2/22/23, 9:39 AM Advantages and Disadvantages of Written Communication

Advantages and Disadvantages of

Written Communication
Written Communication / 16 Comments / 5 minutes of reading

1.1K

Undoubtedly there are many more advantages of

written communication but, there are some

disadvantages too. Advantages and

disadvantages of written communication here

one by one.

Table of Contents
1. Importance/benefits/ advantages of written communication
1.1. Authoritative Document
1.2. Easily understanding
1.3. Acceptability
1.4. Effectiveness
1.5. Permanent record
1.6. Reduction of Risk
1.7. Less possibility of Distortion
1.8. Alternative Method
1.9. Delegation of Authority
1.10. Effective control
1.11. Personal Image
1.12. Wide Access
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Disadvantages
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of written communication

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2.1. Lack of secrecy

2.2. Expensive
2.3. Wastage of time
2.4. Late Feedback
2.5. Lack of Direct Relations
2.6. Lack of flexibility
2.7. Red-tapism
2.8. Useless for the illiterate
2.9. Cost of filing and indexing
2.10. Flattery and Inflated information
2.11. Delayed correction
2.12. Complexity and sluggishness

Importance/benefits/ advantages of written communication

Authoritative Document

The main purpose of written communication is the evidence is also known as an

authoritative document.

Easily understanding

Another reason for the popularity of written communication is easily understanding if

you don’t understand something for the first time you have a huge chance to see it

next time which is not available in oral communication.

Acceptability

Written communication has exceptional acceptability to people especially when it is

formal communication.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Written Communication

Effectiveness

Undoubtedly we can say that mass people give more priority to written document as

well as every organization announce they’re an important issue in written format.

Permanent record 
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This is another important facility for written communication. Every kind of written

communication document is a permanent record and can preserve for further

assistance.

Reduction of Risk

Written communication is one kind of evidence so, it can reduce the risk this is the

most important advantage of written communication.

Less possibility of Distortion

In written communication, there is less chance of distortion because there are

multiple chances to revise the written communication document.

Alternative Method

Written communication can be easily used as an alternative to any method of

communication.

Delegation of Authority

Only written communication can properly maintain the delegation of authority.

Actually, there is no other type of communication to delegate authority.

Effective control

Written communication can control an organization effectively. This type of

communication is mainly used for organizational control.

Personal Image

Written communication does not involve any personal issues so, written 
communication
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company’s image.

Wide Access

Written communication has a large number of uses in every type of organization.

Actually, you can’t even think of an organization without written communication.

The above-mentioned advantages justify the existence of written communication.

Disadvantages of written communication

Written communication is not applicable to all the circumstances.) Due to some

limitations, written communication is not always effective everywhere as a mode of

communication. Some important demerits/limitations are presented below:

Written communication is not applicable to all circumstances. Due to some

limitations, written communication is not always effective everywhere as a mode of

communication.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Written Communication

Lack of secrecy

Written communication is exposed to everyone who is concerned with the message or

information. So there is a chance of leakage of information from any employees which 

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may cause a huge loss to the organization.

Expensive

Such communication is expensive. It involves expenditure in purchasing paper, .ink,

typewriting, and printing machine as well as the maintenance of such equipment and

machines.

Wastage of time

Such communication is time-consuming. From start to end it takes a lot of time. A

message sent through a mechanical device like a telephone may take a moment to

reach a destination; whereas a message if sent through any written device like a letter

may require two, three, or even more days to reach the destination.

Late Feedback

In written communication, the receiver opens the letter and reads it very attentively

taking more time. When he responds to the letter, he takes some additional time to

answer according to the requirement. For this reason, feedback is delayed.

Lack of Direct Relations

Through written communication, there is very little scope for a personal relationship

to grow between the sender and the receiver. Lack of personal touch may cause a

communication gap or delayed communication.

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Lack of flexibility

There are some pre-determined formalities that are required to be maintained while

making written communication. Observation of such formalities is a lengthy process.

If any immediate change is required, it is not possible instantly due to the lack of

flexibility in written communication.

Red-tapism

Written communication facilitates red-tapism. A message from the chief executive

reaches its destination via different sections of people. It may happen that an urgent

letter or message is kept on a file without any action. The concerned persons

intentionally do such which causes a delay in processing information. Due to this red-

tapism, quick decision-making is hampered.

