Chapter 1 Introduction to Communication

After completing this chapter, you will be able to;

Learning Outcomes

1 You will be able to define terms related to

communication 2 You will be able to describe the characteristics
of the communication process

3 4
You will be able to express the choice of
You will be able to explain the core elements of interpersonal, group, organizational and mass
the communication process communication

Chapter Outline Key Terms

Communication
Introduction
Interpersonal Communication
The Process of Communication
Group Communication
Features of the Communication Process
Mass Communication
Fundamental Elements of the Communication
Organizational Communication
Process
Interactivity
Forms of Communication
Feedback

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Business Communication

INTRODUCTION Regardless of how an individual earns his or

Humans are social beings who, by their nature, her living , human interaction always plays a part
live in communities. To sustain their material and in their profession. In a way, each and every one
spiritual needs alike, humans are dependent on of them are communication experts who have
each other. This dependency on others is not just a had a lifetime worth of experience of conveying
construct that belongs to the physical environment and understanding ideas and emotions. Just as
one is born in, but it is also a result of the need to live we sleep, eat and breathe, we also communicate.
with others to acquire physical and spiritual needs. “Communication is everywhere, all the time”;
By their very nature, human beings have always felt Humans, whether they like it or not constantly
a need to communicate with the individuals in their live in a web of communications. Quite simply,
environment. In their struggle to establish healthy communicating is a must for every human.
and efficient ways of communication, humans have
constantly come up with newer methods and tools THE PROCESS OF
of communication as shaped by their frequently
changing circumstances. In that sense, the struggle
COMMUNICATION
to communicate has evolved to what we know The Glossary of Social Science Terms defines
today as the modern communication technologies. communication as the process of exchanging
emotions and ideas between societies, social clusters
Communication, at its core, aims to establish
and individuals by means of writing, physical
a consensus between the communicating parties.
gestures and visuals. Communication essentially
Given that consensus requires the agreement
and involvement of both sides, single sided defines the interactions between the members of a
communication cannot be healthy nor efficient. In society. As apparent from this definition, the act of
that case where one party speaks and the other does sharing emotions and thoughts that are shaped by
not respond, it cannot be assumed that the listener the events that happen around us is the process of
has registered the information being told, or that communication (Baranseli, 2019: 20).
the speaker has communicated his or her message Communication, in its bare form, is the sharing
effectively. Fundamentally, what lies at the core of of emotions, thoughts or information between at
an individual’s need to communicate is the urge least two individuals by utilizing different tools and
to express oneself, understand others and convince methods. These tools can often be the body of an
or impact them. All of these needs are essential for individual. The way we act, stand, look or dress can
an individual to become a functioning member convey how we feel or think to the people around
of a community. In this sense, it is essential that us . The collection of these acts holds a crucial place
any attempt at communication involve at least two in non-verbal communication. However, voice
parties where an input and response cycle can be and words such as language are one of the most
observed. important symbol systems in communication.
Interaction is a term that is used to explain Even though the use of language is central to
the process of interpersonal communication. It is communicate clearly, the tone of one’s voice and the
generally expected that this process will result in an emphasis on words can also impact the meanings
impact. In new mediums of communications, the we convey as much. Even if a message delivered in
term interaction is defined as the user’s ability to a loud voice aims to convey a positive meaning, it
change the content of the medium. In this sense, the may come across as negative to the listener (Vural,
viewer in traditional mediums of communication 2018: 3).
transitions into an active user. New media platforms In order for the communication process to
are fundamentally set apart from their traditional carry on smoothly, there is a need for a system of
counterparts in that they provide a medium and an common symbols. These symbols include voices,
opportunity for interaction. This difference has led sights, smells and physical contacts that can be
face to face types of communication tools to evolve perceived by any of our five senses. Each of these
into mediated communication and come across as contacts are understood thanks to a detailed system
equally effective. of code. Such systems include mimics and physical

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Introduction to Communication

