Chapter -3

Types of Communication

Typology of Communication

Channel or network of Communication

Direction Di ti of f Message

Method M th d of f Expression

Channels or Networks of Communication

(A) Formal Communication refers to the official

communication which take place following the chain of command in the organization. (B) Informal Communication Communication between individuals and groups which are not officially recognized is known as informal communication. I f Informal l communication i i i is also l k known as Grapevine .

Types of Grapevine or Informal networks

The network or p pathway y of informal communication is known as grapevine.
A A A B

( ) (1) (2) ( ) (3) (4) Single strand chain Gossip Chain Probability chain Cluster chain

Formal Communication
It follows f ll chain h of f command d and dl lines

Informal Communication
It is independent d d of f authority h

of communication. Its slow moving process. R Responsibility ibili can b be easily il pinpointed. Task oriented. C i t work-related Consists k l t d matter. tt It follows systematic direction of flow. S Serves organizational i ti l needs d Flows in vertical, horizontal and diagonal directions. Can be oral or written written. Message is accurate and authentic.

relations in organization. Carries message at fast speed. R Responsibility ibili cannot b be fixed. fi d It is people oriented. It consists of work related and social i l messages. It is unsystematic and erratic as regards direction of flow. It serves both b th organizational i ti l and d social needs. It can flow in every possible direction. It is mostly oral. The message cant be considered authentic unless supplemented pp by y formal channels.

What is Rumour?

Rumour is grapevine information which is communicated without authentic standards of evidence being present. present

Direction of Message or Flow of Communication

Downward Communication Upward Communication

Horizontal l or sideward communication

Diagonal Communication

Downward Communication
Information flows from top to

Upward Communication
Information flows from lower

bottom. It communicates policies, procedures, orders and instructions to the subordinates subordinates. It is used to get things done from subordinates. It takes form of written and oral instructions, letters, memos, company publications publications, etc etc.

level to upper levels. Its purpose is to keep the superiors informed about the progress of work and difficulties faced in the execution of orders. It is used to give reports and convey reactions of subordinates to the management. It takes the form of activity reports, suggestions, grievances, etc.

Horizontal Or Lateral Communication

Managing Director

Divisional Manager ( Steel )

Divisional Manager ( Cement )

Dept. Head Dept Production

Dept. p Head (finance)

Dept. Head Dept (Marketing)

Production

Finance

Mark eting

Methods of Expression or Communication

Oral Communication
Written Communication

Gestural Communication

Oral Communication
Communication is expressed

Written Communication
Communication is expressed in

through spoken words words. It takes less time. Ti may not be precise. Oral communication may not be complete. It may be difficult to understand it. It is generally informal in nature. Oral message may not be taken casually. Oral message may not be verifiable.

iti writing. It takes more time. It can be very precise. It is not difficult to understand written communication if it is expressed in unambiguous terms. It is generally formal in nature. It is g generally y taken seriously. y Written message is verifiable from the records.