Meaning of Written Communication: Advantages & Disadvantages

Written Communication: Meaning, Advantages and Disadvantages

Meaning of Written Communication:

A written communication is a formal method and it is a rigid form of communication where any instructions or orders are passed in written form such as letters, emails, reports, manuals, bulletins, office memos, telegrams etc. It's become a permanent record and an evidence of any business organization for future reference.

In other words to make messages more effective then messages must be concerned with principles of 7C's of communication. 7c's are as follows: Clarity, Correctness, Conciseness, Courtesy, Concreteness, Consideration and Completeness.

WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

Written communication is time consuming in comparison to oral communication. Sometimes it becomes unsuitable for the circumstances where conditions are highly critical and instruction only depends on Management. 

Advantages of Written Communication

There are following points of advantages of Written Communication:

1) Written communication provides understanding in clear form where one can easily refer many times to prevent the ambiguity regarding any order or instruction which is in the form of written communication.

2) As we discussed above, one can refer many times to prevent ambiguity hence the result is less chance of distortion.

3) Written communication is considered as formal communication, and mostly this method is used in the business organization or any order passed by any law or any Government in written form.

4) Written communication is more effective due to its wide acceptability, because the number of people gives more preference to written documents.

5) Written communication provides assistance for future reference. Because It is considered as a permanent record which may be further used.

6) The major advantage of written communication is its reduced risk.

Disadvantages of Written Communication

There are following points of disadvantages of Written Communication:

1) Written communication as discussed is formal communication where the authority of decision making of chief executives are centralized. Then any concerned person is not able to take any action in any critical condition.

2) Written communication is more expensive because to convey written messages materials are required such as paper, ink, printing machine etc.

3) Written communication is time consuming. The process of transmission of written messages to its destination is a lengthy process because it is sent through a letter which may consume more time.

4) Written communication is a formal communication where a set of rules and regulations are followed strictly no one is able to make change in any condition, thus everyone depended on the order of chief executives.

5) Written communication is useless as well as meaningless when the recipient of the messages is illiterate, he neither able to read nor understand.

NOTE: The above used picture is not my individual or personal property, it is basically used for illustration purpose.

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