The term communication means. Definition of communication

Introduction

Relevance of the research topic. The modern period of development of human culture and civilization is characterized by a new stage in the evolution of the nature of basic social processes and is distinguished by the desire of a developed industrial society to improve its social structures and institutions. The study of these processes forces both scientists and politicians to conclude that humanity, taking into account the latest achievements of scientific and technological progress and the latest information revolution, is dealing with factors of post-industrial socio-economic development within the framework of modern civilization. The leading and in many ways iconic feature of the modern world is the formation of a global information industry.

The problem of communication in the information society was considered in the works of the following researchers: G.G. Pocheptsova, T.M. Dridze, A.V. Sokolova, S.V. Borisneva, T.N. Astafurova, V.V. Kuznetsova, Kitaigorodskaya M.V., Kostomarova V.G., E. Fromm.

Object: communications

Subject: communications in the information sphere

Goal: to explore communications in the information society

Job objectives:

1. Consider the main theoretical approaches to defining the concept of communication;

2. Describe the main elements of the communication process

3. Study the role of communication in the information society.

Methods used: scientific literature analysis method.

The most important concepts that need to be defined when studying the information environment of society are the concepts of “communications” and “information society”.

“Information society” is a civilization, the development and existence of which is based on a special intangible substance, conventionally called “information”, which has the property of interaction with both the spiritual and material world of man. The last property is especially important for understanding the essence of the new society: on the one hand, information forms the material environment of human life, acting as innovative technologies, computer programs, telecommunication protocols, etc., and on the other hand, it serves as the main means of interpersonal relationships, constantly emerging, changing and transforming in the process of transition from one person to another. Thus, information simultaneously determines the socio-cultural life of a person and his material existence. This is the fundamental novelty of the coming society.

Basic theoretical approaches to defining the concept of “communication” in the works of domestic and foreign researchers

The concept of communication, its types

Communication is a complex process consisting of interdependent steps, each of these steps is necessary in order to make our thoughts understandable to another person. The word “communication” is of Latin origin from the word “communis”, meaning “common”. The sender tries to establish “communication” with someone. He strives to delve into information, relationships or ideas.

There is a definition of communication in general terms as the process of transferring information from one person (transmitter) to another (receiver) with the purpose of conveying a certain meaning.

A.B. Zverintsev considers communication, first of all, as one of the forms of interaction between people in the process of communication, as an informational aspect of communication.

Sociologists mean by communication the transfer of social information.

Psychologists use the term “communication” to describe the processes of exchange of products of mental activity. “Communication” is the process of two-way exchange of information leading to mutual understanding. Communication - translated from Latin means “common shared with everyone.” If mutual understanding is not achieved, then communication has failed. To ensure the success of communication, you need to have feedback on how people understood you, how they perceive you, and how they relate to the problem.”

G.G. Pocheptsov in his book “Theory of Communication” understands communication as “the processes of recoding verbal into nonverbal and nonverbal into verbal spheres”

But here is how V.A. defines communication. Spivak in the book “Corporate Culture”: “Communication is the exchange of information in the process of activity, communication (as well as communication channels).”

But it is necessary to distinguish between information and communication itself. The theorist L. Matra writes about this: “The numerous areas of so-called communication in which I worked taught me, first of all, that one should distinguish between information (one-way message) and communication (message to which a response is received), or a message with "feedback".

There are different communications, more or less consistent with each other, in which different strategies and languages ​​are used to achieve different goals. And speaking several languages ​​at the same time, even if they are talking about the same thing, does not at all facilitate understanding.

Thus, it is important for us that communication is a purposeful process; information is exchanged during the process; feedback is important to ensure results.

Communications are divided into the following types:

Interpersonal or organizational communications based on oral communication;

Communications based on written exchange of information.

Interpersonal communications, in turn, are divided into:

Formal or formal. These Communications are determined by the policies, rules, job descriptions of a particular organization and are carried out through formal channels;

Informal communications that do not follow the general rules of a particular organization; they are carried out according to the established system of personal relations between employees of the organization.

Typical information transmitted through informal communication channels: upcoming layoffs of production workers, new measures to punish for lateness, changes in the structure of the organization, upcoming moves and promotions, a detailed account of the dispute between two managers at the last sales meeting, who makes an appointment with whom after work, etc. d.

Among formal organizational communications there are:

Vertical, when information moves from one level of the hierarchy to another;

Horizontal between different departments, intended to coordinate the activities of various departments.

Vertical communications, in turn, are divided into:

Ascending, when information is transmitted from bottom to top (from lower levels to higher ones). This type of communication contains the information necessary for managers to evaluate the area of ​​activity for which they are responsible;

Top-down, carried out from top to bottom. This type of communication is directly related to the management and control of employees.

Interpersonal communications are also divided into:

Verbal (verbal);

Nonverbal, designed to exchange information without the use of words, for example, using gestures, voice intonations, facial expressions, etc.

