Communication and Consultation

Communication is defined as the imparting or exchange of information or news, while Consultation is defined as the action or process of formally consulting or discussing. These two aspects underline the importance of formalities within any given business, organisation or company's statutes-fundamentals-objectives mainly because without them you will find yourself in a very much difficult position. In many organisations these are initially handles by the Human Resources Department who work as the contact for the business and have the sole responsibility of recruiting, training, develop and retain you as an employee if you are deemed the right candidate for the position available. Formal communication is established through correspondences that are dated and recorded for future references. Where interviews are conducted consultations will follow which will effectively establish a basis of further communication whether formally or informally.

There for the duration of your time with your employer a paper trail has to be recorded as evidence of your relationship with the employer. The information will also have your CV and other work related qualifications and or other skills that you gain as you continue to work with your employer. In most instances it's updated on a regular basis which includes the mandatory training that is taken annually or were expected. Therefore every employee is entitled to both these vital aspects which bind not only the employees but the end result of aiming to meet the main objective. Consultations are normally a follow-up on any primary communications made prior to any discussion. The Human Resources Department is obliged to maintain a mandated form of formal communications and consultation, however there are informal structures which threaten all the efficiency of formalities which come in form of grapevine and so- forth but better explained in the following paragraph.

 Communication and consultation involves a dialogue between employer and employee, which can help to build the ways in which employees feel valued by their employer and the employer values (and is seen to value) the employees’ contributions. You’ll find here information on employee communication, involvement and participation, employee voice, consultation and representation, and works councils. This factsheet looks at internal communication rather than external communication (for example, with customers, investors or other stakeholders). It may be helpful to read it in conjunction with our factsheet on ‘employee voice’ which covers the history of employee involvement, the mechanisms of two-way communications, and its potential benefits. Our factsheets on employee voice, engagement and branding are also relevant.

Two-way communication involves management talking to employees, and listening to responses and taking action in relation to those responses. Good two-way communication can help to build the psychological contract, in which employees feel valued by their employer, and the employer values (and is seen to value) their employees’ contributions. Our factsheet gives more information.

Information Consultation - Summarises the Code of Practice on Employees (Provision of Information and Consultation) Act 2006 launched by the Irish government on 20 March 2008. The code aims to assist employers, employees and their representatives to develop effective arrangements for information and consultation in accordance with the provisions of the Employees (Provision of Information and Consultation) Act 2006. http://www.cipd.co.uk/binaries/Employment%20relations.pdf

There are many ways of implementing effective communication structures that can almost certainly secure a successful organisation but there has to be thoroughly researched proposals which have to be integrated fundamentally for the benefit of the whole organisation. Barriers and Hindrances are possible threats that can possibly affect the future projections mainly because the strategy was wrong to start of with but with a carefully structured strategy, communication supported by efficient consultations can yield magnificent collaboration which can maintain a resounding lucrative day to day business. Even in our daily lives good communication practice has always yield healthy relationships.