Introduction
Communication in business has curved its own niche as an important tool used to drive the activities of a business. It is used to sell a product, publicize a business entity and pass information to both the internal and external elements of the business, among other uses. This report will focus on the channels of effective communication and their roles in delivering, transferring or spreading information within a business and why it forms the nub and core of the administrative activities of the business. In the current era, the essentiality of instituting the basic tenets of business communication in operations has become undeniable.
The Case for Effective communication in Business
The main parts of business administration which entail implementation of managerial decisions such as organizing activities, staffing and recruitment, direction and control require a system that guarantees seamless passing of information between decision-makers and implementers. These may be the owners or managers of a business and the employees respectively who fall through the hierarchy of administration. The more the positions in the hierarchy, the higher the need for an effective communication to avoid gaps that may stall activity arising from communication breakdowns and the rigidities of bureaucracy. The fact of the matter is, without proper communication avenues, businesses experience difficulty in operations that may eventually translate to losses. This forms the basis for the need of effective communication in the internal operations of a business (Guffey and Almonte).
Channels that promote effective communication
These days, most organizations operating as businesses with the primary goal of making profits are very large. Their size requires that they use channels of communication that enable a steady, homogenous flow of information that more often constitute instructions and feedback. Technological advancements have come in handy to help businesses manage their activities. These include, but not limited to:
- The use of a central call operator which ensures ease in reaching a certain manager or employee.
- Internet communication such as Custom e-mail services for intra-business communication and Instant Messaging.
- Use of electronic and print memos to plan and organize meetings.
- Video-conferencing technology that enables business executives located miles apart to attend meetings in real-time in the comfort of their office chairs.
- Use of print media to relay instructions, advertise or send feedback.
Roles of effective Communication in the administrative functions of a business
Overcomes barriers of distance
More successful businesses have grown to transcend regional and even national boundaries. Managing several retail and production outlets from a central location is a task that can only be made easier through proper communication. Use of phone calls (satellite technology has ensured that calls can be placed to any part of the world from any location) and the internet to communicate means that a business manager no longer needs to travel vast distances to oversee the activities of a subsidiary or source for raw materials and deliveries.
Boosts functioning of the business
Effective transfer of information promotes the monitoring of books of accounts, procurement and supplies (through the use of networked computers). It boosts planning of procedures, organization of duties and controlling business activities.
Essential in coordination of activities
Perhaps the most important role of communication in business is the coordination of activities. A business administrator requires at his disposal, all channels available to be in constant contact with his subordinates. There are forms of communication, especially electronic (such as Instant Messaging), that enable passing of information to several workers at the same time and getting feedback appropriately.
Development and growth of employees
A system that rids a business of communication gaps enables employees to work at their best, as they are able to follow instructions conveniently and avoid situations that would lead to misunderstandings. Every business needs competent workers who are constantly developing their skills; this is boosted by effective communication with superiors.
Enables overall realization of goals and targets
The significance of effective communication to delivering goals and achieving targets cannot be overemphasized. Managers perform most of their duties through communication. It promotes optimality in time management, an important facet of business growth. A seamless flow of information through a business structure advances professionalism in operations, improves detection of hitches and glitches and fast-tracks the process of problem solving. The overall effect is the realization of goals and targets.
Conclusion
The modern business environment requires that managers pay heed to the role of effective communication in administration. They should focus on the motives and means to reaching them. The channels of communication mentioned in this report can be used to as the avenues to realize these motives. The roles of effective communication in managing businesses such as propping the coordination of activities, overcoming barriers of geographical distance, boosting of functions and helping employees develop are essential elements for growth. The whole spectrum of business communication as an educational and research discipline has concluded thusly.
Work Cited:
Guffey, Mary Ellen and Richard Almonte. Essentials of Business Communication. Stamford: Cengage Learning, 2009.