What is Organizational Communication (concept, definition and types)

What is organizational communication

Organizational communication is the set of actions, procedures and tasks that are carried out to transmit or receive information through various means, methods and communication techniques internal and external in order to achieve the objectives of the company or organization.

Through organizational communication development strategies, productivity and internal and external relations are established in order to obtain better performance from the human resource, so its purpose is related to the achievements, successes or failures of a company or organization.

In turn, organizational communication allows internal work processes to develop correctly, an optimal work environment to exist, and the proposed objectives to be achieved.

To establish the effective and efficient management of a company or organization, communication is a vitally important tool. It is a means that allows us to know the achievements, scope or solve the difficulties of the people who work in the different departments of a company.

Types of organizational communication

Internal communication

Through the structure of the company or organization, it facilitates the communication process for staff in order to:

Promote communication between staff. Facilitate integration between staff and the organization. Strengthen staff cohesion. Contribute and facilitate spaces for the exchange of information.

External communication

It consists of designing and transmitting information from the company or organization to the public, community or society, through different communication channels to maintain external or public relations.

They publicize the goods or services produced in the company through advertising, donations or sponsorship. Relationships are maintained with government institutions to pay taxes and be constantly updated regarding the legal responsibilities to be fulfilled. inter-institutional relations in order to formalize alliances, develop projects or market strategies.

Written communication

It is characterized by transmitting concrete and clear messages. At the same time, it provides support to the company because there is a record or reference of what is communicated. Some examples are internal newsletters, calls, surveys or memos.

oral communication

This type of communication is characterized because there is a probability that the information is not understood completely well and doubts or misunderstandings are generated. It can be formal when a meeting, assembly or conference is held, or informal if it is an occasional conversation between co-workers.

On the other hand, notices, murals or signage are part of non-verbal organizational communication.

Communication flows

Downward communication

Information is transmitted from high hierarchies to other subordinates. It is part of the organizational culture of centralized authority companies. Tasks or obligations are communicated according to the order of the other departments and their responsibilities. This communication occurs through reports, memoranda, letters, among others.

Upward communication

The information is provided from the lowest levels of hierarchy or by subordinates, to the highest departments or bosses. This is possible when the importance of communication provided by workers as a form of feedback on what is happening in the company is taken into account. This communication occurs through telephone calls, periodic meetings, interviews, among others.

Horizontal or cross communication

It is the one established between members who have similar levels of hierarchy. It is characterized by transmitting information more quickly, coordinating activities, solving problems or making decisions about a department. This information is communicated through meetings, teamwork, telephone, among others.

Organizational communication barriers

Many companies owe their achievements, achievements or failures to organizational communication. For this reason, it is very important to communicate and transmit clear and precise information that is accessible to all workers and that arrives through different information channels.

However, there are various barriers in the transmission of information that can originate from the sender, a confusing message, the receiver or in the feedback of information, which can cause various problems.

Transmit confusing or imprecise information. Distortion of the message as it is transmitted through the various communication channels. Loss of information on the part of those who communicate it. Offer additional or unnecessary information. If it is an unwritten message, its meaning can be distorted. content. Failures of technological tools: internal networks, collapsed systems. International context barriers due to obstacles such as language or cultural expressions.

Organizational communication is of vital importance to carry out the management of a company or organization. It is a constant exchange of information that allows developing methods or providing a solution to the activity carried out, to provide a quality good or service.

See also: Communication and Public Relations.