Discussion Questions: Chapter 8
1)Communication is defined as the process of transmitting a message to the receiver to obtain a
response. In an organization, the manager must ensure that communication is effective enough to
achieve organizational goals. Effective communication means the receiver understands the message
clearly, which in the end can avoid miscommunication.
2) The eight elements in the communication process are:
1. Sender: The person or entity initiating the communication and encoding the message.
2. Encoding: The process of converting the message into a suitable form for transmission, such
as translating thoughts into words or selecting visual representations.
3. Message: The information, ideas, or emotions being conveyed by the sender. It can be in the
form of words, symbols, pictures, or any other medium.
4. Receiver: The individual or group who receives the message and decodes it to understand its
meaning.
5. Decoding: The process by which the receiver interprets and comprehends the message,
assigning meaning to the encoded information.
6. Feedback: The response or reaction provided by the receiver to the sender. It helps in
confirming the message's understanding and provides an opportunity to clarify or correct any
misconceptions.
7. Noise: Any interference or disturbance that affects the transmission or reception of the
message. It can be external noise, such as background sounds, or internal noise, such as
biases, distractions, or language barriers.
8. Channel: The medium or means through which the message is transmitted, such as face-to-
face conversations, emails, telephone calls, or written documents.
3) The three types of communication are:
I. Verbal Communication: This type of communication involves the use of spoken or written
words to convey messages. It includes face-to-face conversations, phone calls,
presentations, emails, memos, and reports.
II. Non-verbal Communication: Nonverbal communication refers to the transmission of
messages through gestures, body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and other
nonverbal cues. It can complement or contradict verbal communication and plays a crucial
role in conveying emotions and building rapport.
III. Technological Comunication: The exchange of messages (or information) between
individuals through the utilization of various forms of technological equipment is referred to
as technological communication. It include Telecommuting or ‘telework’ , Electronic mail
(email), Video conferencing and The internet.
4) The four types of formal communication are:
I. Upward communication - In the context of organizational hierarchies, the term "upward
communication" refers to the transmission of information from lower levels (subordinates)
to higher levels (managers/ superiors),
II. Downward communication - In the context of an organization, the transmission of
information from a higher level (managers/superiors) to a lower level (subordinates) is
referred to as downward communication.
III. Diagonal communication - Diagonal communication refers to the exchange of information
between individuals in various departments who hold differing levels of authority.
IV. Lateral communication - Lateral communication refers to the exchange of information
among employees of an organization who are on the same managerial or administrative
level but work in different departments.
5) The differences between cluster and probability can be explained as follows:
Cluster: The level of organization present in cluster networks is significantly higher than
that of probability networks. In the instance of a network organized into clusters, the
originator of a message will select a certain number of individuals from a pool of
candidates with whom to share information. The message is then conveyed by the
secondary people to a group of individuals who have also been pre-selected to receive
the message. The information that is communicated is typically work-related in nature.
Probability: One person acts as the main source of information in a probability
communication network. This person then chooses other individuals from her or his
communication network at random to transmit the information to the rest of the network.
In accordance with the laws of probability, then these others similarly tell others. These
secondary persons then choose members of the communication network at random to
transmit the message across to others in the network.
6) Five barriers to effective communication are:
1. Different culture - People who come from different cultures and have different ways of
doing things can be difficult to communicate with. Therefore, people from different cultures
will have different experiences, which will lead to different interpretations of the same
information. The information is considered useless because of this as well.
2. Lack of trust between sender and receiver - The lack of trust that exists between the sender
and the receiver is a significant barrier that gets in the way of effective communication. Due
to the receiver's lack of trust in the sender, the receiver may search for hidden meanings in
the message that was sent.
3. Language characteristics - Because senders and receivers use a variety of dialects and terms,
there is a communication barrier that makes it difficult for receivers to grasp the meaning of
words. The recipient is unable to recognize the common words.
4. Gender difference - When men and women interact, their gender differences can cause
breakdowns which in turn can lead to distorted communication and misunderstandings
between the two groups.
5. Noise - The term 'noise' refers to any factor that prevents a message from reaching its
intended receiver due to interference, confusion, or disturbance. The process of having
effective communication will be disrupted if there is unwanted noise.
7) Six way in overcoming the barriers to effective communication are:
I. Obtain feedback
II. Use simple language
III. Avoid noise
IV. Recognize emotions
V. Do not make your own conclusion
VI. Use appropriate channel