In ideal situations, the goal of communication is to: a. provide valuable feedback. b. reach mutual understanding. c. commend others. d. better prospects of self-advancement.

a. provide valuable feedback.

Explanation:

Communication has often been defined as a two-way process of sending and then receiving information. So what comes first or the goal based on this definition is getting valuable feedback.

Hence, in ideal situations reaching mutual understanding isn't the goal, neither is commending others or self-advancement, but a conscious satisfaction that comes from having received valuable feedback.

For example, if there's no feedback, then the question about mutual understanding isn't relevant.  

answer; organizational;

answer; importance to people; or acceptance;