Functions of communication

Functions of Communication

Control

-communication controls member behavior in several ways. a) Employees are required to follow authority hierarchies and formal guidelines. b) Informal communication also controls behavior. (1) When work groups tease or harass a member who produces too much, they are informally commu­nicating with, and controlling, the member’s behavior.

Emotional Expression

-for many employees, their work group is a primary source for social interac­tion. a) Communication within the group is a fundamental mech­anism by which members show their frustrations and feelings of satisfaction. b) Com­munication provides an avenue for expression of emotions and fulfillment of social needs.

Motivation

-communication fosters motivation by clarifying for employees what is to be done, how well they are doing, and what can be done to improve performance. a) The formation of specific goals, feedback on progress toward the goals, and reinforcement of desired behavior all stimulate motivation and require communication.

Information

The final function that communication performs is related to its role in facilitating decision making. a) It provides the needed information.