Communication, through both formal and informal channels, is the lifeblood of any organization. In reading about communication environments, channels, processes, systems, and hierarchies, we sometimes lose sight of the essence of the communication act: it is profoundly human. At the center of every organization are people held together by slender threads of cooperation. These threads are maintained by people sharing information with each other. The result is a delicate network of human relationships linked through communication.
In these networks, information is a commodity. It has value, can be exchanged, and is crucial to the success of launching a project, selling a product, or marketing a service. Unfortunately, people sometimes refuse to exchange this crucial information. They often erect barriers to shut out others in situations they consider hostile. Most communication mishaps in organizations can be traced to these barriers. They impede information exchange and thereby disrupt the orderly flow of activity. Because of barriers, people fail to inform others of a meeting, a project deadline or a client need; they neglect to compliment co-workers on a job well-done; they even lash out at others for little or no reason.
Often these barriers, resulting in a closed communication climate, cause lost business, damaged reputations, endangered goodwill, and general unhappiness. Research shows that an open communication climate is desirable because it enhances human relationships, which occasion increased morale and productivity.
After reading this article, you should have a clear understanding of
the nature and benefits of open communication climate;
the definition of supportive environment, participative environment, and trusting environment; and
aspects of defensive barriers that affect communication,
Communication climate can be defined as the internal environment of information exchange among people through an organization's formal and informal networks. Communication climate is open when information flows freely; closed when information is blocked.
In these networks, information is a commodity. It has value, can be exchanged, and is crucial to the success of launching a project, selling a product, or marketing a service. Unfortunately, people sometimes refuse to exchange this crucial information. They often erect barriers to shut out others in situations they consider hostile. Most communication mishaps in organizations can be traced to these barriers. They impede information exchange and thereby disrupt the orderly flow of activity. Because of barriers, people fail to inform others of a meeting, a project deadline or a client need; they neglect to compliment co-workers on a job well-done; they even lash out at others for little or no reason.
Often these barriers, resulting in a closed communication climate, cause lost business, damaged reputations, endangered goodwill, and general unhappiness. Research shows that an open communication climate is desirable because it enhances human relationships, which occasion increased morale and productivity.
After reading this article, you should have a clear understanding of
the nature and benefits of open communication climate;
the definition of supportive environment, participative environment, and trusting environment; and
aspects of defensive barriers that affect communication,
Communication climate can be defined as the internal environment of information exchange among people through an organization's formal and informal networks. Communication climate is open when information flows freely; closed when information is blocked.
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