Concept, Nature, and Significance of Communication Process

Concept of Communication Process

Definition

• Communication is the process of transmitting and sharing ideas, facts, knowledge, information, and emotions between two or more individuals or groups to achieve mutual understanding, cooperation, and coordinated action.
• It plays a vital role in human relationships, education, agriculture, governance, and development.
• In short, communication means making common or sharing meaning between people.

Etymology

• The word communication comes from the Latin word “Communis”, which means “common”.
• Thus, communication is the process of establishing a common understanding between the sender and the receiver.

Concept

• Communication is not just sending words or information — it is a two-way, continuous, and purposeful process that ensures the message is not only delivered but also understood and acted upon correctly by the receiver.
• In agricultural context, communication connects:
• Research Stations → Extension Workers → Farmers
• This linkage ensures the transfer of technology and innovations from laboratory to land.

2. Process of Communication

• Communication involves a systematic sequence of steps or elements that work together to make understanding possible.
• Below is the Communication Process Model:
• Sender → Message → Channel → Receiver → Feedback → (Noise/Barriers may interfere)

i) Sender (Source or Communicator)

• The person or group who initiates the message.
• The sender conceives, encodes, and transmits the message.
• A sender must have clarity, confidence, and credibility. Example: An agricultural scientist explaining a new seed variety to farmers.

ii) Message

• The content or information that is being communicated.
• It can be in the form of facts, ideas, instructions, or emotions.
• The message must be clear, accurate, and relevant to the receiver’s needs.
• Example: “Use drip irrigation to save 40% water and increase yield.”

iii) Channel (Medium)

• The means or path through which the message is transmitted.
• It can be verbal (speech, meeting), written (letter, circular), or non-verbal (gestures, visuals).
• The selection of an appropriate channel depends on the message, audience, and purpose.
• Examples: Farm radio, demonstration, mobile phone, group meeting, poster, or Kisan app.

iv) Receiver (Audience)

• The person or group who receives and interprets the message.
• Successful communication occurs when the receiver understands the message as intended.
• Example: Farmers attending a training program or students listening to a lecture.

v) Feedback

• The receiver’s response or reaction to the sender’s message.
• Feedback confirms whether the message was understood correctly or misunderstood.
• It makes communication two-way and interactive.
• Example: Farmers asking questions or showing interest after a demonstration.

vi) Noise or Barriers (Interference)

• Anything that distorts or interrupts the message or understanding.
• It may be physical, psychological, semantic, or cultural.
• Example: Noise in a meeting, poor internet connection, use of technical language, or lack of attention.

3. Nature / Characteristics of Communication

Communication is not a simple act; it has several unique characteristics that define its behavior and impact.

Two-way Process

• Effective communication involves both sending and receiving of messages.
• The sender transmits the message, and the receiver provides feedback.
• This ensures mutual understanding and correction of errors.
• Example: A teacher explains crop diseases; students ask questions for clarification.

Continuous Process

• Communication is ongoing and never-ending.
• It continues throughout personal, social, and professional life.
• Even silence, expressions, and gestures communicate something.
• Example: A farmer continuously communicates with traders, extension workers, and family members about farming decisions.

Purposeful Activity

• Every communication has a specific goal or purpose.
• Common purposes include informing, educating, persuading, motivating, or entertaining.
• Example: An extension officer communicates to motivate farmers to adopt organic farming.

Pervasive Function (Omnipresent)

• Communication occurs everywhere — in families, schools, organizations, governments, and communities.
• It is an essential part of human and organizational life.
• Example: Discussions in a farmers’ cooperative, classroom interaction, or government meetings.

Dynamic and Flexible

• Communication is constantly changing due to new technologies, social changes, and culture.
• It adapts to the situation and audience.
• Example: Using digital media like WhatsApp and YouTube to reach farmers instead of traditional leaflets.

Based on Understanding

• The success of communication is measured by the receiver’s understanding.
• If the receiver misunderstands, the purpose of communication fails.
• Example: Farmer correctly interpreting pesticide dosage means successful communication.

Symbolic Nature

• Communication uses symbols (words, pictures, gestures, signs) to represent meaning.
• Language, images, and tone are symbolic forms.
• Example: A red cross symbol for medical help, or a crop image in an agricultural poster.

Contextual

• Communication depends on the context — culture, environment, emotion, and social background.
• A message suitable for one context may fail in another.
• Example: Farmer meetings in rural India should use local language, visuals, and examples instead of English or complex scientific terms.

4. Significance of Communication

Communication is the foundation of human interaction and development.
It plays an important role in personal life, education, agriculture, professional life, and national development.

A) In Personal Life

• Builds and maintains relationships, trust, and empathy.
• Helps express feelings, needs, and ideas clearly.
• Reduces misunderstandings and conflicts.
• Improves confidence, behavior, and personality.
• Example: Expressing gratitude or resolving misunderstandings through open communication builds stronger family bonds.

B) In Educational Life

• Enhances the teaching-learning process by making concepts clear.
• Promotes active participation and interactive learning.
• Builds presentation, debate, and leadership skills.
• Helps share scientific knowledge effectively.
• Example: Classroom discussions, seminars, and group projects improve students’ analytical and communication skills.

C) In Agriculture and Extension

• Acts as a bridge between scientists and farmers.
• Facilitates technology transfer (e.g., new seed varieties, irrigation methods, fertilizers).
• Creates awareness about government programs and subsidies (like PM-Kisan, crop insurance, or soil health cards).
• Encourages farmer participation in planning and rural development.
• Essential for training, demonstrations, field visits, farm radio/TV programs, and ICT-based communication.
• Example: Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) use radio, demonstrations, and WhatsApp to communicate modern practices to farmers.

D) In Professional and Organizational Life

• Ensures coordination, cooperation, and teamwork among employees.
• Improves decision-making and leadership effectiveness.
• Helps in resolving conflicts and maintaining a positive workplace culture.
• Builds organizational image, reputation, and trust.
• Example: Communication between research departments and field officers ensures smooth implementation of agricultural projects.

E) In National Development

• Creates public awareness about health, environment, sanitation, and social issues.
• Strengthens democracy by promoting citizen participation and transparency.
• Supports rural modernization, literacy campaigns, and disaster management.
• Promotes agricultural growth → food security → economic progress.
• Example: Communication strategies are used in programs like Digital India, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Krishi Darshan, and PM-Kisan Yojana.

5. Importance of Communication in Agricultural Development

Communication is the lifeblood of agricultural extension. It connects research, education, and practical farming.