FUNCTIONS OF COMMUNICATION

Communication serves four major functions within an organization.

Control

Communication acts to control the employees' behaviour. Organizations have authority hierarchies and formal guidelines that employees are required to follow. The control mechanism can work only when the communication - oral and written, is effective. Informal communication also controls behaviour.

Information

Communication is a vital necessity to an organization, just as the bloodstream is to the person. It is essential that information must be communicated to the managers on the basis of which the plans can be developed; these plans must be communicated to the operating managers and employees.

Motivation

Communication fosters motivation by clarifying to employees what is to be done, how well they are doing and what can be done to prove performance if it is unsatisfactory.

Emotional Expression

Communication provides a release for the emotional expression of feelings and for fulfillment of social needs. Employees show their frustrations and feelings of satisfaction through communication.