Lesson 1: Communication Processes, Principles and Ethics

Objectives:
a. Explain the processes, principles and ethics in communication.
b. Expound how effective communication skills could help resolve problems,
understand new concepts and use as aid in profession.

Communication is understood as the process of meaning-making through a channel or a medium.

It comes from the Latin word communicares meaning to share or to make ideas common. The
connection that encompasses interaction among partakers is at the center of your learning of
communication.

The Components of the Communication Process

1. Source
The sender carefully crafts the message. The sender may be anyone: an author of a book,
a public speaker in a special occasion or even a traffic enforcer.
2. Message
The message is the reason behind any interaction. It is the meaning shared between the
sender and the receiver. Messages take many forms. They could mean poems, songs,
essays, news articles, road signs and even symbols.
3. Channel
It is the means by which a message is conveyed. When we answer a phone call, the
phone is the channel. On the other hand, when your parents receive a notification of your
absences from school, the channel is a letter. It is the responsibility of both the sender
and the receiver to choose the best channel for the interaction.
4. Receiver
The receiver is the person who receives the transmitted message. The receiver may be a
part of an audience in a public speaking event, a reader of a letter or a driver who reads
road signs. The receiver is expected to listen or read carefully, to be aware of different
kinds of sender to jot down information when needed, to provide response and to ask
questions for clarification.
5. Feedback
In any communication scenario, a feedback is essential to confirm recipient
understanding. Feedbacks, like messages, are expressed in varied forms. A simple nod
for a question of verification is considered a feedback. Thus, feedbacks may be written,
spoken or acted out.
6. Environment
The place, the feeling, the mood, the mindset and the condition of both sender and
receiver are called the environment. The environment may involve the physical set-up of
a location where communication takes place, the space occupied by both the sender and
the receiver, including the objects surrounding the sender and the receiver.
7. Context
Context involves the expectations of the sender and the receiver and the common or
shared understanding through the environmental signals.
8. Interference
It is also knows as a barrier or block that prevents effective communication to take place.

Consider the following points related to the feedback involved in the process of communication:
 It enhances the effectiveness of the communication as it permits the sender to know the
efficacy of his message.
 It enables the sender to know if his/her message has been properly comprehended.
 The analysis of feedbacks helps improve future messages. Feedback, like the message,
can be verbal or nonverbal and transmitted through carefully chosen channel of
communication.
 We can represent the above steps in a model as the model of communication process.
The Model of Communication

FUNCTIONS OF COMMUNICATION

a. Physical Needs – Personal communication is essential for our wellbeing. Sufficiency or

absence of communication has a bearing on one‟s state of physical health. For one, stress is
heightened or dissipated depending on communication or lack of it and the nature of its content.

b. Ego Needs – Communication is the only way to learn who we are. If we are to be deprived of
the chance to communicate with others, we should have no sense of identity. It is through
communication that one gets the chance for affirmation of self-concept and sharing of views
about a variety of things, among others.
c. Social Needs – We relate socially with others through communication. Three types of social
needs we strive to fulfil are identified by William Schutz, a psychologist, by means of
communication:
 Inclusion is the need to belong to a personal relationship. Inclusion needs may be
satisfied from formal relationships (having a job or career, belonging to a
religious organization, marriage) and informal relationships (friends who go
together, friendly neighbours).
 Desire for Control is each one’s desire to have an influence on others and to feel
a sense of domination or power over the world. An example is the coach of a
basketball team pioneering his boys to championship.
 Affection is the desire for others to care for us and a desire to care for others.

Communication plays a vital role in the work of Electronics Engineering professionals.

Here's a brief discussion of its significance:

Team Collaboration: Electronics engineering often involves complex and

interdisciplinary projects that require teamwork. Effective communication is essential for
engineers to collaborate, share ideas, and work cohesively. It helps ensure that everyone involved
understands project goals, roles, and responsibilities.
 Problem Solving: Electronics engineers frequently encounter intricate technical problems
that require innovative solutions. Effective communication is crucial to discuss these problems,
brainstorm ideas, and collectively develop strategies for resolution.

Documentation: Precise documentation is a cornerstone of electronics engineering.

Engineers must create detailed schematics, design documents, and technical reports. Effective
written communication is critical to convey complex technical information accurately and
comprehensively.

Client and Stakeholder Interaction: Electronics engineering professionals often work with
clients, project managers, and stakeholders who may not have technical backgrounds. Effective
communication is required to explain technical concepts, project progress, and potential
challenges in a way that non-technical individuals can grasp.

Ethical Considerations: Electronics engineers deal with ethical considerations related to

product safety, environmental impact, and responsible technology development. Communication
is essential in discussing these ethical dilemmas and making informed decisions that align with
ethical principles.

Presentation Skills: Electronics engineers frequently need to present their work in

meetings, conferences, or to potential investors. Strong presentation and public speaking skills
are vital for conveying technical information persuasively and engagingly.

Continuous Learning: Technology in the electronics field evolves rapidly. Electronics

engineering professionals must stay updated with the latest advancements. Effective
communication is essential for sharing knowledge within the field, whether it's through online
forums, conferences, or academic publications.

Project Management: Communication is central to effective project management.

Engineers need to communicate project goals, timelines, and resource requirements to ensure
that projects are completed on time and within budget.

Global Collaboration: Many electronics engineering projects involve international

collaboration. Cross-cultural communication skills are necessary to navigate cultural differences
and work effectively in a global context.

Conflict Resolution: Conflicts can arise in any professional setting. Effective

communication is key to resolving conflicts and maintaining a harmonious working
environment.

In summary, communication is fundamental to the success of electronics engineering

professionals. It facilitates collaboration, problem-solving, ethical decision-making, and the
dissemination of knowledge within the field. To excel in this technical and rapidly evolving
discipline, professionals must develop strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and
understand the importance of clear and effective communication in all aspects of their work.