CHAPTER TWO

COMMUNICATION PROCESS
The communication process is the guide toward realizing effective communication. It is through
the communication process that the sharing of a common meaning between the sender and the
receiver takes place. Individuals that follow the communication process will have the opportunity
to become more productive in every aspect of their profession. Effective communication leads to
understanding.
The communication process is made up of four key components. Those components include
encoding, medium of transmission, decoding, and feedback. There are also two other factors in the
process, and those two factors are present in the form of the sender and the receiver. The
communication process begins with the sender and ends with the receiver.
2.1 BASIC ELEMENTS OF COMMUNICATION PROCESS
Over the years a basic model of communications has evolved that represents the various elements
of the communications process. The elements of the model include:
A. Source/Encoding- the sender or source of a communication is the person or organization who
has information to share with another person or group. It should be noted that the source can
be an individual (e.g., salesperson or hired spokesperson) or a non-personal entity such as the
corporation or organization itself. The receivers’ perception of the source influences the
manner in which the communication is received, interpreted and responded to. Encoding is
the process of putting together thoughts, ideas and information into a symbolic form to
communicate a message. The sender’s goal is to encode the message in such a manner so as
to ensure that it will be understood by the receiver.
The sender is an individual, group, or organization who initiates the communication. This source
is initially responsible for the success of the message. The sender's experiences, attitudes,
knowledge, skill, perceptions, and culture influence the message. "The written words, spoken
words, and nonverbal language selected are paramount in ensuring the receiver interprets the
message as intended by the sender" (Burnett & Dollar, 1989). All communication begins with the
sender. The first step the sender is faced with involves the encoding process. In order to convey
meaning, the sender must begin encoding, which means translating information into a message in
the form of symbols that represent ideas or concepts. This process translates the ideas or concepts
into the coded message that will be communicated. The symbols can take on numerous forms

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such as, languages, words, or gestures. These symbols are used to encode ideas into messages that
others can understand.
When encoding a message, the sender has to begin by deciding what he/she wants to transmit. This
decision by the sender is based on what he/she believes about the receiver’s knowledge and
assumptions, along with what additional information he/she wants the receiver to have. It is
important for the sender to use symbols that are familiar to the intended receiver. A good way for
the sender to improve encoding their message, is to mentally visualize the communication from
the receiver's point of view.
B. Message- the encoding process leads to the development of a message that contains the
information or meaning the source or sender hopes to convey. Messages can take a variety of forms
and may include symbolic forms or signs. To better understand the symbolic meaning that might
be conveyed in a communication, many advertisers have begun focusing attention on semiotics,
which involves the study of the nature of meaning. From a semiotic perspective, every marketing
message has three basic components: an object, a sign or symbol and an interpretant. The object
is the product that is the focus of the message (e.g. Marlboro cigarettes). The sign is the sensory
imagery that represents the intended meaning of the object (e.g., the Marlboro cowboy). The
interpretant is the meaning derived (e.g., rugged, individualistic, American).
The message must be put into a transmittable form that is appropriate for the channel of
communication being used. Advertising messages range from simply written words or copy that
will be read or heard as a radio message to the expensive production of elaborate television
commercials with a great deal of visual impact and imagery.
C. Channel- the channel is the method or medium by which the communication travels from
source or sender to receiver. At the broadest level, channels of communication exist as two types:
• Personal Channels which involve direct interpersonal contact with target individuals or groups.
For example a salesperson serves as a personal channel of communication when delivering a sales
presentation.
• Non-personal channels are those which carry a message without involving interpersonal contact
between sender and receiver. These channels are often referred to as the mass media as messages
transmitted through them are sent to many individuals at one time. The two major categories of
non-personal channels are print and broadcast media.
To begin transmitting the message, the sender uses some kind of channel (also called a medium).
The channel is the means used to convey the message. Most channels are either oral or written, but
currently visual channels are becoming more common as technology expands. Common channels
include the telephone and a variety of written forms such as memos, letters, and reports. The
effectiveness of the various channels fluctuates depending on the characteristics of the
communication. For example, when immediate feedback is necessary, oral communication