gestures. Much like a spoken language and its • It is a process of relaying a selected
written forms, these systems of code only allow information to a receiver at a distance.
communication between people who have a certain (Yüksel, 2008: 10)
understanding of them. (Baranseli, 2019: 20) • Communication is a process of relaying
Whenever an individual directly or indirectly information in either synchronized or
interacts with another person it is implied that unsynchronized manner.
there is a message being conveyed, as such, these • Communication is conveying messages to
actions are classified as communication. The fact the receiver via a suitable medium.
that each specific behavior carries implicative or
• Communication is the creation of
direct meanings in interpersonal environments
certain meanings and the exchange of
indicates that non-communication is impossible .
these meanings with symbols combined
Whether we speak up or remain silent, act or be
randomly and with coding methods that
idle, we always convey meanings and messages that
have been agreed upon.
impact the individuals around us. (Akt: Gökçe,
2002: 40). When examined within this framework, • Communication is the process of
it would be logical to conclude that at any given persuading community members about the
time it is impossible not to communicate. In fact, values of the dominant system that shapes
another perspective on the issue is that even in the cultural context and the production
moments of complete isolation, we are still engaged of meanings that impose and expand the
in acts of communication due to the instances existing cultural context.
where we question, criticize or evaluate ourselves. • Communication is the transfer of texts
These acts are another form of communication and that ensure the continuity of the cultural
reinforce the argument that non-communication is context in which it flourishes.
impossible. (Vural, 2018:4) • Communication is an exchange of meaning
The effort to impact and convince others, which in which messages or messages related to
is the main goal of any process of communication, the existing cultural context are discussed
arises from the communicators’ intention to alter the and questioned by the recipient, that is,
thoughts, behaviors or perceptions of the receiver. the target person or audience, and that
At the core of every behavior/communication lies a messages or messages with new meanings
goal. Communication without a goal, or without a are produced at the end of this discussion
message being conveyed is simply out of question. and query. (Kılınç, 2018:10)
At the very least, the communicator sets out with Ünsal Oksay has synthesized the following
the aim of relaying information to the receiver. definition based on the ones listed above:
Without such an aim, there would be no need or Communication is the values that compile the
intention to communicate. (Gökçe, 2002:47). differences arising from this division of labor,
In general meaning, the term communication which produce tools and equipment in order
refers to an interaction between two individuals to sustain their lives within the same physical or
who aim to impact each other. The definitions environmental conditions, use them according to a
below have been produced within this framework: specific division of labor, and compile information
• Communication is the flow of emotions about the way they work. It is an activity that aims
and thoughts between humans. to fuse them in an identity by producing their
consent.
• It is the process whereby an individual
explicitly declares his emotions and
thoughts.
Communication is the community
• It is the process of establishing common
interaction process that allows the exchange
ground between individuals.
of emotions and thoughts through writing,
• It is the process whereby a source conveys visuals and physical gestures.
its message via a medium to a receiver.

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In our daily lives, communication defines the One of the fundamental characteristics of
objects and humans we encounter; While fulfilling communication is its ability to create meanings
these roles to people with different social roles in the and establish common grounds for humans. In
division of labor, it teaches and affirms the lifestyle of the process of communication, the receiver of
the society formed within the framework of this role the message interprets its meaning with their
distribution and creates the values required for the own emotional and cognitive structures. Since
continuation of this lifestyle, vaccinations (Oksay, these structures are different for each individual,
2014:17). The continuation of a social system also every human being has their own interpretations
allows it to regenerate itself. Communication always of the messages delivered to them. This is where
takes place in a certain cultural context; objects, the problems of miscommunication arise from. At
concepts and phenomenons all gain additional times, despite both parties of the communication
layers of meaning within different cultural contexts. process belonging to the same cultural and social
As such, the continuation of these cultural contexts context, and despite the message being conveyed
is dependent on communication. Regardless of the in a clear method, its contents may still be
various definitions of it, communication always misinterpreted and thus misunderstood.
requires cultural context to take place in.
Learning Outcomes

1 You will be able to define terms related to communication

Self Review 1 Relate Tell/Share

What should be our focus of

Comment on and interpret How do we define
attention in cases where the
the differences or similarities communication in its simplest
message being conveyed is
between concepts of emotions. form?
misinterpreted?

FEATURES OF THE COMMUNICATION PROCESS

There is no beginning and end of communication that extends from human past to present and
future, from the birth of the individual to the death, which is effective in every field of life and at any
time. Communication is a phenomenon that constantly evolves and changes the individual based on their
biological development, cultural and social context and the relationships they develop. (Zıllıoğlu, 1993:94).
Communication as a process is a method of social interaction. This type of interaction requires a specific
cultural context. Communication deals with the conveying of messages. How this message is coded by sender
and how it is interpreted by receiver matters. Another crucial point in this case is also the use of various channels
of communication as well as the messages being conveyed clearly in an articulate manner. One of the definitions
of communication was previously introduced as the process of attempting to change the behavior, thought,
habits and emotions of an individual. If this attempt fails, it is understood that communication is unsuccessful
which leads to the discussion on what causes this. When examining the causes behind communication failure,
the related elements can be described by using concepts such as loudness. (Fiske,2003: 16)
Communication taking place in a circular structure shows that it takes place within a process. This process
can be thought of as the coming together of various elements as they influence each other. When this is the
case it is natural that a problem with any one of these elements may jeopardize the entire process. Considering
the fundamental role communication plays in the daily life of an human being, any problem with the process
of communication can easily lead to conflict arising from inability to clearly express emotions and thoughts.

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Noise
Sender
Source Recipent

Message Signal Signal Message

Feedback
Figure 1.1 Communication Cycle Model (Shannon and Weaver)

The process of communication which requires (reflection) in response to the sender of the message
at least two individuals to take place starts with (reflection), using a tool. In this cyclicality, as long
the creation of the message by its sender. It is as the process continues, the source and target
coding the message created to express emotions constantly change places and new messages are
and thoughts, selecting the groove / tool that will produced. (Vural, 2018: 5)
transmit the message most effectively and sending There are multiple concepts and terms which
it to the target, in other words, to the receiver. The are essential to understanding the process of
communication process continues in a cyclical communication. These are; source, receiver,
process as the recipient opens the code after message, channel or vehicle, code, coding, codec,
receiving the message and creates a new message noise and feedback. Let’s define these items briefly.

