COMMUNICATION NETWORK:
A
network of communication represents the pattern of contacts among the members
of organization. There may be in types of communication networks.
1. Chain network
2. Circular network
3.
Wheel network
4.
Free flow network
Chain network: The message flows in a direct vertical line along the scalar
chain of command. It can flow from top to bottom or from bottom to top in a
line. Thus, the flow of communication takes place through the formal channel,
say from superior to subordinate and vice-versa. There is no horizontal
communication.
Circular network: The message moves in a circle. Each person can communicate
with his two neighbor hood colleagues. A disadvantage of circular network is
that communication is very slow.
Wheel network: In this the subordinates can communicate with and through
the manager. All the communication passes through the manager who acts
as the central authority like the hub of a wheel. All the workers receive
instructions and guidance from the boss only.
Free flow or all channel networks: In this, there is no restriction on
the flow of communication. Everyone is free to communicate with anyone and
everyone in the organization. This network is informal and unstructured and so
it allows free flow of communication. It is highly flexible also,
FORMAL AND INFORMAL CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION:
Formal
Communication:
The
paths of communication which are officially determined by the management are
called formal channel of communication.
It
adopts 3 dimensions:
1. Downward
2. Upward
3. Horizontal
Characteristics:
1. Information flows
smoothly, accurately & timely to the points to which it is required.
2.
It is based on formal organizational relationships.
3.
The channel of communication is prescribed.
4.
It is rigid as deviations are not allowed.
5.
The speed of message travel is slow because of formalization.
6.
Chances of message distortion are low.
7.
It is treated as authentic.
It can be of following types:
a. Single chain
b. Wheel
c. Circular
d. Free flow
e.
Inverted V
Informal communication (grapevine):
It
arises from social interactions of people.
When
the employees are unable to communicate the required informal to higher
authority because of communication barriers, they may resort to informal
channels of communication.
Distortion
may appear in the transmission of message through grapevine in the form of
rumors & gossips.
Characteristics:
1. It emerges out of social
interactions among the people.
2. Channel of communication
is based on individual relationships.
3.
It is quite flexible because of nothing is prescribed.
4.
Message travels faster.
5.
Messages are often distorted.
6.
It is not authentic even if the message is correct.
7.
Grapevine is natural and normal activity.
It can be of 4 types:
a. 
Single strand -
b.
Gossip chain: In this, one person spreads the
information to so many people. Actively communicates with so many people.
c.
Probability: It is a random process in which A
transmits the information to others non-selectively; in accordance with the
laws of probability & then the other tell still others in a similar manner.
 |
d.
Cluster chain: A person selectively tells the persons
in whom he has trust & confidence. Others also relay the information
selectively.
VERBAL AND NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION:
Verbal communication:
It refers to the exchange of message
through the use of spoken or written symbols or both.
1. Oral communication: Communication with the help of
spoken words, It may be take place.
a.
By face to face conversation
b.
Through mechanical devices
Face to face conversion: It is the most natural way of
transmitting message. It carries message better than any other media. It avoids
misunderstanding because having a face to face conversation one can convey the
message both by words & expression & gestures.
Mechanical devices: It includes signals, telephones, intercom systems,
dictating machines etc.
Advantages:
1.
Oral communication is used for the suggestions &
grievances of the workers.
2.
It serves time as provides an immediate responds &
feedback.
3.
It fosters a friendly & cooperative spirit.
4.
It permits personalized contacts & develops a sense of
belongingness.
Drawback:
1. It may be time consuming.
2. It may not be specific and
can be understood.
3. It may also create legal
difficulties, if no written record of conversation is preserved.
2. Written communication: Comprehensive devices use for written
communication in the forms of circular, bulletins, manuals, handbooks, notes,
orders, instructions etc.
The
objectives of written communication may be:
1. To give information
2.
To receive information
3.
To record recommendations & decisions of a meeting
4.
To give orders & instructions
Advantages:
Ø It can be conveyed to the
worker through magazines, notice board employee handbooks, memorandum etc.
Message can be conveyed upward through writing suggestions, grievances or
through suggestion board system.
Ø It serves as permanent
reference for future.
Ø It is formal & carries
more weight age.
Ø It is more clear and specific
as they are carefully drafted.
Ø It serves as a reliable
record for future reference & can be used as evidence in legal proceedings.
Ø Response to written
communication as well as the receiver gets times to evaluate and understand the
message.
Ø In many cases, it is more
effective than the oral communication.
Disadvantages:
Ø It is slow as compared to
oral communication.
Ø It may become source of
dispute as once is written message is sent, it is very difficult to withdraw it.
Ø Proper care should be
taken by management so that they can save loss of effectiveness of written
communication.
Non-verbal or gestural communication:
Communication
through gestures or postures or body language is often used as a mean to
supplement a verbal communication. It is very much helpful to motivate the
subordinate
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