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channels are more effective because any uncertainties can be cleared up on the spot. In a situation
where the message must be delivered to more than a small group of people, written channels are
often more effective. Although in many cases, both oral and written channels should be used
because one supplements the other.
If a sender relays a message through an inappropriate channel, its message may not reach the right
receivers. That is why senders need to keep in mind that selecting the appropriate channel will
greatly assist in the effectiveness of the receiver's understanding. The sender's decision to utilize
either an oral or a written channel for communicating a message is influenced by several factors.
The sender should ask him or herself different questions, so that they can select the appropriate
channel. Is the message urgent? Is immediate feedback needed? Is documentation or a permanent
record required? Is the content complicated, controversial, or private? Is the message going to
someone inside or outside the organization? What oral and written communication skills does the
receiver possess? Once the sender has answered all of these questions, they will be able to choose
an effective channel.
D. Receiver/Decoding- the receiver is the person(s) with whom the sender shares thoughts or
information. After the appropriate channel or channels are selected, the message enters the
decoding stage of the communication process. Decoding is conducted by the receiver. Once the
message is received and examined, the stimulus is sent to the brain for interpreting, in order to
assign some type of meaning to it. It is this processing stage that constitutes decoding. The receiver
begins to interpret the symbols sent by the sender, translating the message to their own set of
experiences in order to make the symbols meaningful. Successful communication takes place when
the receiver correctly interprets the sender's message. The receiver is the individual or individuals
to whom the message is directed. The extent to which this person comprehends the message will
depend on a number of factors, which include the following: how much the individual or
individuals know about the topic, their receptivity to the message, and the relationship and trust
that exists between sender and receiver. All interpretations by the receiver are influenced by their
experiences, attitudes, knowledge, skills, perceptions, and culture. It is similar to the sender's
relationship with encoding.
Receivers are generally viewed as the consumers in the target audience targeted by the firm’s
marketing and promotional program. Decoding is the process of transforming and interpreting the
sender’s message back into thought and is heavily influenced by the receiver’s frame of reference
or field of experience. Effective communication is more likely when common ground or shared
meaning or understanding exists or has been established between the sender and receiver.
E. Noise- throughout the communications process the message is subject to noise which refers to
factors that can distort or interfere with adequate reception or comprehension. Noise can occur
during the encoding, transmission, or decoding of a message. Noise can also occur because of a
lack of common ground or understanding between the sender and receiver.
F. Response/Feedback- response refers to the reaction the receiver has after seeing, hearing
and/or reading the message. These responses can range from non-observable actions such as
storing information in memory to taking immediate actions such as ordering a product seen in a

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direct response. Feedback is the part of the receiver’s response that is communicated back to the
sender and takes a variety of forms. Feedback provides the sender with a way of monitoring how
the message is being decoded and received by the target audience.
Feedback is the final link in the chain of the communication process. After receiving a message,
the receiver responds in some way and signals that response to the sender. The signal may take the
form of a spoken comment, a long sigh, a written message, a smile, or some other action. "Even a
lack of response, is in a sense, a form of response" (Bovee & Thill, 1992). Without feedback, the
sender cannot confirm that the receiver has interpreted the message correctly.
Feedback is a key component in the communication process because it allows the sender to
evaluate the effectiveness of the message. Feedback ultimately provides an opportunity for the
sender to take corrective action to clarify a misunderstood message. "Feedback plays an important
role by indicating significant communication barriers: differences in background, different
interpretations of words, and differing emotional reactions" (Bovee & Thill, 1992).

