Advantages and Disadvantages of Written Communication


Advantages
(1) Precise and accurate
Written communication has the quality of precision and accuracy of language.
(2) Easily verifiable
Written communication, if necessary, can be read again and again. It also offers itself to verification.
(3) Permanent record
Written communication constitutes a permanent record. It proves useful for future reference.
(4) Suitable for lengthy and complicated messages
Long and complicated messages can be understood better when they are in written form. There is less possibility of miscommunication and misunderstanding in written communication.
(5) Fixing responsibility
In written communication, responsibility of both the sender and the receiver can be easily fixed.
(6) Legal validity
Written communication is acceptable as a legal document.
(7) Wide-spread coverage
It is well suited to express message to a large number of persons at the same time. Furthermore, it ensures transmission of information in uniform manner. It is more reliable than oral communication. It can be repeatedly referred to by the reader. There is no chance of distortion of message. Secrecy is sometimes maintained in written communication. It .is useful for official correspondence.
(8) Effective communication: Written communication helps to make communication effective. It is more dependable and effective than other forms of communication.

Disadvantages
(1) Time-consuming method
Written communication requires more time than oral communication.
(2) A possibility of ambiguity or incomprehensibility
If the sender does not write the message properly, the receiver does not understand it. The clarity of a written message also depends upon the writing skill.
(3) An expensive method
Written communication is a costly method. It requires stationery, typing, filing, postal charges, etc. on the part of the sender as well as the receiver.
(4) Literacy: a must
In written communication, the sender as well as the receiver should be literate. Without literacy both the sender and the receiver cannot communicate with each other.
(5) No flexibility
There is no flexibility in written communication. It is rigid and does not provide any scope for making changes. There is no instant feedback; because the sender is in one place and the receiver is in another place. Lack of face-to-face communication and in results lack of personal contact.
(6) Lack of interaction
It is a formal way of communication; generally, there is lack of interaction between the sender and the receiver. Usually, it is a one-way communication.
(7) Lack of motivation, confusion and/ or misunderstanding
Sometimes, there is a lack of motivation. There is no use of body language. Written communication may, sometimes, lead to confusion and or misunderstanding.
(8) Delay in response: It takes much time to get a response from the message receiver; prompt response is not possible in case of written communication that is possible in oral communication.



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