Need, Importance of Feedback in the Process of Communication

Need, Importance of Feedback in the Process of Communication

Feedback is an integral part of communication, and it allows the sender of a message to judge how effective it has been. Feedback is the final link or component in the communication chain or cycle. When the receiver of a communication sends a response or reply to the message, it is called feedback. Feedback is essential in all communications as it indicates successful transmission of the message. Feedback can be defined as the process by which the decoder's (receivers) reaction to the message is transmitted to the encoder (sender). Feedback is the backbone of the communication.

Need and importance of Feedback in the Process of Communication are depicted in the following image.

Image credits © Manoj Patil.

The role of feedback in the process of communication are follows:

1. Positive / Negative
2. Immediate / Delayed
3. Simple / Complex
4. Profits / Losses

Importance, significance of feedback in business are explained in detail.

1. Positive / Negative

Feedback is an intelligent understanding of the encoded message by the decoder. Feedback may be positive or negative. Positive feedback means a very good and satisfactory response of the decoder to the encoder's encoded message Negative feedback means an indifferent response to the encoder's encoded message.

2. Immediate / Delayed

Feedback can be immediate or delayed. In inter-personal communication the receiver of the message conveys, that he has received through smiling or frowning. When we write letters or broadcast on the radio, the feedback becomes delays as the message is conveyed little slow.

3. Simple / Complex

Feedback can be simple through a nod of the head, conveying a brief yes or no, or it can be complex as a lengthy written response. Feedback involves circling back of information to a control device to adjust behavior. For example, when management communicates through a public welfare officer to the striking workers in the factory, the workers respond either positively or negatively and this feedback helps the management to take an effective decision to send the workers back to work.

4. Profits / Losses

Feedback can enhance the profits of an organization. If a business reacts positively to feedback, it changes its marketing strategy and achieves progress. A negative feedback may be responsible for weak and lop sided business. Thus, feedback constitutes the most vital aspect of the process of communication.