The subject of current reflection is the course of effective business communication that contributed to my knowledge a great amount of helpful information. Namely, I learned the idea of communication as a process that demands specific skills from business specialists. In the era of technologies, social media gain popularity as a space for interactions between individuals and even whole corporate organizations.
Consequently, the messages used by companies to deliver their ideas should be precise and well-planned. For this purpose, the language of the texts should be considered, the culture of partners or competitors respected, and data for correct implementation of a firm’s intentions researched. Thuswise, the course has demonstrated that business in the global society requires its participants’ communication skills that would respond to technological and social standards.
As it was already said, the concept of business communication and skills that contribute to its effectiveness are among the most valuable knowledge received. In my understanding, communication presents a spectrum of multiple aspects, such as language, use of non-verbal signals, participation in social media activity, message exchange, and relationship building. In business, communication serves to help in the execution of work that involves groups of people or even large organizations. Corporate performance could be productive if workers are skilled in communication; namely, they are able to listen to their partners, present their information with proper body language, and recognize various emotions of others (Dwyer & Hopwood, 2021).
Additionally, the digital form of communication was emphasized in the course since technologies seem to penetrate the business sphere, making the professional interaction more convenient and swift (Guffey & Loewy, 2019). Thus, comprehending the communication process and obtaining the skills needed for social interaction enhances its manifestation significantly.
Furthermore, learning the development steps of business communication and writing the message is extremely important for any employee. Guffey and Loewy (2019) state that to improve the communication process, one should prepare thoroughly. Specifically, to define objectives for informing the target audience and analyze its characteristics; to choose the most appropriate way of delivering the text and write the text message in advance. Moreover, details for organizing information are discussed explicitly in the course. For example, the guidelines for using gender-neutral language were reasonably helpful for me while drafting e-mails to colleagues. Therefore, the provided information includes relevant practical advice for proper communication in the modern world of diversity and tolerance.
The other essential point of the course is the necessity of key research for effective business communication. According to Guffey and Loewy (2019), the research process entails “searching the company’s digital and other files, talking with the boss, interviewing the target audience, [and] conducting informal surveys” (p. 76). These actions are relatively uncomplicated for the 21st-century internet user and businessman with the skills mentioned above. Nevertheless, such steps are collected data that might be used to plan communicational acts and strategical purposes. As I already stated, the research for business communication is simple to conduct; thus, other firms may use it as a competitive advantage. The information about a company assists in creating a setting for the message, formulating its goal, and acknowledging the audience.
Consequently, communicators having done research might extend their influence on the recipients of information or compile more convincing arguments if they aim to persuade other enterprises’ representatives in their matters. Accordingly, meticulous investigation of available data can improve the meaning behind the message transmitted and its delivery as well.
Finally, the cultural aspect presents an area of attention for students studying communication. Currently, the free-trade possibilities and enhanced transport technologies extended the power and capabilities of transnational corporations (Bartley, 2018). As a result, corporations have become global and presently accommodate workers and consumers that are members of numerous cultures. Indeed, this situation has a notable impact on communication, too. Even school students for whom business classes are not a part of the core curriculum start to realize the importance of cross-cultural communication (Smallwood, 2020).
In the coursebook by Guffey and Loewy (2019), the precise definition of culture is given, plus recommendations for proper communication in the cases of different values and views encounters. For example, one should consider the distinctive perspectives that Western and Easterners have on individualism and collectivism. Also, there is a proposal to use English, the language of intercultural communication, so that it is understandable by non-native speakers. My personal experience of work with foreigners proves the effectiveness of this advice. Hence, multicultural businesses demand an inclusive approach to communication in the sphere of commerce.
To conclude, significant lessons were learned during the course. They include an understanding of business communication and the skills required for elevating its effectiveness. Next, the ideas of cultural acceptance and the importance of search tool adoption were presented. The information is vital for any person who intends to enter the business sphere, as the recommendations given there respond to the modern dynamic of the world economic process and the state of the communities participating in trade. Subsequently, the knowledge from the course provides a possibility of further learning of business in accordance with the general guidelines.
References
Bartley, T. (2018). Transnational corporations and global governance. Annual Review of Sociology, 44(1), 145–165. Web.
Dwyer, J., & Hopwood, N. (2021). Business communication handbook (11th ed.). Pearson Education.
Guffey, M. E., & Loewy, D. (2019). Essentials of business communication (11th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Smallwood, M. G. (2020). The need for cross-cultural communication instruction in U.S. business communication courses. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly, 83(2), 133–152. Web.