Learning Outcomes

2 You will be able to describe the characteristics of the communication process

Self Review 2 Relate Tell/Share

Given that the communication

How can we relate the term process takes place between at
How can we define the process
“process” to communication least two individuals, how can the
of communication?
being a circular structure? relationship between the source
and the receiver be explained?

FUNDAMENTAL ELEMENTS OF THE COMMUNICATION PROCESS

The main elements of the communication process are source, receiver, message, mediumand channel,
target, reflection (feedback) and noise.

Source and Receiver

Humans have two main roles in the process of communication. Both the receiver and the source serve
as the target audience. The source is the individual who starts the message transmission. The receiver, on
the other hand, is the person who is intended to acquire the contents of the message (Pearson and Nelson,
1997: 9).

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It is crucial to understand that the roles of the The receiver is the target recipient of the
source and receiver are inseparable. The receiver message after it has been coded and relayed
and the source, when playing their separate through the appropriate channels. The receiver, in
roles, cannot act independently from each other. the communication process, is not only limited to
These two parties constantly exchange their roles a single individual; groups of various sizes can also
and often become the source and the receiver play this role. The reader of a book, the recipient of
at the same time throughout the course of the a letter, the listener of a radio program or students
conversation. This statement strongly applies to in a classroom are all examples of receivers (Gökçe,
two interpersonal simultaneous communication 2002: 138).
processes (Pearson and Nelson, 1997: 9). In cases where the institutional structures
The source is the individual who starts the owning old media or mass media such as radio,
communication process by creating the message. television, newspaper and magazines are sources,
He or she is the person who relays the messages the target audience or individuals simultaneously
acquired through source selection, evaluation and become the source and transmit the messages or the
analysis by using symbols (Zıllıoğlu, 2993: 98). messages they want to these institutional structures
The process of communication, due to its nature, In cases where traditional media is the source, it is
requires a source that aims to convey the individual’s difficult for the target audience to become a source
emotions, thoughts, information and opinions and simultaneously and convey the messages or messages
this is how the process starts (Yüksel, 2009: 11). they want to these corporate structures. For this
In summary, the source is the individual or group reason, it is difficult for the message to be conveyed
of individuals creating and conveying the message to create a change in thought, behavior, attitude or
by various available means of communication. habit in these institutional structures. Therefore, it
Television stations, newspapers, news agencies, is not possible for these institutional structures to
reports, editors and publications houses are some become recipient side-target persons or masses at
of the examples of sources. the same time. This difficulty is conveyed by the
When the source is in the process of creating requests or sources from side readers, listeners or
the message, there are certain crucial points that viewers from receivers such as letters, which were
must be considered. Firstly, the source is tasked very popular in the past but now are out of date,
with tailoring the contents of the message to the making instant phone connections possible, or
specific requirements of the receiver’s perception. not instantly; more precisely, it has been partially
Considering that communication is a mutually overcome by the means of communication that
advancing process, it should not be overlooked send the response they produce against the message
that the target person(s) who does not have foreign or message conveyed by institutional structures such
language and economic knowledge cannot send as radio, television, newspaper or magazine. Today,
a back message, and beyond that, they cannot with the development of Internet technologies,
understand it greatly. Communication skills, while simultaneous communication becomes
attitudes, experience and level of knowledge, and possible, the source, namely corporate structures
environmental, social and cultural elements also such as radio, television, newspaper and magazine,
affect the communication of the source person (s) can simultaneously become the recipient as a result
that will constitute the message. (Yüksel, 2008: 14): of instant messages from listeners, viewers and
readers.
important Another point that needs to be emphasized
is the pointlessness of waiting for the source
Communication is a cyclical process
or receiver to act as a computer or machine in
continuing between two people. Therefore,
the face-to-face communication process or in
both actors of the process use the role of
the case of communication technologies that
source and receiver.
enable simultaneous communication. In these
communication processes, where the source can be

