Essentials of Organizational Behavior, 14/e

Communication

Communication is powerful: no group or organization can exist without sharing meaning among its members. In this chapter, we’ll analyze communication and ways we can make it more effective.

Communication must include both the transfer and the understanding of meaning. Communicating is more than merely imparting meaning; that meaning must also be understood. It is only thus that we can convey information and ideas. In perfect communication, if it existed, a thought would be transmitted so the receiver understood the same mental picture the sender intended. Though it sounds elementary, perfect communication is never achieved in practice. Increased understanding of the functions and processes of communication can lead to positive changes ...