COMMUNICATION NETWORKS

Importance of Networks Systems of interconnected units to structure information exchange All groups function as networks understanding of how networks function Important to understand and use to work within and manage networks

Systems of interconnected units

to structure information exchange

All groups function as networks

understanding of how networks function

Important to understand and use

to work within and manage networks

Formal vs. Informal Formal Networks Informal Networks

FORMAL NETWORKS

Characteristics of Formal Networks Typically vertical Follow the authority chain Limited to task-related communications

Typically vertical

Follow the authority chain

Limited to task-related communications

Formal Networks The chain rigidly follows the formal chain of command.

Formal Networks The wheel relies on the leader to act as the central conduit for all the group’s communication.

Formal Networks The all-channel network permits all group members to communicate actively with each other.

Example of a Formal Network Formal networks structure is a base for most modern organizations.

Example of a Formal Network Governments are structured according to formal networks principles.

Let’s give it a try… F ormal chain of command R elies on the leader behind the wheel G roup members to communicate actively

INFORMAL NETWORKS

Example of an Informal Network

Characteristics of Informal Networks Free to move in any direction Able to skip authority levels Satisfy group members’ social needs Helps with task accomplishments

Free to move in any direction

Able to skip authority levels

Satisfy group members’ social needs

Helps with task accomplishments

Example of an Informal Network Grapevine N ot controlled by the management Trusted more by employees Is u sed to serve self-interest of members

Grapevine

N ot controlled by the management

Trusted more by employees

Is u sed to serve self-interest of members

Example of an Informal Network Social Networking External rather than internal Distribute and find information Share and discuss Connecting and growing

Social Networking

External rather than internal

Distribute and find information

Share and discuss

Connecting and growing

Social Networks Examples Online

INTER RELATIONS

Comparing the two http://www.mckinseyquarterly.com/article_page.aspx?ar=2051

Example of an Interrelated Network Multi-level marketing structures include both formal and informal networks.

Summary of Finding Every formal includes an informal Not all informal include formal Knowing types of networks is great Understanding the correlation is great Using this knowledge to facilitate communication in your company is huge Growing vs. making stronger networks

Every formal includes an informal

Not all informal include formal

Knowing types of networks is great

Understanding the correlation is great

Using this knowledge to facilitate communication in your company is huge

Growing vs. making stronger networks

Alex should be over 10 minutes by now. Somebody, please stop him. Questions?

Informal Networks

References http://www.soc.iastate.edu/ruralnetworks/transforminformal_6.pdf http://www.iusb.edu/~sbres/randd/frgsample.PDF http://www.corporatemeetings.com/displayarticle.asp?id=4661 http:// www.mckinseyquarterly.com /article_page.aspx?ar=2051

http://www.soc.iastate.edu/ruralnetworks/transforminformal_6.pdf

http://www.iusb.edu/~sbres/randd/frgsample.PDF

http://www.corporatemeetings.com/displayarticle.asp?id=4661

http:// www.mckinseyquarterly.com /article_page.aspx?ar=2051

References http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_social_networking_websites

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_social_networking_websites

Types of Formal Networks The chain rigidly follows the formal chain of command. The wheel relies on the leader to act as the central conduit for all the group’s communication. The all-channel network permits all group members to communicate actively with each other.

The chain rigidly follows the formal chain of command.

The wheel relies on the leader to act as the central conduit for all the group’s communication.

The all-channel network permits all group members to communicate actively with each other.

Activities performed in IN Rumors T o structure and reduce anxiety T o make sense of limited information T o serve as a vehicle to organize group members, and possibly outsiders, into coalitions T o signal a sender’s status

Rumors

T o structure and reduce anxiety

T o make sense of limited information

T o serve as a vehicle to organize group members, and possibly outsiders, into coalitions

T o signal a sender’s status