2 People in Business Flashcards
What is communication?
The process by which information is transferred from one person/group to another.
What is internal communication?
Internal communication refers to information or messages sent between people inside a business
What is external communication?
External communication refers to information or messages sent to people or organisations outside the business
What are the benefits and limitations of verbal communication?
Benefits:
* Immediate feedback results in two-way communication
- The message is enforced by seeing the speaker, for example body language could make the message easily understood
Limitations:
* It may be difficult to assess if the message had been fully understood by everyone, for example in a large meeting
- Verbal communication is inappropriate for storing accurate and permanent information for some messages
What are the benefits and limitations of non-verbal communication?
Benefits:
* Presenting information in an appealing and attractive way encourages people to look at it
- They can be used to make a written message clearer by adding a picture or a chart to illustrate the point being made
Limitations:
* Feedback is limited with this method so written or verbal feedback would also be required to check understanding of the message
- Complex charts and graphs might be difficult for some people to understand
What are the benefits and limitations of written communication?
Benefits:
* There is hard evidence of the message which can be referred to and help solve disputes in the future over the content of the message
- Permanent record is kept as information cannot be lost as easily.
Limitations:
* The language used might be difficult to understand or the message may be too long causing disinterest
- There is no opportunity for body language to be used to enforce the message
What is digital communication?
Digital communication involves sending and receiving information electronically
What are the benefits and limitations of video conferencing for communication?
Benefits:
* Video calls allow people in different locations to connect
- Reduction in travel costs as fewer employees may need to travel to various locations for meetings
- Meetings can be set up relatively quickly
Limitations:
* Unreliable internet connections or audio/video problems can hinder effective communication
- Calls between different time zones can be difficult to organise for international firms
- The equipment can be expensive
What are the benefits and limitations of using emails for communication?
Benefits:
* The message can be printed if a hard copy is needed
- Written messages can be sent instantly to others, and files can be shared as attachments
- Cheap and easy method of communication
Limitations:
* Spam mail is a big problem for businesses, meaning messages may be blocked or filtered, preventing the receiver from reading it
- Email attachments can contain viruses, which can be costly to the business
What are the benefits and limitations of using instant messaging and chat applications for communication?
Benefits
* Instant messaging (WhatsApp, Slack) enables fast and real-time communication, making it ideal for brief exchanges or urgent matters
Limitations
* Text-based communication lacks non-verbal cues, increasing the chances of misunderstandings or miscommunication
What are some of the benefits of good communication in a business?
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Increased worker motivation
This can lead to increased worker involvment in the decision-making. Allows for effective feedback from employees and also reduces staff turnover or detachment from work. -
Improves efficiency
Decision making is more successful as decisions are based on complete and accurate information. Staff are more productive if they fully understand tasks and processes. -
Promotes customer satisfaction
Regular and better communication with customers will help build a relationship with the customers and establish brand loyalty. This will lead to an increase in sales.
What are the problems of ineffective communication in a business?
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Inefficiency and poor business performance
If messages are delayed or not sent to the right receiver, decision making and processes will slow down. This can lead to a rise in costs and potentially missed opportunities. -
Less Motivated Employees
If workers are less informed about their roles or tasks, they may feel demotivated. This can lead to a decrease in productivity. In the long term this will lead to abscences and increased labour turnover. -
Inaccuracy and Mistakes
Lack of communication on certain things e.g. safety checks or product quality can lead to potential fall in product quality which may result in customers being lost and therefore sales falling.
What are the barriers to communication?
-
Structural Barriers
-Too many layers in heirarchy, messages can take a long time to reach receiver -
Language and Jargon
-Use of technical or industry-specific terminology can be misunderstood. This can confuse new staff. -
Noise and Distractions
-Loud machinery, crowded workspace, distractions like phone notis, email alerts. - Poor communication skills
-
Technological Barriers
-Poor internet, unfamiliarity with platforms can slow communication.
How can barriers to communication be removed in a business?
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Recruitment
-Recruiting employees with good communication skills. -
Training
-Train staff to improve communication. Specialized training. -
Technology
-Repair or replace equipment. Traning employees on technology and new platforms. -
Chain of Command
Make chain of command shorter to make sure information can pass through easily.
What are the 4 types of employment?
- Full time
- Part-Time
- Job Share
- Casual/ Seasonal/ Temporary
