In the workplace, communication is often used to pass information from one person to another. Usually, communication involves the sender and the receiver or the recipient; these two people must agree for communication to happen. There are three types of communication, written communication being one. They all have limitations and merits. However, we will look at the limitations and merits of written communication in this article.
What is written communication?
Written communication is the use of the written word in passing information to people such as email, notice board, company handbook, policy documents, risk assessment, operating manual, minutes of the meeting, Job hazard analysis, etc
Limitations and Merits of written communication.
1.Recipients may not read the message.
Often, written communication may be bypassed by the recipient because it’s not directly given to them. When this happens, the purpose of communication is defeated.
2.The recipient may have a bad Vision.
If someone’s vision is very bad, they may not be able to see written communication very well. And when a written communication is not seen properly, the purpose of the communication is defeated.
3.Too much time.
Writing a written communication takes a lot of time, and most people may not want to engage in it. Rather, they may wish to use verbal communication to save time.
4.Language barrier.
When communication is in a language different from what the recipient knows, a barrier is already formed, and when there is a barrier in communication, that communication is ineffective.
5.It can be impersonal.
Such communications mostly look formal and are not personal to someone. It may not convey a direct message to a particular person.
6.Sometimes, questions arising from it remain unanswered.
Written communication may raise some questions, but there will not be anyone to answer them immediately. So, the recipient must wait a long time before getting an answer if it comes.
7.Ambiguous message.
Sometimes, the message may not be clear and may look ambiguous to the recipient.
Merits of written communication
1.Permanent Record.
It has a permanent record. People can always go back to refer to the record. However, such documents might be destroyed intentionally or unintentionally.
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2.A wide audience can receive it.
The communication can reach a wider audience. For this to happen, It may not cost much.
3.Carefully written
Sometimes, it can be written carefully to remove ambiguity or jargon.
Onyeka Emma is a QHSE Professional with more than 10 years of experience in occupational health and safety, which spans many industries such as construction, beverage, oil and gas, etc. He has many health and safety certifications, including NEBOSH IGC, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 Lead auditor certificate. A member of IOSH, ISPON, and Nigeria Red Cross Society. He is interested in business, entrepreneurship, Speaking, and motivating people to do better for themselves. He enjoys leisure with a good motivational book.
