Communication can be defined as the process of relaying information with the purpose of creating meaning (Samovar, Porter & McDaniel, 2009).
Therefore, effective communication refers to relaying information to achieve the intended objective. There are various techniques that an organization can apply to ensure communication is effective, whether communicating internally or externally. Some of these techniques were used by Rehab Center and they include: Participation technique whereby employees are included in decision making.
This is particularly critical in communication to the external environment which includes current and potential customers, prospective and current partners such as suppliers. For instance before communicating Rehab Center’s vision and mission, the employees were first involved in the development such that they were proud of the organization and acted in ways that communicate the mission and vision.
The second one is using appropriate mode, whereby the communicator ensures that the mode chosen is appropriate for the message to be relayed. For instance some modes are suitable for personal information only, for instance an evaluation of the performance of Rehab’s employee was sent through letters.
Particularly because if posted on a memo then the employee whose performance was below expectation and improvement is required may not react appropriately due to embarrassment (HR magazine, 2008).
Thirdly there is two-way communication which is important because if the Manager of Rehab Center only gives instructions and does not receive feedback from his subjects, then employees might not act as instructed probably for lack of clarification or motivation as they will be feeling suppressed.
Honestly acting on feedback can also help in effective communication and sharing of ideas. For instance if the leadership asks for workers’ opinions and incorporates them in decision making, then the employees will always be willing to communicate anything that they feel is important for the company’s success (Guffey, Rogin, & Rhodes, 2009).
Lastly promptness and flexibility can ensure effective communication whereby incase of crisis communication is done to put everyone in the light. Additionally, flexibility will promote sharing of information where if one has crucial information he can present it to the party concerned depending on the urgency.
One ineffective way of communication is where an organization uses only top-bottom communication, whereby orders come from above and they should not be questioned. Another ineffective way is promoting hierarchical orders over teamwork for this kills trust which is essential for communication and sharing.
Application of the Techniques in Healthcare Sector
Though in the medical sector there are a lot of protocols, interdepartmental meetings can be used for the various departments can share information on how they can cooperate.
In addition, participation can help the nurses, physicians and the other employees will agree on the picture they will present to their external environment. Through openness and flexibility the employees of a given medical center can seek information from other practitioners from outside the organization and be able to share it with their colleagues.
Through two-way communication the employees such as physicians can research on new medical information and share it with the management. Therefore the management should be able to appreciate the effort by such individuals hence encourage them to continuously share, which can eventually become a culture (Cherry & Jacob, 2005).
Impact of Technology in Communication Process
Technology has increased the speed of communication process, particularly because it has led to invention of means that can relay information in a shorter period than postal means or even sending a person for example emails. Technology has also countered the barriers of distance such that people in two distance parts of the world can communicate effectively without having to travel and meet.
For example, through the use of video conferencing people are able to interact as though they at the same place (Thomas, 1999). Technology also has negative impact in communication.
For instance it has changed the social life where people no longer meet to socialize but prefer cheaper technological means at the expense of communal benefits hence even families do not meet frequently as was the custom.
References
Cherry, B and Jacob, S. R. (2005). Contemporary nursing: issues, trends, & management. Amsterdam: Elsevier Health Sciences.
Guffey, M. E., Rogin, R. and Rhodes, K. (2009). Business communication: process and product. Mason, OH: Thomson South Western Educational Publishing.
HR magazine. (2008). Effective organizational communication: a competitive advantage. December 01. Web.
Samovar, L. A., Porter, R. E. and McDaniel, E. R. (2009). Intercultural Communication: A reader. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Thomas, M. (1999). The impacts of technology on communication -mapping the limits of online discussion forums. Web.