Environment
Encoding Message

Noise

BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Planning, preparation and practice of communication will be incomplete and unsuccessful unless
one identifies and understands the barriers of communication.
A “communication barrier" or "a barrier to communication" is anything that interferes with the
transfer of intended information from a sender to a receiver.
Barriers to communication include all those things that hinder the communication process and
result in some kind of distortion in the message.
Semantics-these are barriers which arise because of the different meanings that different words
have in different contexts. The same word may have one meaning in the mind of the sender and a
different meaning in the mind of the receiver which can block the understanding between the two.
Motivation and interest –our interest to send or to receive a message can determine the
effectiveness of communication. The more we are interested, the more we will be motivated to

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communicate. Lack of interest and motivation in either sending or receiving message is an obstacle
for communication.
Perfunctory attention – this is a difference between speaking and listening capabilities of the
communicating parties. If the speaking speed is more than the listening speed, the receiver may
not grasp all the messages of the sender. Similarly if the listening speed is more than the speaking
speed, there will be an idle time between listening and speaking that will make listener divert
his/her attention to other ideas.
Lack of feedback - Feedback is the mirror of communication. Feedback mirrors what the sender
has sent. Feedback is the receiver sending back to the sender the message as perceived. Without
feedback, communication is one-way.
Feedback happens in a variety of ways. Asking a person to repeat what has been said, e.g., repeat
instructions, is a very direct way of getting feedback. Feedback may be as subtle as a stare, a
puzzled look, a nod, or failure to ask any questions after complicated instructions have been given.
Both sender and receiver can play an active role in using feedback to make communication truly
two-way.
Feedback should be helpful rather than hurtful. Prompt feedback is more effective that feedback
saved up until the "right" moment. Feedback should deal in specifics rather than generalities.
Approach feedback as a problem in perception rather than a problem of discovering the facts.
Physical distractions - Physical distractions are the physical things that get in the way of
communication. Examples of such things include the telephone, a pick-up truck door, a desk, an
uncomfortable meeting place, and noise. Physical barriers are easy to spot – doors that are closed,
walls that are erected, and distance between people all work against the goal of effective
communication.
Information Overload: Managers are surrounded with a pool of information. It is essential to
control this information flow else the information is likely to be misinterpreted or forgotten or
overlooked. As a result communication is less effective.
Distraction/Noise: Communication is also affected a lot by noise to distractions. Physical
distractions are also there such as, poor lightning, uncomfortable sitting, unhygienic room also
affects communication in a meeting. Similarly use of loud speakers interferes with communication.
Complexity in Organizational Structure: Greater the hierarchy in an organization (i.e. more the
number of managerial levels), more is the chances of communication getting destroyed. Only the
people at the top level can see the overall picture while the people at low level just have knowledge
about their own area and a little knowledge about other areas.
Perceptual barriers, in contrast, are internal. If you go into a situation thinking that the person
you are talking to isn’t going to understand or be interested in what you have to say, you may end
up subconsciously sabotaging your effort to make your point. The most common problem faced
these days is that of the difference in opinion between two people. The varied perceptions of every
individual give rise to a need for effective communication.

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Language-different terminologies and words may not be clearly understood by communicators.
Especially some international, professional and technical words and expressions are difficult to
understand and this creates barrier to effective communication. E.g. computer languages, terms on
machines, electronics etc.
Disorganization of ideas and statements- lack of appropriate coherence, unity and development
of ideas and statements in a message is barrier to communication since the receiver may to identify
the main idea of the message and finally end up in confusion.
There are also other barriers which block the free flow of the message from the sender to the
receiver. These include: noise, time pressure, distance, stereotyping, psychological and
physiological factors, poor listening skill, inattention emotions, and biases etc.

Overcoming Communication Barriers

Eliminating differences in perception: The organization should ensure that it is recruiting right
individuals on the job. It’s the responsibility of the interviewer to ensure that the interviewee has
command over the written and spoken language. There should be proper Induction program so that
the policies of the company are clear to all the employees.
Use of Simple Language: Use of simple and clear words should be emphasized. Use of ambiguous
words and jargons should be avoided.
Reduction and elimination of noise levels: Noise is the main communication barrier which must
be overcome on priority basis. It is essential to identify the source of noise and then eliminate that
source.
Active Listening: Listen attentively and carefully. There is a difference between “listening” and
“hearing”. Active listening means hearing with proper understanding of the message that is heard.
By asking questions the speaker can ensure whether his/her message is understood or not by the
receiver in the same terms as intended by the speaker.
Avoid Information Overload: The managers should know how to prioritize their work. They
should not overload themselves with the work. They should spend quality time with their
subordinates and should listen to their problems and feedbacks actively.

