Business Communication Trends

COM/285

University of Phoenix

August 2, 2011

Business Communication Trends Proper communication is paramount and a fundamental element in the success of businesses across the globe. According to Locker and Kienzler (2008), “Business depends on communication” (p. 4). In addition, consumers also depend on communication from businesses. Communication appears in many forms including the use of telephones, video or audio teleconferences, face-to-face meetings, physical letters or memorandums, digital or physical calendars, e-mails, text messages, and advertising billboards, commercials, and flyers. Various businesses exist within today’s society, and these businesses offer more than just physical goods but also provide services and information supplied through communication channels (Locker & Kienzler, 2008). As society continues to evolve in this digital age, the demand for information and services has become reliant. To provide information as a product for its clientele, businesses need first-rate communication as a standard, internally and externally, to succeed.
Importance of Business Communication This demand for information reinforces how imperative proper communication persists throughout the hierarchical structure within an organization from the workers in the mailroom, to the floor manager, and even to the CEO. Ensuring this information is accurate, timely, relevant, and comprehensible is also vital. Each member of a business is responsible for effectively communicating to those appointed above, beside, or below him or her in some form or fashion. When an organization has avowed its vision, values, and objectives effectively employees have an unambiguous understanding of what role they play within a company. Managers must communicate to staff members what they expect of them. A good manager will provide continual education and evaluation to increase the likelihood of accurate, effective, and efficient work productivity. When feedback is incorporated, it enhances the level of communication and can empower the employees. Thus open channels of communication exist, and the mission of the company has a greater chance of accomplishing success. Also how well a company engages its customers will determine the company’s image and ultimately determine its client-base and revenue. After all, a business cannot exist without profits. Various communication blockades exist within businesses such as a lack of solidarity and morale, cultural differences, poor working conditions, unreliable communication methods, poor structure, and many more. When direction is not communicated properly and clearly then objectives simply are not met. Also employees who have illustrious ideas or visions for the company but do not acclimate well to newer methods of communication or have issues communicating their ideas may find themselves unemployed or not promotable.
Workplace Trends A trend (2011), according to Merriam-Webster, is “a prevailing tendency or inclination.” With business come competition and a devotion to keeping up with a constantly evolving technology. Technology has changed not only the way people communicate in their personal lives, but it has also changed the way businesses correspond within itself, with other businesses, and with its consumers. Advanced technology has forced the hand of evolution on communication with more accurate and efficient electronic means. Traveling out of one’s immediate locale to convene with a potential client or business partner is not always necessary today. With the ability to compose a video teleconference for interviews, board meetings, and status updates enable a more cost-effective and convenient method of communicating. Although newer methods of communicating lie on the back of technology, older methods are still effective means in the workplace. Objectives are being met by face-to-face meetings, printed memorandums, in-person interviews, faxes, and telephone calls. These techniques are interchangeable and should be used contingent upon appropriateness, effectiveness, and efficiency, and digital mediums should not always serve as replacements for these methods. On the other hand, older and newer methods of communication are being used collaboratively. For instance, conference rooms are often used that contain a large conference table to allow the attendance of many individuals, a projector-enabled computer, some sort of video or audio teleconference device, or just a speakerphone enabled telephone. The presence of the individuals allows the older method of a face-to-face meeting while using advanced technologies to communicate effectively outside of the conference room, building, state, or even the country. E-mail has become a heavily relied upon method of communicating upcoming meetings, project deadlines, appointments, and more. The addition of an embedded calendar in e-mail software enables an invitation capability to share or request others to be present for these events, virtually or physically. Many companies are also exploring the world of social networking; allowing for various members to more effectively collaborate on different projects. Smart phones are given to employees to ensure additional avenues of communication. Many of today’s smart phones include the ability to retrieve e-mails, work calendars, and company websites, permitting the employee or employer to work or be aware of pertinent information when away from his or her desk. The Cost of Communication. Communicating internally or externally in any form is a costly investment for a company. The expenses range from computer hardware or software, data storage, Internet service, research, paper, postage, travel, and even employees’ time and salary. However, “Good communication is worth every minute it takes and every penny it costs” (Locker & Kienzler, 2008, p. 9). Therefore, good communication is at a premium and is highly relied upon. Adversely, poor communication can be a financial expenditure that devastates a company’s reputation or its longevity. According to Locker and Kienzler (2008), poor communication can result in wasted time and efforts, lost goodwill, and even legal problems (p. 9-13), all of which come with an expensive price tag. Conclusion. As technology continues to advance, businesses maintain a need for workplace diversity, increased globalization, and employees with proficient and effective communication dexterity. Exceptional communication within a business improves the quality of relationships within a company and its clientele. This creates a healthier environment for employees and lessens inconsistencies. Good communication is and should be the backbone of a company’s mission for its employees as well as its customers. However, poor communication will ultimately be the demise of a company’s reputation or its success

References
Locker, K. O., & Kienzler, D. S. (2008). Business and Administrative Communication (8th ed.). New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Trend. ( 2011). In Merriam-Webster. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trends