Communication channel

Introduction

In an organization, information flows forward,

backwards and sideways. This information flow is
referred to as communication. Communication
channels refer to the way this information flows within
the organization and with other organizations.
communication channel
 communication channel refers either to a physical
transmission medium such as a wire, or to a logical
connection over a multiplexed medium such as a
radio channel in telecommunications and computer
networking.
The Working of a Communication Channel
Through a modem of communication, be it face-to-face
conversations or an inter-department memo,
information is transmitted from a manager to a
subordinate or vice versa.

An important element of the communication process is

the feedback mechanism between the management
and employees
Types of Communication Channels
Formal Communication Channel

 A formal communication channel transmits information such as the goals,

policies and procedures of an organization. Messages in this type of
communication channel follow a chain of command. This means
information flows from a manager to his subordinates and they in turn pass
on the information to the next level of staff.

 An example of a formal communication channel is a company's newsletter,

which gives employees as well as the clients a clear idea of a company's
goals and vision. It also includes the transfer of information with regard to
memoranda, reports, directions, and scheduled meetings in the chain of
command.

 A business plan, customer satisfaction survey, annual reports, employer's

manual, review meetings are all formal communication channels.
Types of Formal Communication Channel
 1. Downward communication:
Communication in the first place, flows downwards.
That is why, traditionally this direction has been
highlighted or emphasised . It is based on the
assumption that the people working at higher levels
have the authority to communicate to the people
working at lower levels. This direction of
communication strengthens the authoritarian
structure of the organisation . This is also called Down
Stream Communication.
 2. Upward communication:
The function of upward communication is to send
information, suggestions, complaints and grievances of
the lower level workers to the managers above. It is,
therefore, more participative in nature. It was not
encouraged in the past, but modern managers
encourage upward communication. This is a direct
result of increasing democratisation. This is also called
Up Stream Communication.
 3. Lateral or horizontal communication:
This type of communication can be seen taking place
between persons operating at the same level or
working under the same executive. Functional
managers operating at the same level, in different
departments, through their communication, present a
good example of lateral communication. The main use
of this dimension of communication is to maintain
coordination and review activities assigned to various
subordinates.
 4. Diagonal or crosswise communication:
Diagonal or crosswise communication takes place
when people working at the same level interact with
those working at a higher or lower-level of
organisational hierarchy and across the boundaries of
their reporting relationships.
Informal Communication Channel

Informal Communication is the casual and unofficial

form of communication wherein the information is
exchanged spontaneously between two or more
persons without conforming the prescribed official
rules, processes, system, formalities and chain of
command.
Informal communication at work is any type of
communication that doesn’t take place using the
formal methods or structures in a company.
Types of Informal Communication Channel
 Grapevine
Information that is secret or speculative that is nonetheless
spread through networks of social connections. For example,
rumors of a restructuring that spread to everyone in a firm
before its officially announced. The grapevine is often highly
inaccurate. As such, organizations may try to prevent grapevine
rumors by communicating official information as early as
possible.Influence based on social connections as opposed to
the authority structures of an organization. For example, a
manager who has more influence than most executives in a firm
due to their social network and influencing skills.
 Team Building
Informal communication is an essential element of employee
engagement and team building. Social connections and
experiences can be one of the main benefits of a job.
unofficial communication channel

 The unofficial communication channel in an organization

is the organization's 'grapevine.' It is through the
grapevine that rumors circulate. Also those engaging in
'grapevine' discussions often form groups, which
translate into friendships outside of the organization.
While the grapevine may have positive implications,
more often than not information circulating in the
grapevine is exaggerated and may cause unnecessary
alarm to employees. A good manager should be privy to
information circulating in this unofficial communication
channel and should take positive measures to prevent the
flow of false information.