Meaning, Types, and Characteristics

The word communication is derived from the Latin term 'communis', which implies commonness. Thus, communication is the act of creating a shared understanding (Fiske, 1990). It is not merely the transmission of data, but a dynamic, continuous, and two-way process of exchanging ideas, facts, opinions, and emotions between two or more entities.

1. The Meaning of Communication

Scholars have defined communication in numerous ways, but the consensus focuses on the transfer of meaning. George Terry defined it as, "Communication is an exchange of facts, ideas, opinions or emotions by two or more persons." The classical model of communication by Shannon and Weaver (1949) conceptualized it mathematically involving a sender, encoder, channel, decoder, and receiver, although this model was later criticized for ignoring the sociological context.

2. Characteristics of Communication

• Continuous Process: It is not an isolated event but an ongoing, dynamic process.
• Two-Way Traffic: It involves both a sender and a receiver, with feedback being an essential component.
• Contextual: Meaning heavily depends on the physical, psychological, and cultural context in which it occurs.
• Pervasive: It exists at all levels of human interaction—from intrapersonal thought to mass broadcast.
• Symmetrical and Complementary: Interactions can be based on equality (symmetrical) or differences in status/power (complementary) (Watzlawick et al., 1967).

3. Types of Communication

Communication is broadly classified based on the relationship between parties, channels used, and direction of flow.

Based on the Number of Participants

• Intrapersonal: Communication with oneself (e.g., thinking, meditating).
• Interpersonal: Direct, face-to-face communication between two people.
• Group: Interaction among a small number of people who share a common goal (e.g., a committee).
• Mass: Dissemination of information to a large, anonymous audience via media (e.g., television, newspapers).

Based on Organizational Structure

• Formal Communication: Follows the official chain of command. It can be Downward (superior to subordinate), Upward (subordinate to superior), or Horizontal (between peers).
• Informal Communication: Unofficial channels, commonly known as the grapevine. It is fast and often based on social relationships rather than formal structures.