The organisation that will be discussed throughout this essay is a large retail company, which is located right across Australia. For the purpose of anonymity, this organization will be known as "Company X." Company X has been a part of the Australian retail industry for over ninety years, and employs a very large number of people. I have worked part-time for Company X for just over nine years, in the capacity of a team member and as a supervisor. In that time I have seen a number of different communication strategies attempted by the organisation, and management. With this essay I will endeavour to analyse what the communication process is, and how it functions in my workplace. This will begin by defining what communication means, in terms of interpersonal communication and organisational communication. I will then explore how the different communication methods are a part of Company X. The essay will then conclude with my personal observations, and recommendations.
Definitions.
Communication.
Communication comes from the Latin word communis, meaning common. Therefore when communicating we are endeavouring to initiate a commonality with someone else (Overton, 2008, p27). This is why communication is often described as a two-way process. But for this process to be successful, the message has to be conveyed and understood (Robbins et al, 2009, p376). McMillan and Esdale (1998, p13) break it down even further whereby "Communication is a process. A process is where you make something. Communication is a process where you make something understood. Communication is about getting some message across so that it is understood without confusion ". In order for any form of communication to be successful the message must be understood, so that the person receiving it can respond, and implement any necessary action effectively.
Interpersonal Communication.
Interpersonal communication is a basic form of communication, that involves two or more people interacting together, or in small groups (Dwyer, 2000, p55).