Reference Problems in Business Communication - Some aspects related to a business process model

Abstract

Business processes contain elements of communication. From some points of view such processes may be seen as intertwined with communication processes. To fully understand the business processes it is therefore necessary to develop an understanding also for communication processes and for the theoretical framework behind them. Such an understanding is also necessary for an adequate development of efficient IT support for business processes, since the aim of such support is often to contribute to meaningful communication between people. Meaningful communication occurs when a receiver has understood a statement fully, that is when he knows under which conditions the statement is acceptable (Habermas 1984). There are different theories presented within the communication area by for example Jürgen Habermas (1984), John R. Searle (1969) and Philip V. Lewis (1987). These theories emphasize the relationship between the different actors in the communication process. Through that it will be possible to determine what information is needed for the different participants and to understand the actions they will undertake. The discussion in this text focuses on the problem of reference when communicating during a business process.