Formal vs Informal Communication

Formal Communication

• Refers to the flow of official information through proper, predefined channels and routes
• Controlled and requires deliberate effort to be properly communicated
• Follows a hierarchical structure and chain of command, typically top-down from leaders to lower-level employees
• Examples include: memos, meetings, conferences, bulletin boards, letters, speeches, organizational blogs, seminars, and workshops

Types of Formal Communication

• Vertical Communication: occurs on various organizational levels, from juniors to team members to managers
• Horizontal Communication: takes place among peers of the same or different departments
• Diagonal Communication: occurs between team members of different departments
• Upward Communication: information is transmitted from lower to higher levels, i.e., from subordinates to superiors
• Downward Communication: information is transferred from higher to lower levels, i.e., from superiors to subordinates

Informal Communication

• Refers to communication that is not bound by pre-defined channels and routes
• Multidimensional and moves freely within the organization
• Particularly quick and far more relational than formal communication
• Often extends outside of work duties and has no paper trail
• Commonly known as the 'grapevine' and begins with employees through social relations
• Can turn into formal communication if added to the formal communication information flow

Types of Informal Communication

• Single Chain: person A passes information to person B, who passes it to person C
• Gossip Chain: person passes information to several people, who pass it on to others
• Cluster Chain: two or three people start a trend, followed by others, often seen on social media