ISSUES IN COMMUNICATION

 

1.0 INTRODUCTION

    Communication is defined as a process of exchanging messages or information between individuals through a usual system of symbols, signs or behaviours (Merriam-Webster online dictionary, 2018). G. G. Brown (2014) said that communication is a process of transferring information from one person to another with or without elicits confidence but the information that has been transferred must be understandable by the receiver. Communication also can be defined as intercourse by words, letters or messages (Fred G. Mayor, 2014).

    The communication field is not as easy as it seems. People usually think it is all about talking and communication. No. It is not. Communication need skills. Communication needs confidence. Communication need style. There are so many issues regarding communication. For example, issues in technologies and communication, men and women communication, cross-cultural communication and ethical issues in communication. Aside from those barriers and issues, one should improve communication skills. Some skills should people master to be a good communicator.

2.0 ISSUES

2.1 Technologies and Communication

    Based on Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary, technology is a practical application of knowledge especially in a particular area. Technology also means a manner of accomplishing a task especially using technical processes, methods, or knowledge. Technology is a specialized aspect of a particular field of endeavour (Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary, 2018).

    Issues in communication happened due to the invention of technology. Communication face to face rarely happened nowadays because of technology. There are personal computers which are being used often as a medium of communication for the conference session. People in an organization can quickly communicate with each other. Video conferencing allows the face to face communication over almost any distance. Using technology can save time rather than travelling to the place where one’s lives or work just to communicate face to face.

2.2 Men Women Communication

                Men have already enjoying dominating positions in organizations for a long time. Nowadays, women have started enjoying equal share and positions in organizations. Many educated women have started demanding a proper position. This situation causes a complex problem where a communication system can reduce this tension. Improper communication destroys the atmosphere whereas polite communication develops a good atmosphere. Doubts can be removes and bridges the gap between men and women using communication if men and women have a possible mutual understanding.

2.3 Cross Cultural Communication

                Culture is a way of thinking and living whereby one picks up a set of attitudes, values, norms and beliefs that are taught and reinforces by other members of the group (Faizan Fahim, 2017).  Cross-cultural communication is a field of study that looks at how people from different cultural backgrounds communicate in similar and different ways among themselves and how they endeavour to communicate across cultures (Cross-cultural communication, 2018). Cross-cultural communication creates problems for effective communication. The issues of cross-cultural communication go beyond the spoken and written language of another culture. Semantics differences, word connotation, differences of tone and perception causing communication barriers. Nonverbal communication has different meanings in different countries.

 

2.4 Ethical Issues in Communication

                An organization’s communication process plays an important role in presenting an ethical image to people inside and outside the organization. An ethical issue centres on how much an organisation should disclose to employees, suppliers and the community in which it operates. A growing ethical issue surrounds communication privacy in organisations.

 

3.0 SKILLS

                The most important life skills are being able to communicate effectively. By that, it enables us to pass information to other people and to understand what is said to us. Communication skills may take a lifetime to master. There are many things that we can do to improve communication skills and to ensure that you can transmit and receive information effectively.

 

Table 1.0 Communication Skills

Skills	Explanations
1. Listening	Listening is a vital interpersonal communication skill. Communication is a two-way process. Listening is an essential part of receiving information.
2.Use communication skills	Interpersonal communication skills are important in a wide range of circumstances and environments.
3.Presentation skills	Communication skills encompass far more than simple verbal and non-verbal communication even in a wide range of circumstances. Presentations are far more than simply standing up in front of a screen and talking your way through a set of slides. It also includes the ability to get your point across in meetings, both small and large and even pitching your business idea to a potential investor.
4. Writing skills	Communication skills are not limited to direct interaction with other people and the spoken word. The ability to write clearly and effectively is also key to communication.
5. Personal Skills	Personal skills are the skills that we use to maintain a healthy body and mind, but they can also enhance communication. Improving self-esteem and build confidence can help to feel more positive about yourself and your abilities including your ability to communicate. Feeling positive is the first step to acting more positively and effectively.

 

4.0 CONCLUSION

                Communication is giving, receiving or exchanging ideas, information, signals or messages through appropriate media, enabling individuals or group to persuade, to seek information, to give information or to express emotions. Communication is something we need to practice every day. Communication skills are not born. It is something to learn.

REFERENCES

Communication. (2018). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/communication

Cross Cultural Communication. (2018). Retrieved November 24, 2018, from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross-cultural_communication#cite _note-1

 Faizan Fahim. (2017). Communication Theory: Cross Cultural Communication. Retrieved from https://www.communicationtheory.org/cross-cultural-communication/

Sinha K. (n.d.). Major Current Issues Faced in Communication: 5 Issues. Retrieved from http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/management/communication/major-current-issues-faced-in-communication-5-issues/64037

Technology. (2018). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/technology