Importance of feedback in communication

DeVante Davis Mrs. Benson Human Communications 18 July 2012 Organizations are totally reliant on communication, which is defined as the exchange of ideas, messages, or information by speech, signals, or writing. Without communication, organizations would not function. If communication is diminished or hampered, the entire organization suffers. When communication is thorough, accurate, and timely, the organization tends to be vibrant and effective. Feedback is the response by the source to determine if the message has been received and understood after the receiver has decodes and interpreted a message then becomes the sourced also vital part in communication because it enables the original source to evaluate how the receiver has received his or hers. Receivers are not just passive absorbers of messages; they receive the message and respond to them. This response of a receiver to sender’s message is called Feedback. Sometimes a feedback could be a non-verbal smiles, sighs etc. Sometimes it is oral, as when you react to a colleague’s ideas with questions or comments. Feedback is essential in communication so as to know whether the recipient has understood the message in the same terms as intended by the sender and whether he agrees to that message or not. Your audience’s response enables you to evaluate the effectiveness of your message. If your audience doesn’t understand what you mean, you can tell by the response and then refine the message accordingly. Communication plays a very crucial role in an organization. There are different forms of communication through which the intentions of people and animals and even plants alike can be passed across to another. Without communication, life will be very difficult and in fact, it will be full of chaos. There are lot of ways in which companies takes feedback from their employees, such as : Employee surveys, memos, emails, open-door policies, company news letter etc. Employees are not always willing to provide feedback. The organization has to work a lot to get the accurate feedback. The managers encourage feedback by asking specific questions, allowing their employees to express general views. The organization should be receptive to their employee’s feedback. Feedback makes communication meaningful. It is the end-result of an idea and makes communication continuous. In the process of communication, the originator first gets the idea to be passed across and then think of how to get it across via appropriate channel or medium. The ability to communicate well, both orally and in writing, is a critical managerial skill and a foundation of effective leadership. Through communication, people exchange and share information with one another and influence one another’s attitudes, behaviors, and understandings; giving effective feedback is one of the most crucial elements you can to do help employees improve performance. Feedback is not about dishing out criticism, it motivates us and helps us to make course corrections. Works Cited The Importance Of Feedback In Communication By Oluwanisola Seun http://marketingdeviant.com/the-importance-of-communication/ http://www.givingeffectivefeedback.com/ Types of Communication By Kendra Cherry, (About.com)