Effective Communication

Effective Communication

Introduction

The purpose of an effective communication system is to make sure that the sender conveys his message to the recipient or recipients in a clear, coherent and accurate manner so as to elicit an appropriate feedback from them. Communication is pivotal to an organization's success and without it a high quality of service cannot be maintained. It is also essential that effective communication is established throughout all levels of the organizational hierarchy so as to promote greater integration of all operational units (Berger, 2010). The effectiveness of communication is also the key to understanding individual performance and group performance.

Thesis Statement

Formulation and implementation of effective communication strategies can greatly reduce instances of cultural and lingual barriers that exist in military organizations while also increasing the effectiveness of various communications processes such as meeting, phones, emails and informal channels.

Discussion

I am an officer of the US military and work in the finance department. My primary responsibility is to ensure that all the members serving in the military are paid the correct entitlements. The unique nature of my job is such that it requires me to establish and maintain direct contact with all the other departments in order to be able to do my job efficiently. Hence, an effective and well-defined channel of communication is essential in order to ensure that direct contact is successfully maintained across all levels of the organizational hierarchy (Gamage & Pang, 2003).

In the case of the military setting that I serve, communication plays an integral role in ensuring integration of all organizational processes so that they are able to work together for the accomplishment of defined goals. My monthly goal as an officer employed in the finance department is to ensure that appropriate entitlements are disbursed to military personnel while also making sure that they are delivered on time. Hence, it is imperative that quality service is maintained throughout the communication channel.

The flow of communication is generally through meetings, phone, mail, and informal channels and is upward and horizontal in nature. In upward flow of communication, the flow of communication is from bottom to top. This type of communication ensures that the functions of the organization are running efficiently as subordinates are able to convey the issues they encounter to their superiors (Gamage & Pang, 2003). In a military organization, upward movement allows employees to share their ideas and views so that they contribute to the decision-making process.

On the other hand, horizontal communication, which also exists in the organization that I work in, occurs among members sitting at the same level of the organizational hierarchy. Effective horizontal (lateral) communication between line managers and peers makes the communication process more time-friendly while also facilitating coordination of tasks and cooperation among team members (Gamage & Pang, 2003). Horizontal communication is effective for resolving numerous organizational problems as it promises more effective information sharing.

In military organizations, upward communication facilitates grievance redressal, job satisfaction, and complaint and suggestion. They also help with performance reports that are formulated by the lower level management ...