Background Information for Learners Communication applies to all management functions and its general purpose for the organization to bring positive changes that influence activities leading to the firm's welfare. The communication process starts with the sender who has an idea or a message, which is then transmitted through a selected channel to the receiver, who in turn who has to be ready for the reception of the message, so that it could be decoded into thoughts. Accurate communication occurs when the sender and the receiver understand one another, according to Hobbins and Coulter (2009). Types of Communication Communication may be verbal (through the use of oral and written words) or non-verbal (through body movements, gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, and by touching). Direction and Flow of Communication Communication flows in different directions within an organization. Communication may be vertical, upward, downward, horizontal/lateral, or diagonal. Communication Networks in Organizations Communication networks are varied patterns of combined horizontal and vertical flows of organizational communication. Types of communication networks include Chain network, Wheel network, and channel networks. Barriers of Communication Organization members may encounter various types of barriers that can alter the meaning of communications that they receive. These barriers include filtering, emotions, information overload, defensiveness, language, and national culture. Overcoming Communication Barriers To avoid conflicts resulting from communicating problems, managers try to overcome communication barriers through the use of feedback, simple language, active listening, controlling emotions, and observing body language. Task 2: Analyze what type of communication flow (upward, downward or horizontal) takes place in each workplace scenario. Then, be ready to share in class your answers to the given questions. 1. Mr. Balag has been working as an accounting staff at ABC Corporation for a year now. Recently, the company hired another staff, Miss Lim, to work with Mr. Balag. Miss Lim discovered that Mr. Balag has been committing fraud in the financial reports that he is making. Mr. Balag warned Miss Lim that she should keep quiet and mind her own business. A. What is the flow of communication between Mr. Balag and Miss Lim? Support your answer. B. Do you think Miss Lim should report this to their superiors? If you were Miss Lim what will you do