The two basic communications systems are oral and written. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Most managers are normally exposed to a heavy dose of written communication from their bosses and peers; and as a consequence, they tend to view written communication as the way of communicating. Additionally, writing serves as a record of what has been said and done-a factor more liable to be a concern in a larger organization.

It is likely that modern business organizations rely too heavily upon written communication. Face-to-face communication involves talking with another person or persons; written media involve talking at another person. While warmth and enthusiasm can be achieved in written media, there can be no match in rapport and understanding for face-to-face discussion by two people.

The advantages of written media are that they can be disseminated at a number of locations at once, can handle more complex subjects, can reach large numbers of people faster, and build a record for later reference.

The following discussions of potential media are only outlines. No attempt is made to provide a how-to kit. Rather, the discussions are meant to provide an array of media possibilities, including their strengths and weaknesses. The practitioner hopefully can select those media most appropriate for his specific circumstances. Caution and simplicity are recommended. When building a communications effort from scratch or revising a current one to improve effectiveness, it is better to start small and expand later. One or two types of communication carried out reasonably well are more helpful than several types carried out poorly or in a half-hearted manner. The proper role of employee communications must be kept in mind-that is, to improve employee and organization effectiveness, not to entertain the audience, or improve morale, or enhance the self-esteem of management. Managers need to be trained to listen and react, not just order and talk.