general semantics concerns the study of reality,

In a simplified

sense, general semantics concerns the study of reality, of our perception of reality, and

of how we relate to our perceptions in words, thoughts, and actions. Its

emphasis is one recognizing the true nature of reality. Much of the source material for

this review is highly sophisticated, but every effort has been made to simplify it. Perhaps

some people will look upon it as being oversimplified.

After establishing a foundation of understanding, our study shifts to applications of this

theoretical material to the real-life activities of an organization. For reasons of course

design, much of the material concerns written

communication. Specifically, we shall emphasize the areas of cOlTespondence and

report writing, for these are vital areas in today’s business organization. Here our

emphasis will be on communication with words and concepts that match reality, which is

a plimary message from the theory chapters. We shall give some emphasis to other

areas, especially oral communication. It should be apparent, however, that this coverage

is far from complete. The almost infinite nature of the subject makes it so; Even so, the

applications presented should show you the ways to handle the theoretical matelial in

your day-to-day work in business.The total field of communication research and opinion

embraces work in electronic, psychology, languages, and in a dozen other subjects. This

chapter is concerned with one aspect from the field of communication systems—the

transmission of ideas and information from one person to another.

Human communication is used to exchan&f information and opinion, demonstrate and

improve status, and to express emotions. In industrial settings three

important communication functions occur, gathering, information for decision-making,

passing decisions on, and attempting to change attitudes.