Business communication
| English | Chinese | Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
| communication | 沟通 | gōu tōng |
| feedback | 反馈 | fǎn kuì |
| vertical | 纵向 | zòng xiàng |
| horizontal | 横向 | héng xiàng |
| formal | 正式 | zhèng shì |
| informal | 非正式 | fēi zhèng shì |
| grapevine | 小道消息 | xiǎo dào xiāo xī |
| jargon | 行话 | háng huà |
| information overload | 信息过载 | xìn xī guò zài |
Getting the message across
- A brilliant decision is worthless if no one understands it. Businesses live or die by communication 沟通.
- Good communication is clear, timely and flows both ways.
Communication route lab
Watch a message move from sender to feedback and see where noise can enter.
Two-way communication is usually more effective because it:
Feedback confirms the message was understood.
The response from the receiver in two-way communication is called ______.
Feedback confirms understanding.
One-way vs two-way
- One-way: information sent with no reply expected (a notice).
- Two-way: the receiver responds, allowing feedback 反馈 — usually more effective.
An organisation chart with its chain of command and span of control
The informal communication network in a business is often called the:
The grapevine is informal, unofficial communication.
Vertical communication flows up and down the hierarchy.
Instructions flow down, feedback flows up.
Direction and channels
- Vertical 纵向: up and down the hierarchy (instructions down, feedback up).
- Horizontal 横向: between people at the same level.
- Formal 正式 channels (meetings, reports) vs informal 非正式 ("the grapevine 小道消息").
The communication process, including feedback
Which are barriers to communication? (Select all that apply.)
Clear messages help; the others are barriers.
Barriers to communication
- Too many levels slow and distort messages.
- Jargon 行话, language and noise, or simply information overload 信息过载, block understanding.
Worked example. A message passed down five levels of a tall hierarchy arrives late and garbled — a classic barrier. Delayering or using direct channels (email, team apps) fixes it.
You've got it
- two-way communication allows feedback and is usually more effective
- channels are vertical/horizontal and formal/informal (the grapevine)
- barriers include too many levels, jargon, noise and overload