(a) Define communication.
(b) List and explain six functions of the post office.
Explanation
(a)Communication is defined as the process of sending or exchanging information, ideas and opinions from one person to another.
(b) Functions of the Post Office:
(i) Inland overseas services: For a fee the post office undertakes to deliver letters to both home and abroad.
(ii) Parcels delivery: The post office also delivers parcels to homes and business premises.
(iii) Registered letters: The post office registers a letter to guarantee delivery.
(iv) P.M.B I P.O. Box services (Private Mail Bag/Post Office Box: The post office provides private mail bag and boxes to people. The charges are paid annually by owners.
(v) Business reply services: Members of the society make use of the post office, post cards and folders to enable customers to reply to their adverts.
(vi) Franking machines (Postage metre): These are provided by the post office to frank letters instead of using postage stamps.
(vii) Post restante service: This facility is provided to tourists/travellers who have no address to enable them to collect their mail over the counter.
(viii) Recorded delivery service: The collection is recorded and evidence of delivery is brought back to the sender.
(ix) Express delivery/Expedited Mail Service (EMS): For urgent and effective delivery. the post office has also gone into courier services.
(x) Sale of stamp: Post office sells stamps for posting letters and pasting on receipts as stamp duties.
(xi) Postal/Money order: The post office sells postal/ money order for the purpose of sending smaller amounts for lower fee.
(xii) COD (Cash on delivery): The post office undertakes to deliver parcels and collects payment for mail order firms.
(xiii) Agency services: The post office sells forms on behalf of other agencies such as examination bodies, driving licence, passport form, etc.
(xiv) Banking services: The post office offers saving facilities for individuals.