communication network The pattern through which the members of a group communicate

communication The process of transmitting information from one person to another

data Raw figures and facts reflecting a single aspect of reality

decision support system (DSS) An interactive system that locates and presents information needed to support the decision-making process in an organization

effective communication The process of sending a message in such a way that the message received is as close in meaning as possible to the message intended

executive support systems (ESS) A quick-reference, easy-access application of information systems specially designed for instant access by upper-level managers

expert system An information system designed to imitate the thought processes of human experts in a particular field

grapevine An informal communication network among people in an organization

horizontal communication Communication that flows laterally within the organization; it involves colleagues and peers at the same level of the organization and may involve individuals from several different organizational units

information Data presented in a way or form that has meaning

information technology (IT) Refers to the resources used by an organization to manage information that it needs to carry out its mission

intranet A private network that functions much like the Internet

management by wandering around An approach to communication that involves the manager’s literally wandering around and having spontaneous conversations with others

management information systems (MIS) Support an organization’s managers by providing daily reports, schedules, plans, and budgets

nonverbal communication Any communication exchange that does not use words or that uses words to carry more meaning than the strict definition of the words themselves

oral communication Face-to-face conversation, group discussions, telephone calls, and other circumstances in which the spoken word is used to transmit meaning

transaction processing systems (TPS) Applications of information processing for basic day-to-day business transactions

vertical communication Communication that flows up and down the organization usually along formal reporting lines; it takes place between managers and their subordinates and may involve several different levels of the organization

written communication Memos, letters, reports, notes, and other circumstances in which the written word is used to transmit meaning