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QUESTION 1: COMMUNICATION AND THE ORGANISATION
1.1. Communication fields and disciplines are various and interconnected. In some cases, they
may overlap. These fields explore how individuals, groups, and organisations interact and
exchange information. Identify and discuss six (6) communication fields (Barker & Angelopulo,
2013).
Communication Fields and Disciplines
Communication fields are interconnected areas of study and practice that examine how individuals,
groups, and organisations exchange information. These fields often overlap but remain distinct in
their scope, methods, and objectives. Six major communication fields can be identified and discussed
as follows (Angelopulo & Barker, 2013).
Business Communication
Business communication refers to the deliberate and goal-oriented use of communication to achieve
organisational objectives. It is primarily skills-based, focusing on improving written and oral
communication, particularly in dyadic contexts such as one-on-one interactions. The field
emphasizes clarity, conciseness, and the ability to meet business goals through effective information
exchange. Its main purpose is practical skills development, equipping individuals to operate
effectively in professional environments (Angelopulo & Barker, 2013).
Management Communication
Management communication focuses on the communication practices of managers and their role in
ensuring effective and profitable organisational management. It involves writing, speaking, and
presentations tailored to leadership functions. The emphasis is on skill acquisition rather than theory,
highlighting how communication can either enhance or hinder managerial effectiveness. This field is
central to internal communication, ensuring that managers engage meaningfully with individuals and
teams to achieve corporate objectives (Angelopulo & Barker, 2013).
Organisational Communication
Organisational communication is an integrated process of exchanging and interpreting messages
within the broader organisational context. It explores communication both as a functional tool for
efficiency and as a mechanism through which social realities are constructed in organisations. The
field has evolved from focusing only on applied skills to incorporating broader theoretical
perspectives on behaviour, culture, and technology in organisations. It addresses both internal and
external communication and is recognised as a coherent academic discipline as well as a professional
practice (Angelopulo & Barker, 2013).
Corporate Communication
Corporate communication focuses on managing the interrelationship between organisational
performance, identity, and reputation. It covers a wide range of functions such as media relations,
advertising, internal communication, government relations, and crisis management. The purpose is to
integrate all communication efforts to support corporate strategy and ensure consistency across
stakeholder engagements. While it overlaps with public relations, corporate communication is more
closely aligned with business perspectives and corporate management (Angelopulo & Barker, 2013).
QUESTION 1: COMMUNICATION AND THE ORGANISATION
1.1. Communication fields and disciplines are various and interconnected. In some cases, they
may overlap. These fields explore how individuals, groups, and organisations interact and
exchange information. Identify and discuss six (6) communication fields (Barker & Angelopulo,
2013).
Communication Fields and Disciplines
Communication fields are interconnected areas of study and practice that examine how individuals,
groups, and organisations exchange information. These fields often overlap but remain distinct in
their scope, methods, and objectives. Six major communication fields can be identified and discussed
as follows (Angelopulo & Barker, 2013).
Business Communication
Business communication refers to the deliberate and goal-oriented use of communication to achieve
organisational objectives. It is primarily skills-based, focusing on improving written and oral
communication, particularly in dyadic contexts such as one-on-one interactions. The field
emphasizes clarity, conciseness, and the ability to meet business goals through effective information
exchange. Its main purpose is practical skills development, equipping individuals to operate
effectively in professional environments (Angelopulo & Barker, 2013).
Management Communication
Management communication focuses on the communication practices of managers and their role in
ensuring effective and profitable organisational management. It involves writing, speaking, and
presentations tailored to leadership functions. The emphasis is on skill acquisition rather than theory,
highlighting how communication can either enhance or hinder managerial effectiveness. This field is
central to internal communication, ensuring that managers engage meaningfully with individuals and
teams to achieve corporate objectives (Angelopulo & Barker, 2013).
Organisational Communication
Organisational communication is an integrated process of exchanging and interpreting messages
within the broader organisational context. It explores communication both as a functional tool for
efficiency and as a mechanism through which social realities are constructed in organisations. The
field has evolved from focusing only on applied skills to incorporating broader theoretical
perspectives on behaviour, culture, and technology in organisations. It addresses both internal and
external communication and is recognised as a coherent academic discipline as well as a professional
practice (Angelopulo & Barker, 2013).
Corporate Communication
Corporate communication focuses on managing the interrelationship between organisational
performance, identity, and reputation. It covers a wide range of functions such as media relations,
advertising, internal communication, government relations, and crisis management. The purpose is to
integrate all communication efforts to support corporate strategy and ensure consistency across
stakeholder engagements. While it overlaps with public relations, corporate communication is more
closely aligned with business perspectives and corporate management (Angelopulo & Barker, 2013).
