Communication Models
Definition :
A Communication model is a theoretical framework that describes the process of communication between two or more people or entities. The model provides a structure to understand how messages are transmitted and received by a sender and a receiver.
Communication models are representations of the process that help people understand how communication works. They break down communication into simpler components, using metaphors and symbols to show the process.
While models can sometimes encourage traditional thinking and stereotypes, they also help organize the components of communication in a logical way. Before choosing a communication model, it's important to consider the purpose of communication and the methods and channels that will be used. Businesses and other organizations often use models to evaluate their communication strategies and explore their options. Communication models also help predict how receivers will interpret a message.
Types of Communication Model :
There are several types of communication models that describe the process of how people exchange information and ideas. Some of the most common models include:
- Linear Communication Model:
- Interactive Communication Model:
- Transactional Communication Model:
- Westley-MacLean Model:
- Shannon-Weaver Model:
1.Linear Communication Model :
The Linear Communication Model is a simple and straightforward approach to communication that involves a one-way flow of information from a sender to a receiver through a channel. It includes three basic components: the sender who encodes the message, the message itself, and the receiver who decodes the message.
This model assumes that the communication is successful if the receiver understands the message in the way the sender intended it. However, it does not take into account feedback or the possibility of noise or interference in the communication process. Different models that follow linear model of communication are:
- Lasswell’s Model
- Shannon Weaver Model
- Berlo’s S-M-C-R Model
Key Features:
- One-Way Flow: Communication flows in a linear direction, from the sender to the receiver.
- Sender and Receiver: The communication model involves a sender who encodes the message and a receiver who decodes the message.
- Noise: The model recognizes the possibility of interference, called noise, that can distort or interrupt the message during transmission.
Pros:
- Simplicity: The linear communication model is easy to understand, and it is often used as a basic model in communication studies.
- Efficiency: The model works well in situations where the communication is simple and straightforward, and there is little need for feedback.
- Control: The sender has control over the message, and can manipulate the message to achieve a desired response from the receiver.
Cons:
- Lack of Context: The model does not account for the complexity of communication, such as cultural differences, personal biases, or situational factors that can affect the interpretation of the message.
- Limited Feedback: The model does not allow for immediate feedback or interaction between the sender and receiver, which can lead to misinterpretation or misunderstanding of the message.
- Oversimplification: The model can oversimplify the communication process, and does not account for the dynamic and multidirectional nature of communication.
2.Interactive Communication Model :
The interactive communication model is a two-way process of communication that involves both the sender and the receiver in the exchange of messages. This model includes feedback, which allows the receiver to respond and provide their own input. It also involves the use of a channel, which can be verbal, nonverbal, or written.
The interactive communication model is more dynamic than the linear communication model, as it allows for a greater exchange of information and ideas between the sender and receiver.Different models that follow interactive model of communication are:
- Schramm’s Interactive Model
Key Features:
- Feedback: The interactive communication model stresses the importance of feedback, allowing the sender to know if their message was received correctly and to adjust their message accordingly.
- Encoding and decoding: The model acknowledges that both the sender and receiver are responsible for encoding and decoding messages, as both bring their own experiences and interpretations to the communication.
- Context: The interactive communication model recognizes that the context of the communication, such as the environment, cultural background, and individual experiences, can affect the interpretation of messages.
- Improved understanding: By encouraging active participation and feedback, the interactive communication model can lead to a better understanding between the sender and receiver.
- Greater engagement: This model can lead to greater engagement between the sender and receiver, as both parties are actively participating in the communication.
- Flexibility: The interactive communication model can be used in a variety of settings and situations, making it a flexible approach to communication.
- Time-consuming: The interactive communication model requires more time and effort than other communication models, as it involves active participation and feedback from both parties.
- Not always appropriate: This model may not be appropriate for all situations, such as when there is a time constraint or when one party is not interested in participating.
- Misunderstandings can still occur: Despite the emphasis on feedback and active participation, misunderstandings can still occur in the interactive communication model, particularly if there are cultural or language barriers.
3.Transactional Communication Model:
The Transactional Communication Model is a communication process where both the sender and receiver simultaneously send and receive messages, making it a dynamic and interactive process. In this model, communication is viewed as an ongoing and ever-changing process, with both parties being equally responsible for the meaning and understanding of the message.
