Communication Networks

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

Formal vs. Informal Formal Networks Informal Networks

FORMAL NETWORKS

Characteristics of Formal Networks
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

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

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

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

References
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.

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

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Communication Networks

by Alexander Zagoumenov on Dec 01, 2008

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Communication Networks — Presentation Transcript