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Give Constructive Feedback: Avoid giving negative feedback. The contents of the feedback
might be negative, but it should be delivered constructively. Constructive feedback will lead to
effective communication between the superior and subordinate.
Proper Media Selection: The managers should properly select the medium of communication.
Simple messages should be conveyed orally, like: face to face interaction or meetings. Use of
written means of communication should be encouraged for delivering complex messages. For
significant messages reminders can be given by using written means of communication such as:
Memos, Notices etc.
Flexibility in meeting the targets: For effective communication in an organization the managers
should ensure that the individuals are meeting their targets timely without skipping the formal
channels of communication. There should not be much pressure on employees to meet their targets.

Interpersonal Communication: Definition

Interpersonal communication is the universal form of communication that takes place between two
individuals. Since it is person-to-person contact, it includes everyday exchange that may be formal
or informal and can take place anywhere by means of words, sounds, facial expression, gestures
and postures.

In interpersonal communication there is face-to-face interaction between two persons, that is, both
are sending and receiving messages. This is an ideal and effective communication situation
because you can get immediate feedback. You can clarify and emphasize many points through
your expressions, gestures and voices. In interpersonal communication, therefore, it is possible to
influence the other person and persuade him or her to accept your point of view. Since there is
proximity between sender and receiver, interpersonal communication has emotional appeal too. It
can motivate, encourage, and coordinate work more effectively than any other form of
communication. Also, in a crisis, through interpersonal channel, flow of information is tremendous
e.g. news of violence, famine or disaster.

Interpersonal messages consist of meanings derived from personal observations and experiences.
The process of translating thoughts into verbal and nonverbal messages increases the
communicator’s self-concept. In fact, effective interpersonal communication helps both
participants strengthen relationships through the sharing of meaning and emotions.

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Interpersonal communication is the verbal and nonverbal interaction between two
interdependent people (sometimes more). This relatively simple definition implies a variety of
characteristics.
(1) Interpersonal Communication Involves Interdependent Individuals
Interpersonal communication is the communication that takes place between people who are in
some way “connected.” Interpersonal communication would thus include what takes place
between a son and his father, an employer and an employee, two sisters, a teacher and a student,
two lovers, two friends, and so on. Although largely dyadic in nature interpersonal communication
is often extended to include small intimate groups such as the family. Even within a family
however, the communication that takes place is often dyadic—mother to child, sister to sister, etc.
Not only are the individuals simply “connected,” they are also interdependent, what one person
does has an impact on the other person. The actions of one person have consequences for the other
person. In a family, for example, a child’s trouble with the police will impact on the parents, other
siblings, extended family members, and perhaps friends and neighbors.
(2) Interpersonal Communication Is Inherently Relational
Because of this interdependency; interpersonal communication is inevitably and essentially
relational in nature. Interpersonal communication takes place in a relationship, it impacts the
relationship, it defines the relationship. The way you communicate is determined in great part by
the kind of relationship that exists between you and the other person. You interact differently with
your interpersonal communication instructor and your best friend; you interact with a sibling in
ways very different from the ways you interact with a neighbor, a work colleague, or a casual
acquaintance.
But notice also that the way you communicate will influence the kind of relationship you have. If
you interact in friendly ways, you’re likely to develop a friendship. If you regularly exchange
hateful and hurtful messages, you’re likely to develop an antagonistic relationship. If you each
regularly express respect and support for each other, a respectful and supportive relationship is
likely to develop. This is surely one of the most obvious observations you can make about
interpersonal communication. And yet, so many seem not to appreciate this very clear relationship
between what you say and the relationship that develops (or deteriorates).

