Unit II
Channels, Networks, Forms and Dimensions of Communication
Channel of communication refers to the way through which a message flows from the
sender to the recipient
An organization has well-ordered network of channels along which communication flows
Most of the information flow of communication is downward and follows the formal lines of
organization
Communication channels are divided into two categories :
1. Formal channel of communication
2. Informal channel of communication
Formal channel of communication:
Formal channels are those which carry the official message in organization
Business has major well-established channels of information flow, like the network
of arteries and veins in the body
A formal channel of communication is one of the means controlled by managers or
people occupying similar positions
Formal info. flow includes the movements of info. by reports, e-mails, records, sales
presentations, advertising and publicity of organization.
Advantages of Formal channel:
Effective communication of any organization depends upon the formal
channel of communication
It enables an organization to pass on information to its various branches
smoothly
Formal channels strengthen the organization and satisfy the people in
managerial position
Disadvantages of Formal channel:
Sometimes it hinders free flow of information
While compared to other channel this consumes more time
Formal channel is expensive
Informal channel of communication:
Informal communication is primarily personal communication.
Such communications follow no set patterns.
This communication forms an ever-changing and complex structure linking all the
members of the organization.
Based on informal relation between two or more individuals.
Grapevine is an example of informal channel of communication.
Whenever group meets they talk on different subjects, serious and not so serious,
known as Grapevine in management.
Unstructured and Informal network formed on social relationship rather than
organizational charts or job descriptions.
Informal vehicle through which message flow throughout the organization.
It carries much gossip and rumours.
It also carries more information than the formal communication system.
Wise managers recognize the presence of grapevine and turn it into a constructive
tool.
Grapevines are formed on account of following factors:
When an organization passing through crisis
If manager discriminates(treat differently) between his favourites and nonfavourities
If employees are not having enough self-confidence
Types of Grapevine communication:
Keith Davis has identified four types
1. Single strand chain
2. Gossip chain
3. Probability chain
4. Cluster chain
Single Strand Chain
It flows like a chain, i.e., A tells something to B who tells it to C and so on.
The longer the strand the more misrepresentation and filtering affects
Most inaccuracies occur in this chain
In this info. flows from one to other in a sequential order
Gossip Chain
One person tells to other people
This chain passes a message regarding a not-on-job nature
Generally considered to be slow in passing the information
Probability Chain
Information may move from anybody to anybody.
This chain is found when the information is somewhat interesting but not really significant.
Only some people in the organization will get to know the information.
Cluster Chain
Individual communicates with only those individuals he/she trust
Cluster chain is the dominant grapevine pattern in an organization
Most informal communication flows through this chain
Advantages of Grapevine :
Speedy transmission its spread like a wild fire.
Supplement to other channels- all info. Cant be transmitted to the employees through the
formal channels, it can be transmitted through grapevine.
Psychological satisfaction- it gives psychological satisfaction and draws the workers nearer to
each other, keeps organization complete as a social unity.
Feedback- it provides feedback to the management which enables it to decide further
strategies.
Employees feel ownership of information.
Management can learn / know what employees are thinking.
Disadvantages / limitations of Grapevine:
Information being spread is less authentic.
Doesnt carry complete information.
It may spoil the image of the organization.
Many a times it results in a great deal of waste of time.
Information may get leaked at the wrong time.
Formal vs. Informal