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the receiver and the receiver can be the source, the • Good sentence establishment,
exchange of messages does not occur in a single form • Compatible syntax,
and in the same content. It is effective in treating
• Selecting necessary and appropriate words.
people’s past, age, cultures, values, expectations or
habits in the communication process in the face When the messages are given through
of a message or messages differently (Pearson and any communication tool, the selection of the
Nelson, 1997: 10). appropriate tool, the coding of the message in
accordance with the selected vehicle, the attention to
In our previous discussion about the source as
the structure of the messages and the points related
the creator of the message, it was mentioned that
to the source in the communication process are
the knowledge and communication skills of the
always covered within the scope of communication
message’s creator had a positive impact on how
skills. There are five verbal communication skills.
effectively the message was communicated. In
Two of them are speaking and writing, which can
similar fashion, certain abilities possessed by the
be called coding skills. The other two are reading
ideal receiver can also go a long way in ensuring
and listening, which are described as the ability to
the overall success of the communication process.
open code. The fifth skill is thinking and causality,
In the case where the receivers lack the ability to
which is effective both in coding and decoding
read, think or listen the message is more likely
(Vural, 2018: 7).
to be misunderstood or not understood at all. In
such a scenario the source would have to go back In the communication process, the personality
to the coding process and tailor the message to be of the process plays an important role in the initial
better suited for the specific needs of the receiver. construction of the message by the source. In other
In addition to these abilities, the overall level of words, the personality of the source impacts his
knowledge possessed by the receiver is also a or her communication skills. For example, a shy
determining factor in how effectively the message and reserved personality will reflect this in the
is received (Yüksel, 2008:22). way they communicate. The parties engaging in
communication may all have different opinions
Given that one of the fundamental aims of
on the cultural and social norms that shape the
the communication process is to persuade and
society they live in. These factors that shape the
affectthe receiver, the communication process can
personalities of individuals will naturally have a
be deemed successful when observing the desired
bearing on the way they communicate.
change of thoughts and emotions in the receiver.
On the other hand, it is understood that any one of At any given time or conditions, it is quite
the elements of the communication process could difficult for an individual to communicate
be faulty if no such changes are observed. In this effectively about an area they do not know about or
context, the measure of effective communication is an experience they have never had. For this reason,
the behavior and change of behavior intended by in order to ensure that the message coded by the
the source to be seen in the receiver. It is possible to source will be clearly understood by the receiver, the
gather the effects of communication in three main source must choose to communicate about topics
groups (Yüksel, 2008: 23): in which they have experience and knowledge.
In such a case, the source can better convey the
• The change in the level of knowledge of the
message, and the receiver can understand it more
receiver(s)
easily (Vural, 2018: 8).
• The change in the perspective/opinion of
The way each individual communicates can be
the receiver(s)
seen as the culmination of all the environmental,
• The change in the behavior of the receiver(s) cultural and social conditions they live in. Those
In the communication process, the source who live in modern social structures possess
should pay attention to the following when he/she different roles with different levels of prestige and
sends a message to the receiver by verbal means. functions. The conditions and limitations brought
• Good saying, about by an individual’s place within the social
structure impacts how he or she communicates.
• Word richness,

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The Message words, sentences, musical notes and colors. Our

Message is the thing or item coded with the facial expressions, body movements, jests, mimics
symbols or icons known by the social environment and the tone of our voice are all non-verbal symbols
in which the communication process takes place, (Pearson and Nelson, 1997:10).
loaded with information, emotions and thoughts The message, which is one of the important
that are desired to be transferred, shared and reaching elements of the communication process, defined as
the receiver with various communication mediums a warning sent from the source to the recipient,
and channels. Text, words, facial expressions can be a thought, an emotion, blood, or information
shown as examples (Demiray, 1994: 14). encoded by the source, can be examined in two
parts. These are the language of the message and
The message is the verbal or non-verbal form the content of the message.
of a person’s (source) designs, thoughts or feelings
The language of the message refers to any of the
that are intended to be communicated with
symbols which are used to convey the message. In
anyone (the recipient). A message is the essence of this context, the language of the message can be a
communication and it is the thing that is ultimately wide range of symbols such as the spoken language
conveyed. A message can also be described as the of a country, body language, music or art. The
collection of all the symbols coded by the source to key factor to remember about the language of the
cause a change in thoughts, behavior and emotions message is that it must always contain symbols that
of the receiver. A message always consists of verbal will be understood clearly by both the source and
or non-verbal symbols such as letters, numbers, the receiver. (Yüksel, 2008: 15,16)

Picture 1.1 The language of the message refers to any of the symbols which are used to convey the message.

With regards to the contents of the message there are two key points to look out for: selecting the
emotions and thoughts that will be conveyed by the message, and how these will be processed. Firstly, the
contents of the message must be selected, and then these contents must be coded with the symbols that are
tailored for the specific qualities of the receiver. (Yüksel, 2008:15, 16)
If the communication is taking place between two individuals in the same environment without any
tools of communication, then the facial expression and the overall body language of the receiver can
tell us if the message has been communicated effectively. For example, if the source’s aim is to convey a
message that can be considered unusual within their social and cultural context, it can be understood that
the message is successfully delivered upon observing a surprised/shocked expression on the receiver’s face.

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Introduction to Communication

