Definition of Communication
Communication is a process by which individuals exchange information, ideas, and emotions through verbal or nonverbal means. It involves both sending and receiving messages and is crucial for building relationships, fostering understanding, and achieving common goals.
Scholars on Communication
- Shannon and Weaver (1949) defined communication as a linear process involving a source, a transmitter, a channel, a receiver, and a destination. They emphasized the importance of noise in communication and the need for redundancy to overcome it.
- Watzlawick, Beavin, and Jackson (1967) proposed the theory of human communication, which states that communication is not merely the transmission of information but also a complex system of rules and patterns that shape how people interact. They argued that all communication is both content (what is said) and relational (how it is said).
Functions of Communication
Communication serves a variety of functions, including:
- Information exchange: Sharing knowledge, data, and news.
- Social interaction: Building and maintaining relationships, expressing emotions, and creating a sense of community.
- Influence: Persuading, motivating, or changing others' behavior.
- Problem-solving: Exchanging ideas and perspectives to find solutions to challenges.
- Control: Regulating behavior, setting boundaries, and managing conflict.
References
- Shannon, C. E., & Weaver, W. (1949). The mathematical theory of communication. Urbana: University of Illinois Press.
- Watzlawick, P., Beavin, J. H., & Jackson, D. D. (1967). Pragmatics of human communication: A study of interactional patterns, pathologies, and paradoxes. New York: Norton.