Communication Skills and Ethics in Information Systems glossary

The route the message travels, speech, writing, a phone call, an email.

Taught in Introduction to communication

The process of sharing meaning between a sender and a receiver through a mutually understood system of symbols.

Taught in Introduction to communication

The receiver's response, confirming (or failing to confirm) that the message was understood as intended.

Taught in Introduction to communication

Follows the organisation's official channels and structure, e.g. a report through the chain of command; documented and attributable.

Taught in Introduction to communication

Flows outside official channels, casual conversation, the office “grapevine”; fast but unverified and easily distorted.

Taught in Introduction to communication

Communication between two or more people, the everyday exchange this whole paper is mostly concerned with.

Taught in Introduction to communication

Communication with oneself, internal thought, self-talk, personal reflection before a decision or a difficult conversation.

Taught in Introduction to communication

The idea, information or feeling being communicated.

Taught in Introduction to communication

Anything that distorts or interferes with the message between sender and receiver (see the barriers in the chapter on the communication process).

Taught in Introduction to communication

One speaker addressing a larger audience with limited opportunity for immediate two-way exchange, e.g. a public speech (see the chapter on presentation skills).

Taught in Introduction to communication

The party interpreting the message.

Taught in Introduction to communication

The party originating the message and converting an idea into words, symbols or gestures.

Taught in Introduction to communication

Exchange among a limited number of participants working toward a shared goal, e.g. a project team meeting (see the chapter on meetings).

Taught in Introduction to communication