Because the essence of communication is human, There are two types of codes in communication.
sometimes the expression, body language, tone and The first one is the verbal codes, which consists of
color and words used by one of the two people while symbols and the arrangement of these symbols to
expressing their excitement, fear, sadness, joy, and include grammar rules. All languages are comprised
worries become the personal preference. In other of verbal codes, in other words, symbols letters and
words, in face-to-face communication between words (Pearson and Nelson, 1997: 10, 11).
two people, the way to encode and transmit the Non-verbal codes, on the other hand, consist of
message is shaped according to the individual’s body movements, jests, mimics, dressing styles and
own preferences (Vural, 2018: 8). expressions of fear, joy or surprise. In fact, all styles of
expression that do not contain words are considered
non-verbal coding (Pearson and Nelson, 1997:11).
A message sent from the source to Coding is essentially the process of turning
the recipient is a thought, emotion or emotions, thoughts and designs into a message.
information coded by the source. Coding can be both verbal and non-verbal. Decoding
is the process of unpacking and understanding
the meaning behind the emotions and thoughts
Coding and Decoding conveyed by the source (Pearson and Nelson,
A code is a system of meanings that is accepted 1997:11). Coding and decoding are performed by
by all members of a culture at any given time the source and the receiver respectively.
or location. It consists of a series of rules and While coding is defined as the meaning that is
agreements that determine how and in which appropriated to a message by the source, decoding is
context a symbol is to be used (Fiske, 2003:37). described as the unpacking and registering of these
Coding is the meaning attributed to the meanings. During the communication process,
message by the source, and the aim is to analyze messages only gain meaning through the process of
this meaning loaded to the message by the source decoding as they stop being meaningless writings
within the same meaning and give feedback in on a piece of paper or a collection of sounds. The
this direction. The thoughts of the source must be ultimate measure of success for the communication
conveyed in a way that will be clearly understood process is the accuracy of the decoding done by the
by the receiver. Language is the most important receiver. In this case a big determinant for success
step in the process of coding. In this context, is the amount of experience and knowledge shared
important and complicated coding methods such by the source and the receiver (Yüksel, 2008: 18).
as jests, mimics, movements and facial expressions
are all based on language. If we do not know the
words for the objects and events around us, it will Channel and Medium
be naturally difficult to communicate about these. An important condition for the overall success
To define it from another perspective, coding is an of the communication process is to ensure that the
agreed upon the style of expression determining how message that is coded by the sources is actually
the message will be arranged. It can also be described transferred to the receiver. In other words, there is
as the systematic arrangement or comprehensive always a need for an available channel or a tool for
coexistence of symbols, letters and words used for the receiver to get the message (Vural, 2018:9).
communication with their meanings being formed Channel and Medium are components of the
randomly (Pearson and Nelson, 1997: 10). communication process that are often mistaken for
one another. It is easier to define the channel as we
important can simply describe it as the physical object by which
the symbols are transmitted. Examples include radio
In order for the involved parties to assume the roles waves, nervous system, light waves and sound waves.
of the source and the receiver, they must be able to Tools, on the other hand, are physical structures that
code and decode. Coding is essential for the source transform the symbols to the message. Or to put in
and decoding is a must for the receiver. a technical way, tools transform the message into
signals (Fiske, 2003: 35).

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Radio is a tool that contains receivers and communication processes. However, this feedback
transmitters; it transforms conversations into can be in the way the source wants and aims, or it
sound waves which are channels. The television is can occur outside the desired or intended effect by
a tool that also uses transmitters and receivers to creating a different meaning (Kılınç, 2018: 8).
transform visuals and sounds to light waves and A crucial part of the communication process is
sound waves respectively which are also channels. completed when the message constructed by the
The human eye is a tool of nerves; It converts light source is transmitted to the receiver via a channel.
waves (the image is a message) reflected from the What follows after this is the feedback process
image-based actions consisting of his gestures, which includes the reaction of the receiver to the
facial expressions, voice and facial movements to message sent by the source. In brief, feedback is the
the electric waves by the lenses, and it provides the receiver’s reaction to the message. With the start of
transmission to the nervous system and the brain. the feedback process, the receiver becomes the new
Electric waves are channels here. It transmits the source as they begin to construct their message to the
symbols that make up the image message to the new receiver who was previously the source. This role
brain (Kilinc, 2018: 7). exchange takes place as long as the communication
There are three different types of tools: the goes on and demonstrates the cyclical nature of the
first one is presentational tools that utilize the simultaneous communication process. Examining
natural language of mimics, jests, words and facial the feedback by the receiver is a good way to
expressions. Such tools make the presence of both measure the success of the communication process
the source and the receiver as the tool is an actual as it shows if the receiver has decoded the meaning
person. This requires being at the same place at the of the message in a way intended by the source.
same time. The second type is also a presentational The feedback process helps the source determine
tool that draws from social and cultural structures whether the receiver has understood the intended
to create a communicative text such as a book, meaning and how he or she is responding to the
movie, painting or a sculpture. Such tools are the message (Gökçe, 2002: 143).
recorded versions of the ones observed among the
first type of tools which is why they can be called Noise
communicative texts. These tools do not require
Noise can be described as a factor that presents an
two or more individuals in active communication.
obstacle to the various stages of the communication
Synchronization is not a must here . In other
process such as the coding and decoding of the
words, the presence of the receiver and the source
message. Loud noises, distractive images, unusual
at the same place and time is not required. The last
behaviors are examples of physical noise while it
tools are the mechanical tools that use the channels
is also possible to observe spiritual and semantic
created by engineering while transferring the first
forms of noise (Pearson and Nelson, 1997: 11). In
and second category tools such as telephone,
the case of a radio broadcast or a television show,
radio, television, internet. It converts messages
a parasite causing weak signal can be considered an
or messages that are now and here or become
example of noise. In face to face encounters, any
communicative text into electricity, light, sound
outside sound or distractive image that affects the
and radio waves (Fiske, 2003: 36).
communication between the source and the receiver
is noise. An example for this could be the sound
Feedback of a siren that disturbs the students who are trying
Feedback can be defined as the recipient’s to listen to their teacher. In both situations, the
response to the message. As we have mentioned communication process between the source and the
before, in simultaneous communication the receiver is negatively affected. To conclude, noise can
source and the receiver constantly exchange be anything that damages communication and has
their roles. This naturally entails that feedback in a negative effect on the process. (Vural, 2018: 11).
such occasions takes place simultaneously as the One of the important noise possibilities that
communication happens. Of course, feedback interfere with the coding and decoding process is,
is still an important part of non-simultaneous as said, related to the semantic or cultural context.

