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What is the difference between efficient and effective communication?
Dear Mr.Ashraf
This is an all important and interesting question. I hope the following matter gleaned from an article I had come across adequately answers your question.
Efficient Communication
Efficient communication may or may not be effective, but its hallmark is its brevity ( concise and exact use of words). It must be time limited, crisp and pointed. It gets the message out in the shortest time. Sometimes the message is well received; other times the brevity may be insufficient for understanding or to compel action. Sometimes the less said the better, but often a short message leaves questions unanswered and without explanation, thus the response could range from positive to negative to none at all. Efficient communication is most likely to be effective if there is pre-established, mutual understanding between the message maker and the receiver.
Effective Communication
Effective communication may not be brief. For communication to be effective, it has to consider the receiver. Effective communication is two-way. Effective interpersonal communication includes a lot of verification and validation. This has two purposes: One, that what was said is mutually understood, and two, that the speaker feels understood so is more likely to act.
In a sales context, effective communication is essential for attracting a customer. The potential customer must feel the product and service will address his needs in order to buy. The customer must understand the terms of the sale to be a satisfied customer. If there is a problem after the sale, effective communication facilitates the problem being solved to the customer's satisfaction, creating customer loyalty
Just to reiterate ……….
Efficient communications provide only the information that is needed whereas effective communications ensure the timeliness and the format of the communications
Efficient communications provide information to only the stakeholders who need it whereas effective communications ensure the guaranteed delivery of the communication
Efficient communications focus on the most appropriate communication channel whereas effective communications focus on the fastest communication channel
Efficient communications are optional whereas effective communications are required
CRM
Effective and efficient communication has become a business issue. It falls under the purview of Customer Relations Management (CRM), which has become an industry in itself. It focuses on getting new customers, keeping current customers happy and bringing back former customers. Their strategies are in the realms of sales, customer service and support and marketing. As much as possible, these effective strategies are computerized or automated to make them more efficient.
Difference in asking your Boss for a Day Off through Email (Efficient Communication) or SMS (Effective Communication)
Effective (adj.): Adequate to accomplish a purpose; producing the intended or expected result.
Efficient (adj.) Performing or functioning in the best possible manner with the least waste of time and effort.
If you want an easier way to memorize the difference, remember this sentence: “Being effective is about doing the right things, while being efficient is about doing the things in the right manner.”
Dear Ashraf,
The principle difference between Effective communication and Efficient communication means that:
1- Efficient communication is likely to be quick and to the point. Effective communication clearly expresses the objective that it's intended to. Communication can be one or the other, or both.
2- Effective communication means that the message got across. Efficient communication means that the message was put across with the minimum of effort.
3- Efficient communications provide only the information that is needed whereas Effective communications ensure the timeliness and the format of the communications.
4- Effective communication is when you communicate your point and it is heard, understood, and acted upon by those that you are communicating with. Efficient communication is when you communicate something in the least amount of time and effort necessary. It may not be understood, or liked, but it's clear and too the point.
5- Efficient communication refer to that which is able to produce a (desired) effect. Effective communication is applied to that which has the power to, or actually does, produce an effect.
Best Regards,
Hany Sewilam Abdel Hamid
Business Development Manager [Sales & Marketing]
Entrepreneurship Coach & Consultant
- http://www.sewilam.com
- facebook.com /Orkanza
- twitter.com /HanySewilam
الفاعليه هي تحقيق الاهداف بحد ذاتها واداء الاعمال الصحيحة
اما الكفاءه فيه كيفية اداء الاعمال بالطرق الاصح
Efficiency is doing something in the best possible way, while effectiveness is doing the right thing.
In Short:Effective Communication:Getting your point acrossEfficient Communication: Getting the desired result
in my humble opinion.....
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