Business communication

 Business communication is the process of sharing information and messages within an organization and with external stakeholders such as customers and suppliers1. The core objective of business communication is to promote a clear understanding of organizational goals and ultimately contribute to the overall achievement and growth of the business2.

There are four main types of business communication in any organization or business3:

  • Internal business communication: This refers to the communication that occurs within the members of the organization, such as employees, managers, and leaders. It can be formal or informal, and it can include different aspects such as marketing, public relations, customer relations, corporate and interpersonal communication, etc.
  • External business communication: This refers to the communication that occurs between the organization and its external publics, such as customers, suppliers, investors, media, and society. It can be formal or informal, and it can include different aspects such as advertising, sales, customer service, press releases, social media, etc.
  • Upward business communication: This refers to the communication that flows from the lower levels of the organization to the higher levels, such as from employees to managers or from managers to leaders. It can be formal or informal, and it can include different aspects such as feedback, suggestions, reports, complaints, etc.
  • Downward business communication: This refers to the communication that flows from the higher levels of the organization to the lower levels, such as from leaders to managers or from managers to employees. It can be formal or informal, and it can include different aspects such as instructions, policies, goals, motivation, recognition, etc.

Some of the characteristics of effective business communication are4:

  • Clarity: The message should be clear, concise, and coherent, and avoid ambiguity, jargon, or unnecessary details.
  • Completeness: The message should provide all the relevant and necessary information, and answer any possible questions or doubts.
  • Correctness: The message should be accurate, factual, and grammatically correct, and avoid errors, mistakes, or misinformation.
  • Courtesy: The message should be polite, respectful, and considerate, and avoid offensive, rude, or insensitive language or tone.
  • Coherence: The message should be logical, consistent, and well-organized, and follow a clear structure and flow.
  • Conciseness: The message should be brief, to the point, and avoid repetition, redundancy, or irrelevant information.
  • Creativity: The message should be original, innovative, and engaging, and use appropriate techniques, such as humor, stories, or visuals, to capture the attention and interest of the audience.

Some of the common forms of written business communication are5:

  • Memorandum: A memorandum, or memo, is a short and informal document that is used to communicate information, updates, or requests within an organization. It usually has a simple format that includes the sender, the receiver, the date, the subject, and the message. For example, a memo can be used to announce a new policy, to remind employees of a deadline, or to request feedback on a project.
  • Notice: A notice is a formal and official document that is used to inform or notify the publics of an organization about something important or relevant. It usually has a clear and concise format that includes the name of the organization, the date, the subject, and the message. For example, a notice can be used to announce a meeting, to declare a holiday, or to warn about a hazard.
  • Agenda: An agenda is a document that outlines the topics or items that will be discussed or dealt with at a meeting. It usually has a structured and sequential format that includes the name of the organization, the date, the time, the place, the purpose, and the list of topics or items. For example, an agenda can be used to plan a meeting, to guide a discussion, or to inform the participants of the meeting.
  • Minutes: Minutes are the official records of the proceedings and decisions of a meeting. They usually have a detailed and descriptive format that includes the name of the organization, the date, the time, the place, the attendees, the agenda, the summary of the discussion, the action items, and the adjournment. For example, minutes can be used to document a meeting, to communicate the outcomes of a meeting, or to follow up on the action items of a meeting.

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