Useless for the illiterate

If the receiver is illiterate then written communication does not make any sense. So,

such communication is meaningless to illiterate people. This causes ineffective

communication.

Cost of filing and indexing

This is an additional cost to be borne by the Organization. Written communication is

documented or filed for future purposes. Expenditures are required to be incurred for 
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making racks and arranging other equipment.

Flattery and Inflated information

If any message is supposed to go against the interests of employees or higher officials

then there is a chance of fabrication of such a message by the concerned person. To

gain an extra advantage or to avoid criticism, such a person may flatter and inflate

information in the written message.

Delayed correction

In written communication due to the lack of direct contact between a communicator

and communication, any mistake that occurred takes a huge time its correct. Even if

the mistake is identified immediately, still its correction is not possible. For Example,

a letter that is posted cannot be brought back for correction if any mistake is

identified later on.

Complexity and sluggishness

To determine the objective of sending any message. Drafting such a message and

therefore sending the message to the receiver involves observation of various rules,

procedures, or formalities. Furthermore, there is a delay in feedback in such

communication. The whole process involves complexity and sluggishness.

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The above demerits are required to be addressed while making written

communication. Such demerits should be minimized to make effective

communication.

Related Content of Written Communication:

Effective Written Communication and Principles of Effective Writing

How to Improve Writing Skills Easily in Effective Way

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16 thoughts on “Advantages and Disadvantages of Written

Communication”

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Advantages and Disadvantages of

Speech
Oral Communication / 1 Comment / 3 minutes of reading

56

Speech is the most common and great way of

communication but it also has some advantages

and disadvantages of speech which are

mentioned below:

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Advantages of speech

Speech has some specific advantages which do not have in other media of

communication which are discussed below:

Advantages and Disadvantages of Speech

1. Time-Saving: When communication is needed quick speech is the best solution

and it is the most important advantage of speech.

2. Cost-saving: It doesn’t require much preparation so, speech decreases the

expense of communication.

3. Suitability: Speech (I mean oral communication) is suitable for every literate

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and illiterate people.
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4. Immediate feedback: It can give immediate feedback rather than other

communication.

5. Developing a friendly relation: A good speech can develop a friendly

relationship between speaker and listener.

6. Motivation and control: Obviously, a good speech can motivate and control

people for that specific purpose.

7. Flexibility: Flexibility is one of the most important advantages of speech.

8. Meaningful medium: A good speech can control the audience meaningfully.

Speech provides various advantages for communication with people for various

purposes and it enjoys the above advantages.

Limitations / Disadvantages of Speech

The following Disadvantages/Limitation of Speech is located:

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Speech

1. No Record: In most cases, speech is not written or recorded and therefore it cannot

be used as a reference in the future.

2. Legal validity: Speeches do not have any legal validity until and unless they are

taped or recorded permanently.

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3. Remoteness: Speeches cannot be delivered if the sender and receiver are isolated

from each other and there is no mechanical device to connect them.

4. Conflict and confusion: Speech cannot be kept in mind for a long time as human

memory has a limitation. Therefore as the days advance, people get confused about

the past event. Such things cause misunderstanding regarding delivered speech.

5. Complexity: If there is a huge audience, it may be difficult to understand the speech

due to a poor sound system. This may lead to complexity regarding speech. Moreover,

the emotion of the orator may make the message complex to be understood by the

recovery.

6. Less Valuable: Where written communication is essential, speech has nothing to do.

Moreover, if the situation requires prompt decision then speech may not be effective

there. Usually, speech carries less weight than written communication.

In spite of the above limitations, speech acts as a strong medium of communication.

Hope you find all advantages and disadvantages of speech otherwise, leave a

comment below.

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Related Content of Oral Communication:

Characteristics of Oral Communication

Types of Meetings and its Definition and Purposes

How to Conduct a Formal Meeting in Effective Way

Characteristics and importance of a Good Speech

How to Prepare a Speech in Effective Way

Causes of Failure of Oral Communication

When the Use of Oral Communication Becomes More Effective

Advantages and Disadvantages of Oral Communication

Interviewer?s Preparation for the Interview

Types of Interviews and Interview Technique for Interviewer

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