - are more observable in formal organizations than in
informal organizations.
3. Influence function - is to influence or bring about a change in the behaviour of other
person(s).
4. Integrative function - integration or bringing about togetherness and understanding of all
members at the organizational level. This helps to maintain individual, societal or organizational
stability.

Function of Communication

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Function of Communication

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Function of Communication

Essential Characteristics of Communication

1. Two or More Persons

1. The Transmission View of Communication

2. The Ritual View

3. Communication as Symbolic Culture

Obstacles or barriers to effective communication

・The use of jargon.

1. Information function - to convey information.Giving information…

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