(3) Interpersonal Communication Exists on a Continuum

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Interpersonal communication exists along a continuum, ranging from relatively impersonal at one
end to highly personal at the other. At the impersonal end of the continuum, you have simple
conversation between people who, we’d say, really don’t know each other—the server and the
customer, for example. At the highly personal end is the communication that takes place between
people who are intimately interconnected—a father and son, two long time lovers, or best friends,
for example. A few characteristics distinguish the impersonal from the personal forms of
communication (the first three are based on Gerald Miller’s widely used analysis.

• Role vs. Personal Information. Notice that in the impersonal example, the individuals are likely
to respond to each other according to the role they are currently playing; the server treats the
customer not as a unique individual but as one of many customers. And the customer, in turn, acts
towards the server not as a unique individual but as he or she would react to any server. The father
and the son, however, react to each other as unique individuals. They act on the basis of personal
information.
• Societal vs. Personal Rules. Notice too that the server and the customer interact according to
the rules of society governing the server-customer interaction. The father and the son, on the other
hand, interact on the basis of personally established rules. The way they address each other, their
touching behavior, and their degree of physical closeness, for example, are unique to them and are
established by them rather than by society.

• Predictive and Explanatory Data. In impersonal relationships you're able to predict the other
person's behavior with only a fair likelihood of accuracy. For example, you can predict (to a modest
extent) some of the behaviors of the other students in your class. But, as you get to observe and
interact with them over time—that is, as you get to know them better, your accuracy in prediction
increases and, in addition, you’ll also begin to explain their behaviors (at least to some extent).
That is, as you move along the continuum from impersonal to highly personal, your ability to
predict and explain behaviors increases.

• Social vs. Personal Messages. Still another difference is found in the messages exchanged. The
messages that the server and customer exchange, for example, are themselves impersonal; there is

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little self-disclosure and little emotional content, for example. Between the father-son, however,
the messages may run the entire range and may at times be highly personal with lots of disclosure
and emotion.

(4) Interpersonal Communication Involves Verbal and Nonverbal Messages.

The interpersonal interaction involves the exchange of verbal and nonverbal messages. The words
you use as well as your facial expressions--your eye contact and your body posture, for example,
send messages. Likewise, you receive messages through your sense of hearing as well as through
your other senses especially visual and touch. Even silence sends messages. These messages, as
you’ll see throughout this course, will vary greatly depending on the other factors involved in the
interaction. You don’t talk to a best friend in the same way you talk to your college professor or
your parents.
(5) Interpersonal Communication Exists in Varied Forms

Often interpersonal communication takes place face-to-face: talking with other students before
class, interacting with family or friends over dinner, trading secrets with intimates. This is the type
of interaction that probably comes to mind when you think of interpersonal communication. But,
of course, much conversation takes place online. Online communication is a major part of people’s
interpersonal experience throughout the world. Such communications are important personally,
socially, and professionally.

(6) Interpersonal Communication Is Transactional

Some early theories viewed the communication process as linear. In this linear view of
communication, the speaker spoke and the listener listened; after the speaker finished speaking,
the listener would speak. Communication was seen as proceeding in a relatively straight line.
Speaking and listening were seen as taking place at different times—when you spoke, you didn’t
listen; and when you listened, you didn’t speak.

A more satisfying view, and the one currently held by most communication theorists, sees
communication as a transactional process in which each person serves simultaneously as speaker

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and listener. According to the transactional view, at the same time that you send messages, you’re
also receiving messages from your own communications and from the reactions of the other
person. And at the same time that you’re listening, you’re also sending messages. In a transactional
view, each person is seen as both speaker and listener, as simultaneously communicating and
receiving messages.

