6-channels of communication
TRANSCRIPT
Channels of Communication
Classified in two Categories
Formal
Informal
Formal Channel of Communication
When the information is communicated through the hierarchical lines of authority
Covers an ever widening distance as organizations grow
Keeps the higher level managers from getting bogged down with unnecessary information
Informal Channel of Communication
Along with formal channel , every organization has informal channel of communication that is equally effective
Not officially sanctioned and quite often discouraged or looked down upon
Named as grapevine as it runs in all directions
Types of Formal Communication
1. Downward2. Upward3. Horizontal/Lateral4. Diagonal/Crosswise
Downward Communication (refers to communication from higher level in managerial hierarchy
to lower ones)
Supervisory communication initiated by upper management
Flows downward through hierarchy of command
Effective downward communication is crucial to success of organization
Downward Communication
Written
Eg instructions
Memo
Letters
Handbooks
Pamphlets
Policy statements
Procedures
Electronic news display
Oral
Eg instructions
Speeches
Meetings
Telephone
Downward Communication-Merits
Essential for functioning of any organization as it involves transfer of information, instruction, advice, ideas to subordinate staff
Increases staff awareness and facilitates implementation of new policies, guidelines, decisions, evaluation and appraisal of the performance of employees
Downward Communication-Limitations
DelayMessage AbbreviationMessage DistortionMessage OverloadIncomplete information
Upward Communication
Refers to the flow of information from lower levels to higher levels within an organization in the form of information, requests, reports, proposals, feedback, suggestion box, exit interviews, grievance committees…
Main function is to supply information to the upper levels about what is happening at lower levels
Essentially participative in nature and can flourish only in democratic organizational environment
Upward Communication-Merits
Promotes better working relationships within an organization
Facilitates employee involvement in the decision making process
Upward Communication-Limitations
Lack of Positive EncouragementConcealing unfavorable factsDelay, Distortion and FilteringBypassing and suspicionPoor ListeningCommunicating Criticism
Lateral/ Horizontal Communication
Communication between two or more persons who are subordinates working under the same person or on the same level
Main objective is developing teamwork and promoting group coordination within an organization
More casual in tone and occurs more frequentlySaves time and facilitates cooperationCarried out through informal discussions,
management gossip, telephone calls, teleconferencing, memos, routine meetings…
Diagonal/Crosswise/Spiral Communication
Communication flowing between people belonging to different levels of hierarchy and having no direct reporting relationship
Is the result of growing realization of fraternity and equality in corporate sector
Used generally to quicken the information flow, improve understanding
Diagonal/Crosswise/Spiral Communication
Written
Eg company newspaper or magazine
Bulletin boards
General notices etc
Oral
Eg informal meetings
Lunch hour meetings
Formal conferences
Informal Channel of Communication-Grapevine
Informal channels transmit official news through unofficial and informal communicative interactions known as grapevine.
Includes teatime gossip, casual gatherings, lunch time meetings..
Such channels more active in organizations which are not transparent
Factors Responsible for Grapevine Phenomenon
Feeling of uncertainty or lack of sense of direction when the organization is passing through a difficult period.
Feeling of inadequacy or lack of self confidence on the part of employees, leading to formation of groups
Formation of coterie, clique or favored group, giving other employees a feeling of insecurity or isolation
Merits of Grapevine
Speedy transmissionFeedback valueSupport to other channelsStrengthens the solidarity of workersLess expensive than formal channelsMay give some information that you may find
otherwise difficult to collect through formal channels
Demerits of Grapevine
Less credibleIncomplete InformationDistorted informationFast spreading nature can cause damage to
the organization
Guidelines for Grapevine
To be used as a supplementary channel onlyInformation to be verified for the facts and
sourceShould not be ignoredEmployees using this channel should not be
threatened or encouraged too much
Case Study Analysis
Analyze the reasons for spreading of rumors of the lay off of the observation ward staff.
Was it correct to include Lily in the initial discussion meeting
Ideally how should this situation have been handled?