Question

What elements are involved in the communication process, and what is the role of each element?

Answer 1

In case of the business world and in personal life, the significance of communication is quite important. Communication is mainly a two-way process and each element of it plays a significant role in making the effective communication. The different elements of communication are as below:-

(1) Sender:

The sender is mainly any individual who is looking to convey any kind of message having the intention of passing some kind of information and thinking or ideas to other individuals. He is also termed as a communicator. He plays the role of initiator of the communication.

(2) Idea: This is mainly the main subject matter of any communication. It may include some sort of feelings, opinion, attitude, views, orders or suggestions.

(3) Encoding: As the subject matter of any communication is mainly theoretical and intangible, in order to pass it further there will be a requirement of some sort of symbols for example words, actions or pictures etc. The process of converting subject matter into these symbols is called encoding and it is quite important as encoding quality will decide the understanding of the message.

(4) Communication Channel: A channel over which the required information can be transmitted must be selected by the person who is willing to send the message to the other person. Both formal and informal channels can be used in order to transmit the message to the receiver. The selection of correct communication channel is quite significant.

(5) Receiver: A receiver can be seen as a person who receives the message or for whom the message is formed. In fact, the person who tries to understand the message is the receiver himself so that the desired objectives of communication can be accomplished.

(6) Decoding: The individual who is intended to receive the message or symbol from the sender attempts to change the message in such a manner that he can take out the real meaning so that he can understand the message. Decoding will define the real meaning and understanding of communication.

(7) Feedback: This is the last element and it aims at ensuring that the message has been received by the receiver and it has been understood in the similar manner which is meant by the sender.