P1 - Business Communication Essay

Submitted By elishax1
Words: 1409
Pages: 6

Explain different types of business information, their sources and purposes.

Types of information

Verbal Information - Verbal communication can either be done face to face or over the phone. The most effective way to communicate would be face to face, as there is less chance of misunderstanding and it allows for verbal and nonverbal messages. The advantage of using verbal information would be because it is much easier to communicate verbally that any other way. This is because you can understand the body language used and the tone, whereas in written information sometimes the tone can be misunderstood. You get to understand every detail that it being spoken by the other person. For example Superdrug communicates with their staff verbally at staff meetings and appraisals, and one to one meetings about new plans for the business or any changes being made. This is an advantage because the staff can then ask any questions about the changes and can express their opinions. The employee will feel much more valued and appreciated if the employer listens and takes on their views. The disadvantage of using verbal information is that it’s not always possible that Superdrug have time to meet in person to discuss changes and plans, as the company is demanding and needs a lot of time to run the business.
Written Information - Written communication allows businesses to communicate developments, expectations and legalities to employees and contracts in the outside world. It is the symbols of verbal communication. Written communication involves any type of message that makes use of the written word. It is the most important and the most effective of business communication. An advantage of written communication is there is no need for personal contact, you can tell an employee he or she has to work overtime through an email rather than wasting time and doing it face to face. However there are some disadvantages to written communication, which can mean there can sometimes be a delay and it can take a while to get to the recipient. It is important everyone in the business can develop effective written communication skills.
Onscreen information - This is where information may be produced on screen. For example, this could include a multimedia clip, a powerpoint, a video, or an email. All of this is available on screen, and can be made easy to read and clear. This is a fast and effective way of collecting information. For example if Superdrug needed to train someone in a specific area. They may use a powerpoint, as this is an effective and quick way of training them. Onscreen communication can also have disadvantages a lot of things on screen or over the internet is false.
Multimedia Information - Multimedia communication is through animation, audio, graphics, text and full motion video through computer hardware and software for education, entertainment or training. Multimedia communication can be used to advertise products for sale and to allow users to buy products online and to use online services, for example online banking. They can also be used to present information on a wide number of areas.
Web based information - Web based communication displays many benefits of technology. Using today’s fast broadband connections it is possible to stream sophisticated content to a computer anywhere in the world. This is a massive advantage as the information can be received and read wherever and whenever it is convenient for them, which can be a crucial factor for a busy executive. Web based information is an information system that uses internet web technologies to deliver information and services to users or other companies.

Purpose of information
Some of the main purposes of information are;
Updating knowledge
Informing future developments
Strategic direction
SWOT analysis
Offering competitive insight
Communicating Sales promotions
Inviting support for activities
Updating knowledge is a massive purpose of