2. Communication Networks
Communication takes place within networks. By a
net work we mean the channels through which
messages pass from one person to another.
Two perspectives (size) :-
- Small groups (btn 2 or more)
- formalized structures
3. Functions of Communication
Networks
The function include:
Providing the means for coordinating the activities of
individuals, relationships, groups and other subunits
within the organization.
Providing mechanisms for directing the activities of
the organization as a whole.
Facilitating the exchange of information within the
organization, and
Ensuring the flow of information between the
organization and the external environment in which it
exists
4. Net work structures (Formalized)
Types of network:
Circle
Chain
Wheel
The Y
All- channel
6. Circle Network
The circle has no leader; here there is total equality…..
Each member of the circle has exactly the same
authority or power to influence the group.
8. Chain Network
The chain is similar to the
circle except that the end
members may communicate
with only one person each
9. • A wheel network
e.g.Sales team
report to head
office
10. Wheel network
Centralized network, Superior on simple tasks
Preferred by organizations where headquarters are
totally in charge.
low overall satisfaction.
Leader is very clear.
Effective in simple task if, members accept the leader’s
authority.
11. • A Y network e.g.
Sales teams
report to Regional
office
12. Y Pattern Network
The Y pattern is somewhat less
centralized than the wheel,
but more centralized than some
of the other patterns
13. •An all – channel
net work e.g.
Brain storming
14. • The all-channel/Connected :-
Decentralized network, Superior on complex tasks
More democratic, but can be very slow
Everyone can interact with all
Leadership is unclear as it is shared by all members
Performance in simple task is low, as it takes longer
time than normal.
The all-channel network
15. The all-channel network
This pattern allows for the greatest member
participation.
Communication through these networks occurs
often but not always face-to—face.
Messages may be written in informal memos or in
formal letters and reports.
18. Organizational Communication Theory
Organizations can not operate without
communication.
In order for the transfer of information to qualify
as communication, the recipient must understand
the meaning of the information transferred to
them.
If the recipient does not understand the meaning
of the information conveyed to them,
communication has not taken place.
19. Organizational Communication
Theory
The workers in an organization would not know the
organization's objectives so they would not strive to achieve the
organization's objectives.
The workers in an organization would not know what their roles
and responsibilities were, so they would not be able to carry out
their daily tasks and duties.
The managers would not be able to train their workers reports so
the workers would not possess the skills they needed to carry out
their jobs.
The managers would not be able to inform workers of changes
The organization would not be aware of their competitors
activities
20. Internal and external communication
Internal – Operational Communication:-
– It refers to communication or exchange of information that occurs
in conducting work within a business.
– This is the communication among the business’s employees that is
done to create, implement, and track the success of the business
operating plan.
– In most businesses, much information can be exchanged internally
by:-
– Ongoing discussions that senior management undertakes
– Oral exchanges among employees about work matters
– phone, email,
– fax, memos, or
– Reports on sales, production, inventories, maintenance and so on
– Company intranet.
21. Internal – Operational
Communication
• Internal - operational comm. helps
employees to:-
–Do theirs jobs
–Develop a clear sense of organization
mission
–Identify and react to potential problems
22. External – Operational
Communication
The external – operational communication
– The work – related communication that a business does with people
and groups outside the business.
– network links with the outside world of customers, suppliers,
competitors and investors etc.
– technological systems so that they can communicate with customers
and undertake e-Commerce.
• They may include:-
– Customers
– Suppliers
– Stake holders/ share holders
– Potential employees
– Press including advertisements
– Gov’t agencies ( URA, NEMA /UCDA)
– General public
– Follow up service calls and many others.
23. Function of Internal and External Communication
Combined together internal and external types of communications
allow various sectors of the local, national and international
community to interact, liaise and conduct business.
24. Effective messages- 7c’s
Effective business communication occurs
when:
The message is understood
The message stimulates an action and
The receiver thinks in a new way
Any effective messages to be transmitted
(internal or external) the following criteria
should be met:-
26. Effective messages cont’…
Business Communication
Clarity:
The meaning the reader gets should be the meaning the
writer intends. The reader therefore doesn't need to
guess.
To accomplish these:
Choose precise, short and familiar words.
Proper punctuations make the writing clear.
Make the message readable and understandable.
Make correct sentences, and derived the message in
properly sized paragraphs
27. Effective Messages cont’…
Business Communication
Clarity:
The meaning the reader gets should be the meaning the
writer intends. The reader therefore doesn't need to
guess.
To accomplish these:
Choose precise, short and familiar words.
Proper punctuations make the writing clear.
Make the message readable and understandable.
Make correct sentences, and derived the message in
properly sized paragraphs
28. Effective Messages cont’…
Completeness:
All of the readers questions should be answered. This
ensures that the reader gets enough information to take
a decision.
The guidelines for completeness,
The message should answer all the questions in the
order, they were asked.
Give some additional information if important.
29. Effective Messages cont’…
Correctness:
All the information in the message should be
accurate i.e. free from errors, punctuations,
spellings etc.
To be correct in communication:-
Use correct level of language
Include only accurate facts, words and figures.
31. Effective Messages cont’d….
Concreteness :
The writer should be specific.
Not vague and general
This may be achieved through:-
Use of specific figures facts
Use of image words
