Features/characteristics/nature of Communication:
Communication is a multidimensional, dynamic and
interactive process. It is interactive because it is not passive and does not
just happen. Two individuals (or body parts in case of intra-personal personal
communication) take part actively to develop understanding between them. It is
dynamic because it includes a variety of forces and activities interacting over
time. Communication is a vital process in any organization. Without
effective communication, it is very difficult for an organization to be top level
organization. It has some characteristics as follows-
A. Specific
Features
i.
It has a specific audience: If we have a
message then we must have specific audience to receive it. Every message is
prepared to keep its audience in mind. We can also say that before writing a
message we should check the age, gender, status etc about our audience.
ii.
It has a specific purpose: Communication is done
with a specific purpose. This specific purpose makes communication a vital
process for the growth of an organization. Communication without purpose is
like gossip.
iii.
It has a Specific Subject matter (message): Communication
is not possible without a message. Ideas are converted in to messages which are
transferred through various means like oral, written or gestures etc. A message
can be transferred by using various audio video technologies or face to face.
B. Other
Features
i.
Interactive
It is interactive because it is
not passive and does not just happen. At least two individuals (or body parts
in case of intra-personal personal communication) take part actively to develop
understanding between them.
ii.
Dynamic
Communication is dynamic because
it includes a variety of forces and activities that require energy. Without
energy we cannot move our body parts to communicate.
iii.
two-way process
It has at least one sender
and one receiver. There are two points- to send messages and to receive
messages. They may be two people or two groups i.e. at least, one sender and
one receiver. Sender thinks, prepares and sends messages while receiver
receives, understands and sends feedback to the sender.
iv.
Needs feedback
Feedback or response is
the step which decides the status of communication i.e. whether communication
is failed or successful. It is feedback which makes communication a ‘two way
process’.
v.
Systematic
Communication is a very
systematic process which goes on step by step. It is not done haphazardly.
Every step has its utility and it is linked with other steps accordingly to
make communication effective.
vi.
Needs common medium
For the effectiveness of
communication a common medium (language, culture and mindset etc) is essential.
Effective communication has a common medium in which all the messages are
transferred and responded.
vii.
Continuous process
Communication is a
continuous process where sender and receiver change their role to achieve their
goals.
viii.
Serves as a tool
Communication Serves as a
tool to share or coordinate or exchange any information. Like a tool it makes
our work of transferring information very easy.
ix.
It may be verbal or non-verbal
Communication can be done
by verbal or non-verbal methods of communication.
x.
It has barriers
Communication has certain
disturbances that can not removed completely. Hence, we can say that
disturbance (barriers) are an integral part of communication.
xi.
It has many levels
Communication can be done
on various levels like extra-personal level, intra-personal level, inter-personal
level, mass level and industrial level.
xii.
It flows in different directions
Communication can not be
bound in directions. It flows in all the possible directions like upward,
downward, horizontal, free flow etc.
