2.6 Communication

the two types of communication

formal and informal

what are the differences between formal and informal communication

formal communication uses defined channels for the exchange of information, while informal communication does not use defined channels. formal and informal communication will differ in terms of audience, purpose and tone.

pathways of formal communication

vertical, horizontal or lateral, diagonal

what is vertical communication

Communication takes place between different organisational levels. Top-down communication is communication from senior managers to employees lower down in the hierarchy. Bottom-up communication is communication from employees lower down in the hierarchy to senior managers

example of vertical communication

Head of sales sending an email to the sales team about monthly targets.

what is horizontal or lateral communication

Communication takes place between two employees working in different departments of an organisation, but on the same hierarchical level.

example of lateral communication

Marketing manager and sales manager meeting to decide marketing strategies to achieve sales target.

what is diagonal communication

Communication takes place between employees working at different hierarchical levels and in different departments

example of diagonal communication

Marketing manager meeting with the sales team to discuss distribution of products. 

pathways of informal communication

single strand chain, cluster chain, probability chain, gossip chain

what is single strand chain communication

One employee says something to another employee, who in turns says it to another forming a chain. And so the process goes on.

what is cluster chain communication

A group of people gather to discuss matters of mutual interest. This is a slow communication process.

what is probability chain communication

One employee transfers information to a random person, who transfers the same information to another random person.

what is a gossip chain of communication

 An employee says something to a group of employees, who then go ahead and spread it to another group of employees.

different barriers of communication

cultural, linguistic, emotional