Methods of Communication

1. Methods of Communication The effects of good and poor communication on WDP

2. What methods of communication do WDP use to communicate? Group Starter question: • Identify which methods of communication WDP use to communicate. Separate these into Oral, written and electronic methods. • List the advantages and disadvantages of WDP using each of these methods to communicate.

3. Benefits Messages can be keyed in and stored until needed. People can keep in touch easily. One message can be sent to a number of different people at the same time. Can be printed out Attachments. Messages can be saved. Drawbacks Users need a modem and computer and provider. Connections can be lost. Users have to check their mail regularly. Server problems will affect communication. Easy to delete messages. Messages can be intercepted – not good for confidentiality. Benefits and drawbacks of using Email

4. Benefits Save people travelling to meetings (John). Face to face communication. Saving cost and time. Drawbacks Links may not be good. Hardware is expensive. Everyone needs to be available at the same time. Benefits and drawbacks of WDP using video conferencing

5. Benefits Everyone gets the same information. Issues can be discussed freely. Feedback can be given and received, immediately. Problems can be sorted quickly Drawbacks In large meetings there is no way of checking that everyone is listening, or understood. Not everyone is always available. Not everyone has confidence to talk at meetings. Cost of travelling to meetings. Benefits and drawbacks of WDP meetings

6. Benefits Speed – Can be used to create invoices, prepare budgets, produce quotations, keep track of travel expenses. Time saving – calculations can be made in a fraction of a second. Accuracy Adaptability Drawbacks Complexity – Use ofFormulas Set-up cost – Buying hardware and software, cost of training, and updates. Benefits and drawbacks of WDP using a computerised system to manage their finances.

7. Benefits of WDP having good communication • Ensures that action is consistent and coordinated. • Encourages motivation – as employees feel they have a say. • Jobs can be completed correctly and on time. • Provides shareholders, directors and managers with information on which to base decisions. • Provides feedback.

8. Drawbacks of WDP having poor communication • Orders can be lost. • Poor motivation • Loss of shareholders • Increased workload – trying to mend errors. • Poor business image.

9. EXAM QUESTION • The directors of WDP plan to use the internet to advertise their new product range. Discuss whether this is an appropriate method. (4 marks) 2. WDP also communicates with interested people through its website, which has an e-mail facility. What are the advantages, to WDP, of communicating electronically via the website and e-mail.