The theories of organizational communication developed by Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver,

and Harold Lasswell, are foundational models in the field of communication studies.

### Shannon and Weaver's Model of Communication (1948)

Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver developed one of the most influential models of
communication, often referred to as the Shannon-Weaver Model. Originally designed for
telephone and telegraph communications, it has since been applied to various forms of
communication, including organizational communication. The model includes several key
components:

1. *Information Source*: The originator of the message (e.g., a person, a group, or an

organization).

2. *Transmitter*: The mechanism that encodes the message into signals (e.g., a vocal system, a
computer).

3. *Channel*: The medium through which the message is transmitted (e.g., air, wires, written
text).

4. *Receiver*: The mechanism that decodes the message from the signal (e.g., a listener’s ear, a
computer).

5. *Destination*: The intended recipient of the message.

6. *Noise*: Any interference that distorts the message during transmission, which can occur at any
point in the process.

The Shannon-Weaver model emphasizes the technical aspects of communication and highlights
the importance of addressing noise to ensure accurate message transmission.
### Lasswell’s Model of Communication (1948)

Harold Lasswell proposed a model that describes communication as a linear process, focusing on
the following key components:

1. *Who*: The communicator or sender of the message.

2. *Says What*: The content of the message.

3. *In Which Channel*: The medium used to convey the message.

4. *To Whom*: The receiver or audience of the message.

5. *With What Effect*: The impact or outcome of the message on the receiver.

Lasswell’s model is often summarized by the formula: "Who says what in which channel to whom
with what effect?" It emphasizes the importance of each component in the communication
process and is particularly useful for analyzing mass communication and its effects.

### Application to Organizational Communication

In the context of organizational communication, these models provide frameworks for

understanding how information flows within organizations and the potential barriers that can
affect communication effectiveness.

- *Shannon and Weaver's Model*: Helps identify technical and noise-related issues in
organizational communication channels. For instance, it can be applied to understand how
communication technologies and physical setups impact message clarity and accuracy within an
organization.

- *Lasswell’s Model*: Focuses on the roles and effects of communication within organizations. It
can be used to analyze how leadership (the “who”) communicates policies (the “says what”)
through various channels (e.g., emails, meetings) to employees (the “to whom”) and the resulting
impacts on organizational performance and employee behavior (the “with what effect”).

Both models underscore the complexity of communication processes and the need for careful
consideration of each element to enhance effective communication in organizational settings.
The communication process involves several key elements that interact to convey a
message from a sender to a receiver. These elements include:

1. *Sender (Encoder)*: The person or entity originating the message. The sender is responsible for
encoding the message, which involves converting thoughts, ideas, or information into a form that
can be communicated, such as words, symbols, or gestures.

2. *Message*: The information, idea, or thought that the sender wants to communicate. The
message is the actual content being transmitted from the sender to the receiver.

3. *Encoding*: The process by which the sender translates their thoughts or ideas into a
communicable form. This involves choosing the appropriate words, symbols, or non-verbal cues to
convey the message effectively.

4. *Channel*: The medium or method used to transmit the message. Channels can be verbal
(spoken words), written (texts, emails, letters), visual (images, videos), or non-verbal (body
language, facial expressions).

5. *Receiver (Decoder)*: The person or entity for whom the message is intended. The receiver is
responsible for decoding the message, which involves interpreting and making sense of the
received information.

6. *Decoding*: The process by which the receiver interprets or translates the sender's message
into a form that is meaningful to them. Effective decoding depends on the receiver's knowledge,
experience, and ability to understand the sender's message.

7. *Feedback*: The response or reaction of the receiver to the sender's message. Feedback is a
crucial part of the communication process as it lets the sender know whether the message was
received and understood as intended. Feedback can be verbal or non-verbal.

8. *Noise*: Any interference or distortion that affects the clarity and accuracy of the message
being communicated. Noise can be physical (e.g., loud sounds, poor handwriting), psychological
(e.g., preconceived notions, emotions), or semantic (e.g., misunderstandings due to language
differences).

9. *Context*: The environment or situation in which the communication takes place. Context
includes the physical setting, cultural background, social relationships, and the circumstances
surrounding the communication event, all of which can influence how the message is interpreted.

Understanding these elements helps in identifying potential barriers and improving the
effectiveness of communication in various settings.
Communication barriers are obstacles that can hinder or distort the transmission and
reception of a message, leading to misunderstandings or misinterpretations. Common
barriers include:

1. *Physical Barriers*: Environmental factors that impede communication, such as noise, distance,
or physical obstructions. For example, a loud construction site or a poor telephone connection can
interfere with the clarity of the message.

2. *Psychological Barriers*: Personal attitudes, emotions, and mental states that affect how a
message is sent, received, or interpreted. Stress, anger, or prejudice can distort communication.
3. *Language Barriers*: Differences in language, jargon, or vocabulary that can lead to
misunderstandings. This includes not only different spoken languages but also specialized
terminology that may not be understood by everyone.

4. *Cultural Barriers*: Differences in cultural backgrounds, norms, and values that can affect
communication. Cultural differences can lead to varying interpretations of the same message or
different expectations in communication styles.

5. *Semantic Barriers*: Misunderstandings that arise from differences in the meanings of words
and symbols. Ambiguities, technical language, and words with multiple meanings can create
confusion.

6. *Organizational Barriers*: Structural issues within an organization that impede communication.

These can include hierarchical structures, lack of clear channels of communication, and complex
bureaucratic procedures.

7. *Perceptual Barriers*: Differences in perception that can cause individuals to interpret the same
message differently. Factors such as past experiences, expectations, and biases can influence how
a message is understood.

8. *Emotional Barriers*: Personal feelings that can interfere with communication. For instance, if
someone is feeling defensive or anxious, they may not be able to process information effectively
or communicate clearly.

9. *Attitudinal Barriers*: Negative attitudes or resistance to communication from either the sender
or receiver. This can include lack of interest, mistrust, or a dismissive attitude towards the message
or communicator.

10. *Technological Barriers*: Issues related to the use of technology in communication. This can
include problems with digital devices, software glitches, or unfamiliarity with communication tools
and platforms.
11. *Physiological Barriers*: Physical conditions or disabilities that affect communication. Hearing
impairments, speech difficulties, or visual impairments can pose significant challenges.

Recognizing and addressing these barriers can significantly improve communication effectiveness,
leading to clearer and more efficient exchanges of information.