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Introduction to Communication

Learning Outcomes

3 You will be able to explain the core elements of the communication process

Self Review 3 Relate Tell/Share

Comment on how
What are verbal communication environmental, cultural and Discuss the function of the
skills? social factors shaping the communication process.
communication process.

FORMS OF COMMUNICATION and making connections between the five senses.

Communication as a social relations system can be For human psychology, self-communication carries
classified as the communication with the individuals the same wait eating and sleeping does for their
themselves, interpersonal communication, group biological functions. When humans cannot satisfy
communication, organizational communication their need to communicate with others, they turn to
and mass communication. This approach allows us themselves (Tutar & Yılmaz, 2003).
to examine the individual in the context of initially
the groups and organizations they belong to and Interpersonal Communication
ultimately the society they exist in. Interpersonal communication is “the exchange
of messages that takes place between two or more
Communication of the Individual with individuals”. As a general rule, any communication
Oneself process that includes two or more humans as source
and receiver can be classified as interpersonal
The process of creating, coding and decoding communication. The parties, who engage in
the meanings of messages without expressing them mutual communication produce, transmit and
is an individual’s communication with oneself. The analyze symbols (Tutar & Yılmaz, 2003).
communication of the individual with himself/
herself is the communication that the person attention
establishes with himself. The terms “internal
communication” and “self-communication” are
used for this process (Ünal Çolak, 2018: 27). Interpersonal communication is the type
of communication that takes place via
An individual is always defined by his or her
personal communication tools or face to face
personality. The personality consists of three internal
encounters.
structures. The first structure constitutes the spiritual
qualities and deals with knowledge possessed by
the individual. The second structure is about the Social communication starts with interpersonal
emotional qualities of the individual and constitutes communication. Members of a society all engage
of their opinions and behavior. Finally, the third in communication to exchange their knowledge,
structure is the goal structure and it constitutes the opinions and emotions to ultimately establish
series of values that provide the real motives of the their status as functioning members of their
individual (Tutar & Yılmaz, 2003: 100). societies. Communication system, existing in the
For an individual being introverted in nature of social life and constituting the core of
communication is a psychological phenomenon that the corporate structure, is a phenomenon that
concerns their internal world. This phenomenon aims to regulate interpersonal and intergroup
deals with the person understanding himself/herself relationships. Interpersonal communication is the

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Business Communication

foundation of social communication and corporate The boundaries of interpersonal

communications as its extension. The fundamental communication is where group communication
purpose of communication is to establish and starts. This is why in-group and inter group
further relationships between individuals. communications share a great deal in common
Communication is the cornerstone of community with interpersonal communications. The main
based living and institutionalization. In the absence difference, however, is that here, communication
of communication, the existing of social structures takes place between “individuals who have learned
is unthinkable (Sabuncuoğlu, 2001). to act as a group in unity”. The common elements
In interpersonal communication, a person of a group determine the way they communicate.
can talk to someone else face to face, as well as Just like interpersonal communication, group
communicate with personal tools (letter, phone, communication also requires the participants to
fax, etc.) other than mass media. The openness and be present at the same place and time. The main
development of personal communication channels, reason behind the existence of groups is social
especially in daily life, makes the communication relationships. Groups can perform their various
healthier that individuals will establish. functions only through relationships and such
relationships are always created in the context
of social groups. Different types of relationships
Group Communication are formed depending on the characteristics of a
A simple yet comprehensive definition for group. (Ünal Çolak, 2018: 28) .
a group would be “two or more individuals
interacting with each other”. To elaborate on Organizational Communication
this definition, a group is at least two individuals Human societies are intertwined with
who are psychologically aware of each other, who organizations such as clubs, companies, NGOs,
perceive themselves as part of the group and unite political parties, hospitals and foundations.
in order to work for a common goal. Groups are Generally, an organization can be defined as two
the result of the social nature of human beings. or more individuals working together towards a
The concepts of “group” and “communication” same goal under the framework of a certain set of
are highly relevant to each other: in order to rules and ideals. Organizational communication
sustain themselves, groups rely on interpersonal includes all kinds of methods, tools, equipment
relationships. Social assets called “groups” affect and techniques used in the work of transferring
the “communication behavior” of people (Ünal information, data, perception, understanding,
Çolak, 2018: 28). approach between the various parts and staff
It is impossible to speak of groups in the of an organization, and all types of messages,
absence of interpersonal communications. The written, verbal, and non-verbal in this transfer.
concept of a group does not only entail being (Koçel, 2003). Considering organizational
“together” or “side by side”, these individuals communication as a concept, a definition can
must also engage in active communications to be be ‘the period that includes sharing information,
considered a group. What distinguishes a “group” emotion, understanding and approach among
from a “crowd” is the presence of communication. various organizations and employees of an
Any collection of humans who do not engage in organization, all kinds of tools and methods in
communication with each other are considered this sharing process, various channels and message
a crowd but not a group. For example, the types related to the sharing in question.’ (Gürgen,
audience at a movie theater is only a crowd as 1997: 33). Organizational communication has
they do not communicate with each other. So, important functions that carry crucial weights
to create a group does not only mean assembling for community life that include providing
multiple individuals in the same location. In this information, persuasion and influence,
perspective groups are distinguished from crowds. commanding and instructive communication and
(Ünal Çolak, 2018: 28). merging. (Gürgen, 2007:39).

