This document discusses communication networks in business settings. It identifies 7 types of networks: fan, circle, chain, wheel, Y, daisy, and all-channel. Each network type has a different structure and flow of communication. For example, a wheel network is centralized with a clear leader at the center, while an all-channel network is decentralized and allows everyone to interact with everyone else. The networks can facilitate coordination, information sharing, and directing activities within an organization.

1. Communication networks
in business settings
By
Chris Chimzimu
Malawi College of Health Sciences

2. Communication Networks
• Communication takes place within networks.
• A network - all the channels through which
messages pass from one person to another
• A network is a system of communication linking
sender and a receiver in a functional organization.

3. Functions of Communication
Networks
• Providing the means for coordinating the activities
of individuals, relationships, groups and other
subunits within the organization.
• Providing mechanisms for directing the activities of
the organization as a whole.
• Facilitating the exchange of information within the
organization, and
• Ensuring the flow of information between the
organization and the external environment in which
it exists

4. 1. Fan network
• A pattern in which message is given to many people
at the same time without being concerned about
immediate feedback.
• The communicator is on one side and the audience
sits at the other side as illustrated below

5. 2. Circle network
• Circle net work e.g. between people at the Same
level The dots in the illustration below stand for
individuals
• The circle has no leader; here there is total
equality… Each member of the circle has exactly
the same authority or power to influence the
group.

6. 3. Chain or bus or loop network
• A chain Network e.g. formal contact.
• The chain is similar to the circle except that the end
members may communicate with only one person
each.
• The individuals at the ends can not communicate
with each other whereas the ones in between have
chance to speak to two

7. 4. Wheel network
• A wheel network e.g. All DNOs reporting to MOH
• Centralized network, Superior on simple tasks
• Preferred by organizations where headquarters are
totally in charge. low overall satisfaction.
• Leader is very clear.
• Effective in simple task if, members accept the
leader’s authority.

8. Wheel network

9. 5. A Y network
• A Y network e.g. Sales teams report to Regional
office. Reporting network forms a Y for each region.
• The Y pattern is somewhat less centralized than the
wheel, but more centralized than some of the other
patterns

10. 6. Daisy network
• Has a name after a type of flower whose petals
resemble the pattern

11. • It is similar to wheel network in that
• A leader is a hub and controls operation of the org
• Members are directly linked and controlled by the
leader
• Different in that:
• A leader deals with each member directly and privately
• Members do not share information amongst themselves

12. Example and illustration of Daisy
network
• Is what happens when nurses or clinicians or
doctors deal with their patients or clients, whereby
the patients meet the nurses privately and directly
and they do not share information amongst
themselves.

14. 7. An all – channel net work
• An all – channel net work e.g. Brain storming
• The all-channel/Connected :- Decentralized
network,
• Superior on complex tasks
• More democratic, but can be very slow Everyone
can interact with all
• Leadership is unclear as it is shared by all members
• Performance in simple task is low, as it takes longer
time than normal.

16. • This pattern allows for the greatest member
participation.
• Communication through these networks occurs
often but not always face-to—face.
• Messages may be written through memos or letters
and reports.