It is bad enough when one arm of an organization doesn't seem to know what the other is doing, but the problem seems somehow conceptually worse when the various arms have information regarding the rest of the organization, but don't utilize it. This is, unfortunately, partly occurring in my organization, and is also an issue I need to deal with personally as I incorporate the organization's goals and actions into my own thinking and methods.
This concept of the correct processing and utilization of information goes further than simply making the organization run more efficiently on an internal level. Especially as new regions of the world are becoming increasingly important for business, the use of communication to establish and leverage relationships is a vital aspect of conducting business (Lager 2006; Fitzgerald 2006). Collection and transmission of information can only take an organization so far, but being able to effectively communicate and utilize information outside the organization is what allows true growth to take place. Aligning organizational perspectives with those of potential clients, customers and investors can often present another significant communication gap, and this is one that is vital to address.
External communications and relationship leveraging are especially important concepts to consciously scrutinize and develop in the multicultural business world. China, in particular, is quickly becoming an essential country for many industries, both on the supply and demand side of the equation (Fitzgerald 2006). This...
Keeping this in focus as both an organization and an individual is essential as plans are laid for the future and carried out in the present.
Conclusion
Communication gaps can be completely destructive for a business organization or any other venture. Adequate knowledge and planning must occur between all involved parties if there is to be a hope for true success, and without the proper communication infrastructure, processing, and utilization no company can ever hope to last, let alone grow. As an individual, as well, I must learn to identify possible communication problems -- especially those brought on by cultural barriers -- and attempt to forestall them before they cause larger issues. Becoming conscious of the possible gaps is the first step to effective communication.
References
Fitzgerald, Neil. (2006). "Mind the gap." Information week 28 August, pp. 8.
Friedrich, N. (2008). "Disparate solutions work to fill communications gap." Microwaves & RF 47(6), pp. 44.
Lager, M. (2006). "Overcoming a bear of a communications gap." Customer relations management 10(7), pp. 51.
