Common forms of upward communication include (from employees to managers and above) reports, suggestions, requests, instructions and complaints. Upward communication contains information which passes from subordinate levels up to management and senior levels. Reports, emails, letters and manual communication are commonly used downward communication tools. Downward communication includes orders and instructions represented in oral or written format. It is the most common form of formal communication. Information flows from management level down to lower levels. Downward Communicationĭownward communication represents the most stereotypical form of formal communication. Within the organizational set-up, formal communication can make up any of these forms: 1. What does formal communication look like?įormal communication can sound rather complex and convoluted, but generally formal communication is governed by a chain of command and follows organizational convention. Probability Chain – each individual randomly tells another individual the same piece of information.Each individual will pass on the information to the next cluster network Cluster - a very common form of informal communication, in cluster networks a person will receive information and choose to pass it on to their cluster network or keep the information to themselves.Single Strand – a form of informal communication wherein each person communicates with the next in a single sequence. Types of formal communicationīelow we provide a comprehensive list pertaining to the types of formal communication:īelow we provide a comprehensive list pertaining to the types of informal communication: Secrecy: Secrecy is maintained with formal communication, whereas informal communication makes it hard to maintain full secrecy due to its reliance on individuals. Information Flow: Information through formal communication is only through predefined channels, whereas information through informal communication moves freely. Time-Consuming: Formal communication requires a number of different processes before the whole communication flow is complete, whereas informal communication requires very little process time. On the other hand, informal communication is very quick, often being instantaneous. Speed: Formal communication is slower, sometimes feeling unbearably slow due to bureaucracy. Compared to informal communication which has comparatively less reliability, and is very unlikely to have a paper trail. Reliability: Formal communication is the more reliable form, as there is a paper trail. Here’s a brief list of some of the key differences between formal and informal communication: Key differences between formal and informal communication It also helps to build more productive and healthy relationships in the workforce. Informal communication is considered effective as employees can discuss work-related issues which saves the organization time and money. In many cases informal communications can turn to formal communication if they are added in to the formal communication information flow of a company. Informal communication in the workplace is often called the ‘grapevine’ and generally begins with employees through social relations i.e. Due to the inherent nature of informal communication, it moves a lot faster and does not have a paper trail. Informal communication is far more relational than formal communication and is by nature, a very natural form of communication as people interact with each other freely and can talk about a diverse range of topics, often extending outside of their work duties. Informal communication is particularly quick. Informal communication moves freely within the organization and is not bound by pre-defined channels and communication routes. In comparison, informal communication refers to communication which is multi-dimensional. Employees are bound to follow formal communication channels while performing their duties.įormal communication is considered effective as it is a timely and systematic flow of communication. The structure is typically top down, from leaders in various departments and senior staff in the organization, which funnel down to lower level employees. Formal communication follows a hierarchical structure and chain of command. The flow of information is controlled and needs deliberate effort to be properly communicated. What is formal communication?įormal communication refers to the flow of official information through proper, predefined channels and routes. It can be quite easy to recognize the differences between them but also quite interesting to learn about them in greater depth. Formal and informal communication do overlap but they are rather distinct types of communication.
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