Challenges of individual versus group communication

Every firm needs to integrate communication into its daily operations. It can be done alone or in groups, displaying a variety of variances. First, group communication encompasses more than two people, therefore feedback is not immediately given, whereas individual communication involves one person interacting with another and anticipating feedback (Esser and Hanitzsch, 2013). Since it is a one-on-one encounter, individual communication takes less time than group communication, where individuals have differing perspectives that must be discussed before a decision is made. Additionally, due of the constant flow of conversation, people comprehend concepts faster, and when all participants' viewpoints have been taken into account, a consensus may be achieved in a group. There is an exchange of specific ideas among two parties in individual communication but in group it is not specific to one person. Similarly the group communication process is difficult since it includes many people's input.
Group communication possesses unique challenges for participants. Diversity of the different members in terms of age, race, religion and gender creates various viewpoints and interpretations which can bring unsuccessful communication (Chaney and Martin, 2016). Likewise, if communication is done on internet for distance reasons, some members may not be reached as a result of a communication breakdown. A case where business works with untrained and illiterate people, language barrier persists as posited by Esser and Hanitzsch (2013). Correspondingly, it is expensive for companies with limited budget to devise modern means of communication. This also translates to traditional ways which may distort the message.
To sum up, business partners engage in communication daily. This is done at individual or group level according to the purpose and intention of communicating (Chaney and Martin, 2016). The best thing is to understand and manage the differences envisioned. Furthermore challenges in communication build a successful one if well managed.

















References
Chaney, L., and Martin, J. (2016). Intercultural business communication. London, Uk: Pearson Education.
Esser, F., and Hanitzsch, T. (Eds.). (2013). The handbook of comparative communication
research. New York: Routledge.