Nature & Hisrotical Perspectives of Business Communication

Nature & Historical Perspectives of  Communication

Communication is the way people share thoughts, feelings, and information. It involves sending messages using words, gestures, or expressions to convey ideas and understand each other better. Communication can happen through talking, writing, or even non-verbal cues like facial expressions and body language. It's a crucial part of human interaction, helping us connect, express ourselves, and build relationships. Effective communication involves not just speaking or writing but also listening and understanding the message being conveyed. The nature of communication can be as follows:

a.      Exchange of Information: Communication is the way we share facts and ideas. Whether we're talking, writing, or using gestures, it's about passing on information so others can learn and understand. It's like a bridge connecting what we know with what others need to know, creating a flow of knowledge.

b.     Continuous Process: Think of communication like a never-ending river. It doesn't stop; it keeps flowing. People are always sharing thoughts, feelings, and information. It's not a one-time thing; it's ongoing, like a constant connection that keeps everyone in the circle.

c.      Mutual Understanding: Communication is like a two-way street where both sides understand each other. It's not just about talking; it's about creating a shared understanding. It's like building a bridge that connects two places, making sure everyone reaches the same destination of comprehension.

d.     Interpretive: Communication involves more than just words; it's about understanding the meaning behind them. It's like reading between the lines, figuring out the message, and making sense of the information. It's decoding the language to reveal the true intention.

e.      Symbolic: Words and gestures in communication are like symbols. They represent ideas and emotions. It's like using a secret code to express thoughts. Each symbol carries meaning, and understanding these symbols helps in decoding the message accurately.

f.       Response or Feedback: Communication isn't a one-way street; it's a conversation. After sending a message, there's a reaction or response. It's like playing catch – one person throws a ball (the message), and the other catches it (responds). This back-and-forth keeps the communication game alive.

g.     Social Activity: Imagine communication as a big social gathering. It's happening between people, connecting them like threads in an exciting tapestry. It's a group activity, a shared experience that strengthens bonds, fosters relationships, and builds communities.

h.     Making Sense: Communication is like putting together a puzzle. It helps us understand the world by collecting bits of information and arranging them. It's like solving a mystery, making sense of the chaos, and finding clarity in the pieces of the puzzle.

i.       Sharing Sense: People don't just communicate to talk; they share their perspectives and experiences. It's like passing around a pair of glasses so others can see the world through their eyes. It's about creating a collective understanding.

j.       Creating Meaning: Communication is a master storyteller, giving life to words and actions. It's like crafting a narrative that adds significance to our experiences. It turns ordinary moments into meaningful chapters, helping us make sense of our journey.

Historical Perspectives on Business Communication

Business communication can be any form of communication to promote organizational goals and objectives. It increases work efficiency and productivity, enhances a company’s image, and maintains goodwill. A brief account of historical perspectives on business communication has been given below:

A.   Ancient Period: In ancient times, business communication relied on oral exchanges, messengers, and written documents like clay tablets or papyrus scrolls. Face-to-face meetings and marketplaces were crucial for negotiations. As early as 3200 BC, Egyptians kept records of business transactions, especially requests for trade goods in writing. It is believed that ancient Romans used a special language to trade and negotiate as they expanded their empire around the world. During the Lichhavi period in Nepal, the business flourished in Tibet. The record of business transactions can be found in historical documents, including inscriptions, legends, and chronicles.

B.    Industrial Revolution and After: With the introduction of mass production and the division of labor, factories employed a large number of workers. This led to the need for a more efficient communication system to regulate and control labor, explore markets, and increase efficiency and productivity. With the introduction of democracy in 2007 BS, a more systematic written form of communication began in Nepal. After the colonial period in India, official written documents, applications, forms, vouchers, and appointment letters were used in communication.

C.    Modern Period: By the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, newer management models were introduced and brought into practice. Organizations became increasingly democratic; in this context, the social function of communication became more prominent. However, in Nepal, business communication remained virtually cut off from the world during the Rana regime. However, there have been some changes in communication. The system of writing leave applications has been adopted from the modern period in the business field.

D.   Contemporary Period:  At present, we can see diversity in the workplace; there is a change in the concept of work, and there is also the use of the internet in terms of business communication. At present, there are many more social media and online platforms that are used in terms of business communication. A person can do their business in any other part of the world with the help of the Internet. Due to globalization, businesses are not limited to a single location; they are operated from different places. With the help of the explosion of internet technology, video conferencing, MS Teams, and Zoom are used in business communication. Moreover, companies have adopted web-based technologies such as social networking sites, emails, blogs, and instant messages.

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