Variables affecting interpersonal relationships

Many variables affect the interpersonal relationships. These are self-disclosure, feedback,
nonverbal behavior and interpersonal attraction. Our success or failure in handling these variables,
determine how satisfying our interpersonal relationships will be. Self-disclosure lets others know
what we are thinking, how we are feeling and what we care about. Self-disclosure helps reduce
anxiety, increase comfort, and intensify interpersonal attractions. Feedback is the response of a
receiver that reaches back the sender. It involves agreeing; asking questions and responding
through feeling statements. Nonverbal behavior plays an important role in interpersonal
communication. A smile, a hug, a pat, a firm handshake, etc. can achieve much more than words
in certain situations. Eye contact, gestures, posture, facial expressions, etc. are also important
elements of our nonverbal behavior. Interpersonal attraction is the ability to draw others towards
oneself. Some people are said to have magnetic personalities. People are drawn to them. It is this
special chemistry that causes ‘love at first sight’.

Functions of Interpersonal Communication

Interpersonal communication is important because of the functions its achieves. Whenever we

engage in communication with another person, we seek to gain information about them. We also
give off information through a wide variety of verbal and nonverbal cues. Read more about the
various functions of interpersonal communication and then complete the interactive activity and
the quiz at the end of this unit.
Gaining Information One reason we engage in interpersonal communication is so that
we can gain knowledge about another individual. Social
Penetration Theory says that we attempt to gain information

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 about others so that we can interact with them more effectively.
We can better predict how they will think, feel, and act if we
know who they are. We gain this information passively, by
observing them; actively, by having others engage them; or
interactively, by engaging them ourselves. Self-disclosure is
often used to get information from another person.

Building a Context of We also engage in interpersonal communication to help us better

Understanding understand what someone says in a given context. The words we
say can mean very different things depending on how they are
said or in what context. Content Messages refer to the surface
level meaning of a message. Relationship Messages refer to
how a message is said. The two are sent simultaneously, but each
affects the meaning assigned to the communication.
Interpersonal communication helps us understand each other
better.
Establishing Identity Another reason we engage in interpersonal communication is to
establish an identity. The roles we play in our relationships help
us establish identity. So too does the face, the public self-image
we present to others. Both roles and face are constructed based
on how we interact with others.
Interpersonal Needs Finally, we engage in interpersonal communication because we
need to express and receive interpersonal needs. William Schutz
has identified three such needs: inclusion, control, and affection.

 Inclusion is the need to establish identity with others.

 Control is the need to exercise leadership and prove one's
abilities. Groups provide outlets for this need. Some
individuals do not want to be a leader. For them, groups
provide the necessary control over aspects of their lives.

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  Affection is the need to develop relationships with
people. Groups are an excellent way to make friends and
establish relationships.

Relationship Development
Researchers have studied relationships to understand how they develop. One of the most popular
models for understanding relationship development is Mark Knapp's Relational Stages Model.
Knapp's model works well to describe many types of relationships: romantic couples, friends,
business partners, roommates, etc. Other models have also been discussed. For instance, Stephen
Duck's Relationship Filtering Model is another way of looking at how relationships begin. Read
about these models and then complete an interactive activity and short quiz to test your knowledge.
Knapp's Relationship Escalation Model
Initiation This stage is very short, sometimes as short as 10-15 seconds. In
this stage, interactants are concerned with making favorable
impressions on each other. They may use standard greetings or
observe each other's appearance or mannerisms.
Experimenting In the next stage, individuals ask questions of each other in order
to gain information about them and decide if they wish to
continue the relationship. "Many relationships progress no
further than this point".
Intensifying Self-disclosure becomes more common in the intensifying stage.
The relationship becomes less formal, the interactants begin to
see each other as individuals, and statements are made about the
level of commitment each has to the relationship.
Integrating The individuals become a pair in the integrating stage. They
begin to do things together and, importantly, others come to see

