Topic 2: Why is it important?

The word communication has been derived from the Latin word ‘communis’ which means ‘common’. Thus, communication means sharing of ideas in common. “When we communicate,” says Wibur Schramn, “We are trying to establish a “commonness’ with someone. That is we are trying to share information, an idea or an attitude. The essence of communication is getting the receiver and the sender ‘turned’ together for a particular message.”​

According to the shorter Oxford English Dictionary, communication means “the imparting, conveying or exchange of ideas, knowledge, etc., whether by speech, writing or signs.” Communication takes place when one person transfers information and understanding to another person. It refers to the exchange of ideas, feelings, emotions, knowledge and information between two or more persons.​

There is a communication when you talk or listen to someone. For instance, an educator while delivering his lecture communicates to his learners. But if he speaks or writes in a language which is not understandable to his learners, there is no communication. When you read a book, its author communicates to you. But communication does not mean merely written or oral messages.​

It includes everything that may be used to convey meanings from one person to another, e.g., movement of lips or the wink of an eye or the wave of hands may convey more meaning than even written or spoken words. In fact, communication is the process of conveying message from one person to another so that they are understood. In business management, ideas, objectives, orders, appeals, observations, instructions, suggestions etc. have to be exchanged among the managerial personnel and their subordinates operating at different levels of the organization for the purpose of planning and executing the business policies.​