Knowledge Resource Centre

Communication

The process of transferring information from one part of the business to another that leads to some outcome, changed behaviour or changed practice. Communication can follow formal or informal pathways via established and agreed procedures, or through an informal 'grapevine'. There are many communication 'methods', including verbal, written and electronic, and many 'mediums', including letters, reports and email. The choice of these various media and methods are affected by a need for record, the direction of the information flow, the number of people to be reached, confidentiality, nature of the information and cost of the medium.