Verbal and non-verbal forms of communication are not always or necessarily mutually exclusive. As a rule, the recipient's interpretation of the message is based not only on words, but also on elements such as tin! and facial expressions that accompany the words of the transmitting party.

Communication is an important component of human existence, because without the transfer of information any creative activity is impossible. A huge role in building effective interaction between people is played by means of communication, such as verbal, non-verbal, media and television.

The speed of information transfer in the modern world is many times higher than fifty years ago, the audience itself has changed, so the concept of communication has also undergone certain changes. Modern psychology gives a dual definition:

  • The first, broader one, implies that communication is an integral system within which the transmission and assimilation of information is carried out.
  • According to the second definition, it is a channel for mass transmission, exchange of information with the aim of influencing society as a whole, as well as its constituent parts.

The concepts of “communication” and “communication” are often combined, but they are not identical. Communication includes a communicative component and is a process of establishing and maintaining contacts between people, stimulated by the needs of joint activities. It can take the form of interpersonal interaction, for example, influential connections formed as a result of joint creative activity. The basics of communication are somewhat different; they assume that the result of data transfer will be an influence on the opinion and personal beliefs of the individual.

The main methods of communication are divided into verbal and. Verbal is the transmission of information through sound as well as writing. Nonverbal ways are expressed through speech tone, accents, and body movements. A variety of forms can give rise to disagreements between interlocutors, therefore the main conditions for effective communication are the same understanding of the situation by its participants, as well as the correct perception of implicit signals transmitted from participant to participant.

The principles of communication are discussed in detail in the SPEAKING model developed by D. Hymes. From the point of view of a scientist, this is a dynamic, continuous, irreversible process, consisting of symbols, which, after receiving information, involves its processing and generation of conclusions about the subject of the conversation. The process itself is focused on the individual; it always has consequences in the form of a response to the information provided.

Levels and models of communicative interaction

In psychology, there are such levels of communication as intrapersonal and interpersonal, group, intercultural, and business. The first type involves the individual’s internal dialogue with himself, hidden experiences and opinions. Interpersonal communication means the transfer of information for comprehension from one individual to another. Compared to the first, this is a higher level of interaction; it presupposes the presence, i.e. reactions to a received message.

Interpersonal communication is rational in nature, this is expressed in its functions: informational, pragmatic, social, expressive. The concept of speech activity states that verbal communication plays an important role in this type of interaction, and the main factors are purpose and.

The goals of communication are always conscious, but may not coincide with the motive that prompts the individual to actively interact. Communication theory suggests that for effective communication it is necessary for individuals to be able to discern the real motive of the interlocutor, especially in cases where statements are unclear or ambiguous.

Communication in an organization serves as a means of transmitting information through formal or official channels, which are divided into hierarchical levels. Business communication is subject to the rules defined by the organization’s policies and job descriptions. Communication styles are also regulated, but may depend on various factors, such as nationality.

Group and intercultural types of communications involve the participation of a large community of people. Group interactions take place between two or more family, informal and formal communities of individuals. The second type means communication between participants belonging to different ethnic groups with different foundations and cultural customs. Here, a special role belongs to the media, which can form a positive or negative channel of interaction.

Communication models have been developed by many authors, the feedback model, the linear model developed by Lasswell, the Schramm circulation model and its modification proposed by Osgood are widely known. In addition, the nonlinear Newcomb model, the simplified Vorontsov model and the general model, authored by Gerbner, have become widespread. All these developments have made it possible to identify the basic principles of effective communication, which has greatly improved the quality of interaction between people.

What are communication skills from the point of view of communication psychology? First of all, this is the ability to interact with other people, correctly perceive and transmit the information received. An individual must know and understand restrictions, cultural norms of communication, traditions and customs, etiquette and be able to show himself as a well-mannered person.

Scope of information interaction

The classification of communications pays special attention to the impact on large groups of people using modern technical means. Thus, mass communication implies the systematic dissemination of information messages to exert political, ideological, organizational, and economic influence in order to form the desired opinion of people. Modern science identifies the following functions of mass communication:

  • Cognitive – enables the individual to satisfy the need for information about the outside world. Thanks to this function, the illusion of omniscience arises, the boundaries that separate a person from the world disappear.
  • Integrating (connecting) - designed to unite differentiated groups through the promotion of universal and moral values.
  • Formative – sets the individual up to certain expectations: social, political, cultural, etc.
  • Socializing is one of the ways to integrate a person into society through information influence.
  • Harmonizing and alternative - give a feeling of organic existence of a person in society, the absence of boundaries, the opportunity to express an opinion different from the opinion of the majority.

The psychology of mass communications is a fairly new discipline that arose at the intersection of such sciences as sociology, psychology, and communication studies. From the point of view of this science, mass communication is a way of influencing society or social groups in order to create common moods and expectations, as well as stabilize value priorities. The goals of information dumping are determined through the individual prism of the values ​​of the individual being influenced.

