Five Concepts of Sucessful Communication

Five Concepts for Successful Communication

Andy Davis

COM 425 Communication in Organizations

Edris Gehy

December 15, 2012

This proposal consists of five concepts of successful communication within an organization.

Specifically, it intends to explain these concepts: active listening, the importance of

organizational structure, how to resolve conflict, key principles of human communication, and

processes of formal and informal communication will be covered. These concepts are the best

way in theory to help influence organizational communication and be successful throughout

many aspects of your organization and show why they are important for successful

communication within an organizational setting. It will address examples of some concepts why

these concepts and how to best implement them within an organization.

Successful communication is one of the most important aspects of an organization. Without it,

nothing can be accomplished. There are many concepts of communication that must happen

within the workplace. In this paper, I will discuss the five concepts that I feel are the most

important for a successful communication within an organizational setting. I will discuss how to

practice active listening, the importance of organizational structure, how to resolve conflict, the

key principles of human communication, and the process of formal and informal communication.

I will address why they are necessary for successful communication and how best to implement

them within your organization.

The first concept that is important to successful communication in an organization is active

listening. "Active listening means being fully engaged in paying attention to your relational

partner's communication with you" (Krebs, 2011). Some people may think that hearing what the

other person is saying is enough, but just hearing a person does not guarantee that the person's

message is being interpreted as they intend it. The work is active; the listener has to have an

active role in the conversation. This means the listener must receive and understand the message

in order for the communication to be active. Active listeners should also make it obvious that

they are fully engaged in the conversation. Active listening is a communication skill that

facilitates understanding, comprehension, and compassion between people. It involves not only

the exchange of information but also the expression of friendship, respect, affection, and

inclusion (Shutz, 1958). They are engaged in the conversation and purposeful in listening,

thereby creating opportunities that improve relationships, increase cooperation, solve problems,

and build intimacy. Good listeners "actively process information, make permanent comments,

and ask relevant questions" (Brent and Anderson, 2008).

Active listening is important in all situations where people are communicating with each

other. According to the National Communication Association, "effective communication is

critical to achieving high quality personal and work relationships" (NCA, 2008). In the workplace

active