Factors influencing the choice of communication

Factors influencing the choice of communication

i. Urgency: The urgency of the message determines the choice of medium; telephones are faster than letters.

ii. Distance involved: The distance between sender and receiver influences the medium; letters and telephones are better for long distances than face-to-face communication.

iii. Details: Messages requiring detailed information are best sent using letters, which can also include illustrations, graphs, and other attachments.

iv. Confidentiality: Confidential messages are best sent using letters or telephones; meetings and rush communication may not favor confidentiality.

v. Reference: Messages needing a record for future reference should be sent using letters; telephone, face-to-face, radio, and television usually do not provide permanent records.

vi. Cost involved: The cost of sending the message must be considered; letters are cheaper than telephones, and face-to-face communication is cheaper than both.

vii. Immediate feedback: Messages requiring immediate feedback are best sent using telephones or face-to-face communication.

Barriers to effective communication

i. Language: The language used must be understood by the receiver so that the message is well interpreted; if the language is unknown, feedback will not be effective.

ii. Unfamiliar terminologies: The sender should not assume the receiver understands technical terms; communication should be clear and simple.

iii. Lack of interest: If the receiver has no interest in the message or the person communicating, they may refuse to pay attention, creating a barrier.

iv. Appearance: The sender's appearance or personality can be a barrier; poor or exaggerated dressing may negatively impact oral communication.

v. Distractions: Environmental distractions like music, noisy machines, or drums can interfere with effective oral communication.

vi. Wrong addresses: If a letter is addressed incorrectly, it cannot reach the intended receiver, leading to communication failure.

vii. Poor preparation: A sender who does not properly prepare the message content may confuse the receiver; good communication needs clear and logical presentation.

Recent development in communication in Tanzania

i. Cellular Telephones: The private sector has introduced the use of cellular phones, making business transactions easier and more convenient; major companies like Mobile Telephone Network (MTN) and Celtel Ltd. control the cellular phone market.

ii. Public Pay Phones: Public pay phones have been installed in strategic locations across Tanzania, providing affordable telephone services to the public; these kiosks are managed by MTN, Celtel, and Tanzania Telecommunication, with charges depending on distance and talk time.

iii. Privatization: The Tanzanian government has privatized its Telecommunication Corporation (TTL) and sold shares in the postal delivery sector; this shift has improved service delivery as the sector is now controlled by private investors who benefit from the profits.

iv. Mail Delivery Service: The liberalization of trade has led to private investments in mail delivery services, improving the speed and proximity of deliveries; companies like DHL and Yellow Pages Ltd. are key players in the sector.

v. Internet: The internet has become a vast source of information, allowing subscribers to access data from across the world in a short period using computers.

vi. Electronic Mail: Electronic mail allows written information to be sent via computers, with messages being immediately received by the recipient once typed by the sender.