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What is formal communication?
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All Flashcards in Topic 2.6
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2.6.115 cards
What is formal communication?
Communication through official channels (e.g. reports, official emails, meetings) with an identifiable source.
Official channels.
What is communication in business?
The transfer of information from a sender to a receiver so the message is understood and acted upon.
Sender → receiver.
Communication is the transfer of ______ from sender to receiver.
Information.
Message transfer.
Give one advantage of verbal communication.
It is fast and allows immediate feedback and clarification.
Quick + feedback.
Written communication provides a permanent ______.
Record.
Keep evidence.
Give one advantage of formal communication.
It is clear, professional and creates a record, reducing confusion.
Record = clarity.
Give one advantage of written communication.
It provides a permanent record and can be shared consistently with many people.
Record + consistency.
What is informal communication?
Communication outside official channels (the grapevine), such as casual conversations or chat groups.
Grapevine.
Downward communication flows from managers to ______.
Subordinates.
Top-down.
The grapevine is a form of ______ communication.
Informal.
Unofficial.
What is downward communication?
Information sent from managers to subordinates (e.g. instructions, policies, feedback).
Top-down.
Give one disadvantage of informal communication.
It can spread rumours, become distorted and has no reliable record.
Fast but unreliable.
Exam tip: When analysing communication, what two things should you mention?
Direction (up/down/horizontal/external) and whether it is formal or informal.
Direction + type.
What is horizontal (lateral) communication?
Communication between employees at the same level, often for coordination and teamwork.
Same level.
Effective communication means the message is understood and ______ upon.
Acted.
Understood + action.
2.6.210 cards
What is a communication barrier?
Anything that prevents a message from being received and understood correctly.
Blocks understanding.
One barrier type is using the wrong ______ (e.g. text for a sensitive issue).
Channel.
Right method matters.
Give one example of a language barrier at work.
Jargon/technical terms the receiver does not understand, or different first languages.
Keep language simple.
Language and cultural differences are common barriers for ______ businesses.
International.
MNC issues.
Encouraging ______ helps check the message was understood.
Feedback.
Confirm understanding.
How can a long chain of command create barriers?
Messages can be delayed, filtered or distorted as they pass through many layers.
Layers distort.
Give one solution to overcome communication barriers.
Use clear language, choose the right channel, encourage feedback, use visual aids, or train staff.
Solution + barrier.
Reducing layers in the chain of command can reduce message ______.
Distortion.
Less filtering.
Exam tip: In barrier questions, what must you always do?
Identify the specific barrier and suggest a realistic way to overcome it.
Barrier + fix.
What is information overload?
Too much information at once, making it hard for the receiver to identify what matters.
Too much to process.
2.6.38 cards
Remote working can increase employee ______ because people are physically separated from the team.
Isolation.
Distance hurts belonging.
Give one communication challenge caused by remote working.
Isolation, misinterpretation of written messages, time-zone issues, technology dependence, or reduced spontaneity.
Remote = extra barriers.
Why can remote teams misinterpret messages more easily?
Written messages lack tone and body language, increasing misunderstandings.
No tone cues.
Written messages can be misinterpreted because they lack ______ and body language.
Tone.
Text is risky.
Give one solution to reduce isolation in remote working.
Regular video calls, virtual social events, and planned team check-ins.
Maintain connection.
One way to reduce isolation in remote teams is regular ______ calls.
Video.
Face-to-face helps.
Remote working can affect motivation by reducing belonging (Maslow Level ______).
3.
Belonging needs.
Exam tip: For a remote-working communication question, what must you always do?
Identify the specific barrier, suggest a practical solution, and apply it to the business and role.
Barrier + fix + case.
Topic 2.6 study notes
Full notes & explanations for Communication
BM exam skills
Paper structures, command terms & tips
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