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Introduction to Communication

a. Providing Information c. Commanding and instructing

The exchange of information is Within organizations, those in higher
accepted as the fundamental function of positions communicate with their inferiors
communication. Information is essential not only to give commands but also to
for an individual to establish healthy instruct them on how they should approach
relationships with their community. their tasks. The lower-ranking members of
Furthermore, it is also essential for the an organization always require education
members of an organization to know the in some form to be better equipped to
how and whys of their undertakings in deal with the tasks they will be given.
order to achieve their goals. This education is more successful when
b. Persuasion and Influence the relationship between higher and lower
ranking members is healthy.
Persuasion is the process of influencing
and changing the behavior, thoughts d. Unification and Coordination
and attitudes of the person and people Another purpose of communication is
in front of the person in the desired way. to unite and coordinate. It is possible by
Influencing is an attempt to change people’s means of communication that people who
attitudes and behaviors in a way that does are culturally involved in a social system
not contradict their wishes and goals. can maintain their mutual relationship and
Although the purpose of communication loyalty. Communication, which enables
about persuasion is clearly demonstrated, individuals to gather around organizational
it is necessary to pursue a more secretive goals, also has an important function
and long-term Communication strategy in in protecting individuals’ psychological
influencing. integrity and balance.

Picture 1.2 Within an organizational structure, formal and non-formal communication constantly complement
each other.

Organizational communication can be classified into two types as formal and informal communication.
Within an organizational structure, formal and non-formal communication constantly complement
each other.

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Business Communication

The system of formal communication includes communication are compared, it can be seen
communication relationships and tools that have that natural communication has the following
emerged based on the formal organizational characteristics (Koçel, 2011: 533):
structure. These channels have been determined • Messages have a high speed of transmission.
in the organizing process to exchange information
• It gives important clues to managers.
and messages within the organization and between
the organization and its environment. The formal • Insecure and uncertain individuals are more
communication system related to the hierarchical likely to believe in the messages that come
authority structure in the organization shows the from these channels.
channels that provide information flow within the • It plays a role that strengthens the
organization and between the organization and organizational culture.
the environment. Formal communication plays • The flow of direction of the messages cannot
an important role in ensuring the integrity of the be predicted.
organization, determining the responsibilities and • It can spread gossip as well as accurate
fulfilling the tasks. information about the organization.
Just like formal communication, informal • It cannot be controlled by management but
communication is also essential for an organization can be affected.
to function. Informal communication includes
many elements such as values, attitudes, perceptions, • It encourages teamwork.
verbal and non-verbal communication processes, • It can be used as a management tool.
as well as completing and supporting all visible
formal processes of an organization. Mass Communication
Informal communication can be defined as a The concept of “mass” in mass communication
web of social relationships that is born out of the implies that the audience is a set of indeterminate
interaction of individuals within an organization. and indistinguishable people in social, political
We can observe informal organizations within and economic terms. Mass communication is the
every formal organizational structure. The effort of giving a message to a much wider audience
friendships between co-workers, shared hobbies compared to that of interpersonal and group
or backgrounds all provide evidence towards the communication. This message can be a spoken word,
existence of informal structures. a written article, a TV show or a news broadcast. The
The informal communication system covers message can take various forms depending on the
the communication that occurs outside the formal technological qualities of the communication tool.
communication structure among the members For example, the television can provide images and
of the organization, which does not depend audios at the same time whereas radio only allows
on the formal regulations, and that arises as a verbal communication. The subject can be related
result of the natural needs of individuals. When to any topic such as entertainment, education,
informal (natural) communication and formal news, sorts, movies or interviews.

Learning Outcomes

4 You will be able to express the choice of interpersonal, group, organizational and mass communication

Self Review 4 Relate Tell/Share

According to you, which type Provide examples of Describe group communication

of communication is more organizational communication in terms of chat environments
effective in educating societies? from your environment. with your friends.

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Introduction to Communication

You will be able to define terms

LO 1 related to communication

Communication, in its bare form, is the sharing of emotions, thoughts or information between at least two
individuals by utilizing different tools and methods. These tools can often be the body of an individual.
The way we act, stand, look or dress can convey how we feel or think to the people around us. The
collection of these acts holds a crucial place in non-verbal communication. However, the voice and words
such as language is one of the most important symbol systems in communication. Even though the use
Summary

of language is central to communicate clearly, the tone of one’s voice and the emphasis on words can also
impact the meanings we convey as much. Even if a message that is delivered in a loud voice aims to convey
a positive meaning, it may come across as negative to the listener.

You will be able to describe

LO 2 the characteristics of the
communication process

Communication as a process is a method of social interaction. This type of interaction requires a specific
cultural context. Communication deals with the conveying of messages. How this message is coded by
sender and how it is interpreted by the receiver carries a significance. Another crucial point in this case is
also the use of the various channels of communication as well as the messages being conveyed clearly in
an articulate manner. One of the definitions of communication was previously introduced as the process
of attempting to change the behavior, thought, habits and emotions of an individual. If this attempt fails,
it is understood that communication was unsuccessful which leads to the discussion on what caused this.
When examining the causes behind communication failure, the related elements can be described by
using concepts such as loudness.

