Podcast
Questions and Answers
What type of communication refers to communication that is multi-dimensional and not bound by pre-defined channels?
What type of communication refers to communication that is multi-dimensional and not bound by pre-defined channels?
Which type of informal communication is described as starting with two or three people initiating a trend followed by others?
Which type of informal communication is described as starting with two or three people initiating a trend followed by others?
What is a key characteristic of informal communication that distinguishes it from formal communication?
What is a key characteristic of informal communication that distinguishes it from formal communication?
Which type of chain in informal communication involves one person passing information to several others who then pass it on to even more people?
Which type of chain in informal communication involves one person passing information to several others who then pass it on to even more people?
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What distinguishes informal communication from formal communication with regards to speed?
What distinguishes informal communication from formal communication with regards to speed?
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Study Notes
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
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Description
Explore the differences between formal and informal communication in organizations. Learn about the structured flow of information through predefined channels in formal communication and the more flexible, casual nature of informal communication.
