Some complementary concepts of communication theory

Abstract

To enhance the generality and usefulness of classic communication theory, some complementary concepts and ideas have been introduced and commented against the background of General Living Systems Theory (GLS). The paper begins with an extended definition of the problem of communication and continues with a presentation of the concept of natural channels. Basic ideas like the interrelation between time, place, and channel with its four different categories of communication are presented. Also main qualities of a message like informability, detectability, and localizability are analysed. Finally some general ideas regarding coding and transmission of messages are presented. The paper ends with the conclusion that classic communication theory still is highly relevant with no serious anomalies threatening its existence. This truth is confirmed by the fact that the complementary concepts presented here fit well into its existing framework.

Citation

Skyttner, L. (1998), "Some complementary concepts of communication theory", Kybernetes, Vol. 27 No. 2, pp. 155-164. https://doi.org/10.1108/03684929810205814