Lesson 2 Informal Communication Networks
- Definition: Patterns of interaction based on friendships, shared personal/career interests, and physical proximity among workers.
- Origin: Arise from personal interests (e.g., hobbies), personal friendships, and physical proximity (e.g., shared office space, common areas).
- Confirming: Validates formal messages from management.
- Expanding: Fills gaps or clarifies incomplete formal messages.
- Expediting: Delivers messages more quickly than official channels.
- Contradicting: Provides information that may challenge official messages.
- Circumventing: Helps bypass unnecessarily cumbersome official channels.
- Supplementing: Can be officially encouraged by management to enhance job completion through open, unstructured contacts.
- Seek Exposure: Build connections with people at all levels of the organization, including those with lower official status (e.g., receptionists, administrative assistants, custodial staff) as they often have valuable insights.
- Seek a Mentor: Find a guide who teaches informal rules, organizational culture, and offers wisdom from experience.
- Mentoring Guidelines: Focus on professional development, maintain confidentiality, and do not expect special favors or interventions.
- Treat Everyone with Respect: Cultivate a network of friends by showing thoughtfulness and courtesy; remember birthdays, ask about personal lives, and be polite.
- Ask Questions: Actively seek explanations for events and ask "Who can help me?" from knowledgeable sources to get needed information or support.
- Don't Flaunt Informal Shortcuts: Use discretion when benefiting from informal channels; avoid openly violating official procedures or boasting about advantages to colleagues.