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Business Communication

You will be able to explain

LO 3 the core elements of the
communication process

The main elements of the communication process are source, receiver, message, tools (medium) and
channel, target, reflection (feedback) and noise.
The source is the individual who starts the communication process by creating the message. He or she is
the person who relays the messages acquired through source selection, evaluation and analysis by using
symbols. Message is the thing or item coded with the symbols or icons known by the social environment

Summary
in which the communication process takes place, loaded with information, emotions and thoughts that
are desired to be transferred, shared and reaching the receiver with various communication mediums and
channels. Text, words, facial expressions can be shown as examples. Coding is the meaning attributed to
the message by the source, and the aim is to analyze this meaning loaded to the message by the source
within the same meaning and give feedback in this direction. Channel and tools are components of the
communication process that are often mistaken for one another. It is easier to define channel as we can
simply describe it as the physical object by which the symbols are transmitted. Feedback can be defined as
the recipient’s response to the message. As we have mentioned before, in simultaneous communication the
source and the receiver constantly exchange their roles. Noise can be described as any factor that presents
an obstacle to the various stages of the communication process such as the coding and decoding of the
message. Loud noises, distractive images, unusual behaviors are examples of physical noise while it is also
possible to observe spiritual and semantic forms of noise.

You will be able to express the choice

LO 4 of interpersonal, group, organizational
and mass communication

Communication as a social relations system can be classified as the communication with the individuals
his or her own self, interpersonal communication, group communication, organizational communication
and mass communication. This approach allows us to examine the individual in the context of firstly the
groups and organizations they belong to and ultimately the society that they exist in.

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Introduction to Communication

1 Which of the following concepts defines the 6 Which one defines the meaning attached to
“social interaction process that enables the exchange the message by the source?
of thoughts and emotions among individuals, A. Coding
social clusters and societies through speech, hand-
Test Yourself

B. Decoding
arm movement, writing, and image”?
C. Message
A. War D. Password
B. Relationship E. Code
C. Communication
D. Trade 7 An important condition for the successful
E. Shopping progress of the communication process is that
the message created and coded by the source can
2 Which of the following is not one of the basic be physically sent and received by the receiver /
concepts of the communication process? recipients. Therefore, there is a need for a tool in
sending the message. Which of the following refers
A. Misunderstanding to the means used to convey the message?
B. Message
A. Decoding
C. Code
B. Channel
D. Noise
C. Coding
E. Feedback
D. Feedback
3 Which concept defines the person who starts E. Source
the communication process?
8 Which of the communication process
A. Target B. Receiver concepts defines the “recipient’s response” to the
C. Decoder D. Source message from the source?
E. Noisy
A. Coding B. Decoding
C. Reflection D. Message
4 What is the thing or item coded with the E. Noise
symbols or icons known by the social environment
in which the communication process takes place,
loaded with information, emotions and thoughts 9 What is the name of the things that prevent
that are desired to be transferred, shared and reached the message or the intelligibility of the message in
by the receiver with various communication any way during the coding?
mediums and channels? A. Reflection B. Coding
A. Feedback B. Message C. Message D. Noise
C. Source D. Code E. Source
E. Noise
10 Which of the following concepts describes
5What is the name given to the meaning the type of communication performed with tools
system accepted and shared by members of the such as radio and television?
same culture at a given time and place? A. Individual’s communication with himself
A. Coding B. Interpersonal communication
B. Decoding C. Group communication
C. Message D. Organizational communication
D. Password E. Mass communication
E. The Code

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1. C If your answer is wrong, please review the 6. A If your answer is wrong, please review the
“The Process of Communication” section. “Coding and Decoding” section.

Answer Key for “Test Yourself”

If your answer is wrong, please review the
2. A 7. B If your answer is wrong, please review the
“The Features of The Communication
“Channel” section.
Process” section.

3. D If your answer is wrong, please review the 8. C If your answer is wrong, please review the
“Source and Receiver” section. “Reflection” section.

4. B If your answer is wrong, please review the 9. D If your answer is wrong, please review the
“The Message” section. “Noise” section.

5. E If your answer is wrong, please review the 10. E If your answer is wrong, please review the
“Coding and Decoding” section. “Forms of Communication” section.

Explain why Atatürk’s Westernism did not foresee a pro-

Suggested Answers for “Self Review”

Western foreign policy.

Environmental factors, relationships between individuals, special forms of

self review 1 communication, media, channels or grooves used.

What are the main consequences of the Treaty of

Lausanne for Turkish foreign policy?

Process, as the elements come together and continue to affect each other, the
self review 2 circularity of communication shows that it operates in a process.

What are the main consequences of the Treaty of

Lausanne for Turkish foreign policy?

Good saying, word richness, good sentence establishment, harmonious

self review 3 syntax, selection of necessary and appropriate words.

What are the main consequences of the Treaty of

Lausanne for Turkish foreign policy?

Mass communication describes mass communication. By using mass media,

self review 4 masses and communities can be reached beyond individuals, groups and
organizations.

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Introduction to Communication

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