Introduction to Communication- Meaning & scope

Meaning of Communication:
Communication can broadly be defined as exchange of ideas, messages and information
between two or more persons, through a medium, in a manner that the sender and the receiver
understand the message in the common sense, that is, they develop common understanding
of the message.

The word communication is derived from the Latin word ‘communicare’, which
means to share, impart, participate, exchange, transmit or to make common. It emphasizes
on sharing common information, ideas and messages. It is not merely issuing orders and
instructions.
Communication is a two-way process of exchanging ideas or information. One person
alone cannot carry out communication. When you communicate, there has to be a receiver
or an audience that would reciprocate. Only then can your communication be complete.
Communication is a process of transmitting and receiving verbal and non-verbal
messages. It is considered effective only when it achieves the desired reaction or response
from the receiver. The response may be positive or negative. In case of absence of any
response, communication is incomplete.

Definitions:
• “Communication is the transfer of information from a sender to a receiver, with the
information being understood by the receiver”. — Koontz and Weihrich
• The Oxford dictionary defines communication as ‘the imparting or exchange of
information by speaking, writing, or using some other medium.
• According to Newman and Summer, ‘Communication is an exchange of facts,
ideas, opinions or emotions by two or more people.’

To summarize, communication has been defined as:

• A process of passing information and understanding

• A two-way process of reaching mutual understanding
• The act of making one’s ideas and opinions known to others.
• The process of imparting ideas and making oneself understood by others
• The transmission and accurate replication of ideas ensured by feedback for the purpose of
eliciting actions.
• A systematic and continuous process of telling, listening and understanding.