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Bonding
Duck's Relationship Filtering Model
Sociological/Incidental Cues Duck's model is a set of filters through which we make choices
Preinteraction Cues
Interaction Cues
Cognitive Cues
Knapp's Relationship Termination Model
Differentiating
them as a pair. A shared relational identity starts to form in this
stage.
During the bonding stage, a formal, sometimes legal,
announcement of the relationship is made. Examples include a
marriage, "best friend" ritual, or business partnership agreement.
Few relationships reach this level.
about the level of relationship we wish to pursue with others. The
first filter, sociological/incidental cues, describes the constraints
placed on our meeting people due to where we live or work. In
other words, given our sociological location, there are some
people we see a lot of and others we never meet.
Information we gain about people before we even interact with
them leads us to exclude or include individuals with whom we
wish to have a relationship. For instance, the appearance of some
individuals will cause you to avoid or approach them.
As we begin to interact with others, we make judgments about
whether to include or exclude them from possible relationships.
At the deepest level, we make judgments about people based on
their personality and the degree to which we think it will match
ours. As others reach this level, we consider them "best friends."
In this stage, partners begin to stress the "me" instead of the "we."
In other words, the individuals begin to assert their
independence. They may develop different hobbies or activities.
The relationship may continue to dissolve, or this stage may be a
warning sign that the couple needs to address their relationship
status.
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Circumscribing Communication between the couple diminishes during this stage.
They tend to avoid certain topics of discussion. Outwardly, the
couple appears normal. At this stage, attempts can be made to
discuss the relationship and return it to a positive state.
Stagnating During the stagnating stage, the individuals avoid discussing the
relationship because they think they know what the other will
say. Others begin to take notice that something is wrong.

Avoiding The pair begins to physically separate themselves during the

avoiding stage. The individuals try to reduce the opportunities
for discussion.
Terminating This is the final stage of the relationship. Termination may come
naturally, such as at the end of the semester when roommates
move out, or arbitrarily, through divorce. Termination of the
relationship can occur positively or negatively.

TEAMWORK
The definition of teamwork is pretty simple. A team is a collection of individuals who get together
or are assigned to achieve a common goal. In this case, teamwork simply means the process
through which they could achieve the expressed common goal.
When people listen carefully to each other, when they seek and take seriously each other's
opinions, when they make use of each other’s competencies and expertise, they are involved in
teamwork.
One of the challenges that a team faces is dealing with various personalities of people in the team.
Some may be introverts while others are extroverts. Some may be more output driven while some
may be people-driven. But this challenge is also one of the sources of strengths of teams. By the
very definition of teamwork, it is a collection of individuals with various personality traits. That
can actually contribute to various points of view and better approach to the problems at hand.
A situation like, a football team, a marriage, a project at work, or a math team, may come and go.
It requires no special structure, only an opportunity for two or more people to engage
collaboratively and cooperatively in undertaking some task.

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Teamwork exits outside the boundaries of formally constituted groups or teams. It can exist within
groups for a time and then disappear.

The joint effort of the same group of people can create a chain reaction that is the cause and
completion of a project. However, the lack of teamwork can destroy any type of longevity and
success.

Teamwork describes both qualitative and functional characteristics when two or more people begin
to act like a team.
There is no such thing as a team without personality and accountability. Each team takes on its
own human characteristics and survives from honor, respect and structure.
The concept has spread from the world of sports where it is well known and accepted, to business,
so much so that it is in danger of being considered by some as an empty buzzword, or a form of
corporate-speak.
In the 21st century, as people are becoming more sophisticated and society is becoming more
technically advanced, functioning as a team makes it easier to carry out goals.
The main goal of team building, which is an important part of teamwork, is to, improve
productivity and motivation. The benefits of team-building programs are so significant that many
corporations have incorporated teambuilding strategies into their standard training curriculum.
Some of these benefits include:

• This will improve moral

• Identify team strengths
• Improve processes
• Improved productivity
• Finds barriers and helps cross them
There are a number of benefits for teamwork, among them are:

• Distributing the workload

• Reinforcing individual capabilities
• Creating participation and involvement
• Making better decisions

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• Feeling like we play a part in the work being done
• Generating a diversity of ideas, etc.

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