Types of Communication
Communication Skills
Communications is fundamental to the existence and
survival of humans as well as to an organization. It is a process of creating
and sharing ideas, information, views, facts, feelings, etc. among the people
to reach a common understanding. Communication is the key to the
Directing function
of management.
A manager may be
highly qualified and skilled but if he does not possess good communication
skills, all his ability becomes irrelevant. A manager must communicate his
directions effectively to the subordinates to get the work done from them
properly.
Types of Communication
1. Formal Communication
Formal communications
are the one which flows through the official channels designed in the
organizational chart. It may take place between a superior and a subordinate, a
subordinate and a superior or among the same cadre employees or managers. These
communications can be oral or in writing and are generally recorded and filed
in the office.
Formal communication may be further classified as
Vertical communication and Horizontal communication.
Vertical Communication
Vertical
Communications as the name suggests flows vertically upwards or
downwards through formal channels. Upward communication refers to the flow of
communication from a subordinate to a superior whereas downward communication
flows from a superior to a subordinate.
Application for grant of leave, submission of a progress
report, request for loans etc. are some of the examples of upward
communication. Sending notice to employees to attend a meeting, delegating work
to the subordinates, informing them about the company policies, etc. are some
examples of downward communication.
Horizontal Communication
Horizontal or lateral communication takes place
between one division and another. For example, a production manager may contact
the finance manager to discuss the delivery of raw material or its purchase.
2. Informal Communication
Any communication that takes place without following the
formal channels of communication is said to be informal communication.
The Informal communication is often referred to as the ‘grapevine’ as it
spreads throughout the organization and in all directions without any regard to
the levels of authority.
The informal communication spreads rapidly, often gets
distorted and it is very difficult to detect the source of such communication.
It also leads to rumors which are not true. People’s behavior is often affected
by the rumors and informal discussions which sometimes may hamper the work
environment.
However, sometimes these channels may be helpful as they
carry information rapidly and, therefore, may be useful to the manager at
times. Informal channels are also used by the managers to transmit
information in order to know the
reactions of his/her subordinates.
Sample Questions
1) What
is communication? Explain the significance and scope of Communication.
2) Define
formal and informal communication.
3) Differentiate
between vertical and horizontal communication.
4) What
is grape-wine communication?
**********
Comments
Post a Comment