Paper

Communications Channel Paper

Meridy Aldridge, Adrienne Beauvois, Ann Jackson, Marschelle Manley, and Kristen Roofner

HCS/320

May 7, 2012

Angelique Duffy

Communications Channel Paper

Communication is vital to business organizations. Effective communication may be the deciding factor to whether or not a business is successful. According to Communicating about Health, “defining communication as a process recognizes people are involved in an ongoing effort to understand each other and the world around them,” (du Pre, 2005, p.5). Many organizations utilize a vertical hierarchy. A vertical hierarchy is an organization that contains layers of management and utilizes the vertical communication process. “Vertical communication occurs between hierarchically positioned persons and can involve both downward and upward communication flows,” (Baker, 2002 ). This method is effective in conveying important operational information within the organization. Many forms of communication are used in all organizations in order for it to be effective, including internal and external forms of communication. This paper will compare and contrast different methods of communication used at each member’s place of business as well as make recommendations to improve the flow of communication and explain why.

Even though each member of this team is employed in different settings, there are still methods of communication used that are similar no matter what type of organization. Each member took an inventory of communication methods used in her organization. Similarities and differences were found in both internal and external communication practiced by the individual companies. Internal communication is effectively communicating within the organization. “Internal communication channels include face to face meetings, internal emails, newsletters and memos, communications between managers and employees, and communications between peers,” (Francis, n.d.). These forms of...