The model emphasizes the importance of context and feedback in communication, as well as the role of shared meaning and understanding. It is often used in interpersonal and small group communication settings. Different models that follow transactional model of communication are:
- Barnlund’s Transactional Model
- Becker’s Mosaic Model
- Helical Model
Key Features:
- Encoding and Decoding: In the Transactional Communication Model, both parties encode and decode messages, which means that they interpret and understand messages from their own perspective.
- Feedback: Feedback is an essential component of the Transactional Communication Model. Both the sender and receiver provide feedback to ensure that the message has been correctly understood.
- Contextual: The Transactional Communication Model takes into account the context in which the communication is occurring. The context includes the physical environment, social norms, and the relationship between the sender and receiver.
- Efficient: The Transactional Communication Model is an efficient communication process as both parties can exchange messages simultaneously. This leads to faster and more effective communication.
- Clarity: The feedback component of the Transactional Communication Model ensures that both parties understand the message. This clarity can help avoid misunderstandings and improve the overall communication process.
- Contextualization: The Transactional Communication Model takes into account the context in which the communication is occurring. This allows both parties to understand the situation and tailor their messages accordingly.
- Noise: The Transactional Communication Model can be affected by noise, which can interfere with the message being sent and received. Noise can include distractions or external factors that affect the communication process.
- Complexity: The Transactional Communication Model can be more complex than other communication models, particularly when dealing with sensitive or emotionally charged topics.
- Limited: The Transactional Communication Model may not be suitable for all types of communication, particularly one-way communication such as speeches or presentations. It works best in situations where both parties need to exchange information and interact with each other.
Other Communication Models :
4.Westley-MacLean Model:
The Westley-MacLean model is a communication model that consists of six elements: source, message, channel, receiver, effect, and feedback. It suggests that effective communication occurs when the message sent by the source is received and understood by the receiver, resulting in the desired effect. The model emphasizes the importance of feedback, which helps to ensure that the message was received and understood as intended.
The model is widely used in communication studies and has been applied to various contexts, including healthcare, education, and business.
Key Features:
- Feedback Loop: The model includes a feedback loop that allows the sender to receive feedback from the receiver. This feedback can be used to modify subsequent messages and improve the overall communication process.
- Noise: The model accounts for noise in the communication process. Noise can include external factors such as physical distractions, as well as internal factors such as biases and assumptions that can affect how the message is received.
- Simplicity: The Westley-MacLean Communication Model is easy to understand and apply. It provides a basic framework for understanding the communication process and can be used by individuals at all levels of communication.
- Feedback: The model emphasizes the importance of feedback in the communication process. This feedback can be used to improve subsequent messages and ensure that the intended message is received.
- Linearity: The model is linear in nature and does not account for the complexity of communication. Communication is often more complex than a simple linear model can capture.
- Lack of Context: The model does not take into account the context of the communication. The context, including the culture and environment in which the communication takes place, can greatly affect how the message is received and understood.
5.Shannon-Weaver Model:
The Shannon-Weaver Communication Model is a mathematical model of communication that was developed in 1948. It consists of the following key features:
- Source: The source is the originator of the message. It could be an individual or an organization.
- Message: The message is the information that the source wishes to transmit to the receiver.
- Encoder: The encoder is responsible for converting the message into a form that can be transmitted, such as a digital signal.
- Channel: The channel is the medium through which the message is transmitted. It could be a telephone line, a fiber optic cable, or a wireless connection.
- Decoder: The decoder is responsible for converting the encoded message back into a form that can be understood by the receiver.
- Receiver: The receiver is the person or organization that receives the message.
- Noise: Noise refers to any interference that may disrupt the transmission of the message.
- The communication process involves a sender and a receiver. The sender is the person who initiates the message and sends it through a channel to the receiver, who is the person receiving the message.
- The Shannon-Weaver model recognizes that noise is a common problem in communication. Noise can be anything that interferes with the message being sent, such as physical noise, distractions, or even biases. The model suggests that the effectiveness of the communication process depends on how well the sender can encode the message and how well the receiver can decode it, despite any noise or other barriers that may be present.
- The model is widely used in communication studies and has been influential in shaping the field.
- The model provides a useful framework for analyzing the communication process, particularly in technical and scientific contexts.
- The model assumes that communication is a linear, one-way process, which does not reflect the complexity of real-life communication.
- The model does not take into account the context in which communication takes place, such as cultural differences or power imbalances between the source and the receiver.