Scientists believe that the most important impetus for the integration of society was communication, the types of which changed along with the development of technology. For example, information communications involve communication between specialists in a certain field, the exchange of data in informal, oral, written, impersonal, indirect and other ways. In this case, the functions of communication are to disseminate specialized knowledge and popularize scientific information in order to accelerate progress.

Social communication is a way of transmitting information and emotional state through verbal and non-verbal channels. This process allows us to unite parts of society and the mechanism for exercising power. The forms of communication in this case will vary depending on parameters such as:

1. Type of audience, which can be mass or specialized and is characterized by the individual’s receptivity to the disseminated information.

2. Source of information dissemination: formal channels (statements by the ruling authorities), informal (gossip, rumors). Author: Natalya Yakovleva

According to research, managers spend 50 to 90% of their time on communications. Communication is essential to the success of organizations. Effective leaders understand the essence of the communication process, have well-developed oral and written communication skills, and understand how the environment affects the exchange of information. Managers obtain the information they need both within the company and in the external environment, and then transform it and distribute it among those who need it.

Communication (from the Latin word “to make common, to connect”) is the process of transferring information from a source to a recipient with the goal of changing his knowledge, attitudes or overt behavior. Effective communication is important for success in management, since the solution of many management problems is based on the direct interaction of people (boss with subordinates, subordinates with each other) within the framework of different events, communication is the best way to discuss and resolve issues characterized by uncertainty.

The effectiveness of communication is influenced by factors such as communication skills, attitudes and experience, as well as the mental abilities of the subjects of communication, which form the specifics of their perception of the message and the emotional background.

There are six main variables in the interpersonal communication process: sender/encoder; message; channel; receiver/decoder; perception; Feedback.

The sender is responsible for wording the message in a way that accurately conveys the message to the recipient. The process of translating a thought into a message is called encoding.

Since communication is essentially a process of achieving understanding, it requires concerted effort on both sides to ensure that the meaning of the message is the same for the sender and the recipient. The sender's job is to look for and use communication symbols and skills that will lead to
correct reflection of the message in the mind of the recipient.

A message is made up of verbal and non-verbal symbols that represent the information we want to convey. Every message we send is an attempt to convey a thought to the recipient.

Types of data that, individually or in any combination, can contain messages:

Facts, specific and objective data;

Ideas that are abstract and require proof of their objectivity;

Opinions, concrete or abstract, purporting to be objective or subjective;

Creeds, strongly held opinions, principles that are usually associated with people's awareness of themselves as individuals or the influence on them of everyday behavior;

Emotions, what the sender feels and expresses;

Motivation, transmitted energy that affects the recipient.

The process of translating a message into thought is called decoding, and this is the task of the recipient. How correctly the recipient will perceive the information depends on the following factors:

The recipient's knowledge of the topic of conversation;

The likelihood that the sender's message will be perceived appropriately;

Experience of communication between the sender and the recipient.

The recipient is described by two aspects of behavior: the ability to listen and the ability to provide feedback to the sender.

Perception represents our unique understanding of the essence of things. Perception is an indivisible component of communication from both the sender and the recipient.

In perception, each of us appears as a product of all our unique experiences. Our attitudes towards the environment also change our perception of what is communicated to us.

Feedback is the recipient's reaction to a message.

Feedback can be verbal or non-verbal; written or oral. Feedback provides guidance for the next message we send to the recipient. With feedback we can evaluate the effectiveness of our communication. Therefore, it is very important to master the skill of accurately interpreting feedback.

When there is feedback, the sender and receiver switch communication roles. The initial recipient becomes the sender and goes through all the stages of the information exchange process to transmit its response to the initial sender. Feedback can significantly improve the effectiveness of management information exchange. Two-way exchange of information, although slower, is more accurate and increases confidence in the correct interpretation of messages. Feedback improves the chances of effective information exchange by allowing both parties to eliminate interference.

The following difficulties in transmitting information are identified:

The threshold of the imagination of a person who puts his thoughts into verbal or other form for transmission to another person;

An active language filter that determines the differences between a “thought in the brain” and a “thought expressed”;

A language barrier that affects the volume and content of the message heard by the “receiver”;

Passive filter of imagination and desire, associated with the process of decoding perceived information and giving it meaning;

The volume of memorization, which, depending on the subjective value of information and the characteristics of the “receiver,” retains in his memory a certain image associated with the information.

Tutorial output:

Fundamentals of management. Chernyshev M. A., Korotkov E. M., Soldatova I. Yu., prof. I. Yu. Soldatova, Chernysheva M. A., Ed. prof. I. Yu. Soldatova., Soldatova I., Chernyshov M.A. - ed.-comp., Publisher: ITK "Dashkov and K", SCIENCE/INTERPERIODICS MAIK, Nauka-Press 2006