BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

Communication as a subject of study has a very vast canvas. To different people, communication implies various areas of study, research, and application:

(1) It is a means of transportation from one place to another viz., moving men, machines, materials etc by surface transport like railways, roadways or by air or by sea. It is not uncommon to describe a region or a country backward in terms of means of communication because it is not serviced or well connected by railways, roadways, airways or seaways.

(2) It also relates to means of sending/receiving messages, packets or parcels through the post, telephone, telegram, radio, wireless or Internet. These means of communications have undergone rapid changes during the last few decades. Postal services have been revolutionized by courier services – same-day delivery, next-day delivery etc. Telephone services have become commonplace – one can talk to a person anywhere even one orbiting in a satellite without shouting. The mobile telephony and use of the Internet have changed the way people talk and communicate with one another. They are changing the way business is done.

(3) Communication is a major focus of attention for artists – singers, dancers, actors, painters, sculptors etc are all trying to communicate with their audiences. They endeavor to win their attention and appreciation so as to secure attractive returns for their efforts.

In a managerial or business context, it is the science and art of communicating. Etymologically, communication as a word is derived from the word „common‟ in English or „Communis‟ from Latin. It means „shared by‟ or „concerning all‟. This communication is a process of „influencing others‟ to achieve common, shared objectives. These goals could be that of individuals, families, teams, departments/functions and companies.

Communication has emerged as a very powerful personal skill that individuals must acquire to be able to perform their duties and become effective managers and effective leaders.