2. Formal communication
The process of sharing official information with others
who need to know it, according to the prescribed patterns
depicted in an organization chart.
4. Types of Formal Communication
Downward communication:
Supervisory communication initiated by upper management
Flows downward through hierarchy of command
Instructions, directions, orders
Upward communication:
Flow of information from lower levels to higher levels
within an organization in the form of
data required to complete projects
status reports
suggestions for improvement, new ideas
5. Horizontal communication
Communication between two or more persons who
are working at the same level.
It seeks coordination and cooperation
Diagonal
Communication flowing between people belonging to
different levels of hierarchy and having no direct
reporting relationship.
It quickens the information flow and improves
understanding
6. Formal Communication Modes
TYPE OF FORMAL
COMMUNICATION
MODE USED
Downward Memo, Letters, Handbooks, Pamphlets, Policy
statements, Procedures
Upward Reports, complaints and suggestions, open door policy
etc
Horizontal/Lateral interdepartmental meetings and written
communications
Diagonal/Crosswise company newspaper or magazine, Bulletin boards,
General notices, Formal conferences
7. Informal Communication
Information shared without any formally imposed
obligations or restrictions
Deviation from the planned communication
Based on personal relations
Usually follows through an informal Chat or Grapevine
9. Chain
every member passes on information, but to just one person
Gossip
one person passes on information to all the others that he
encounters
Probability Chain
no structure
A is very talkative and outgoing type, passes on information
to random contacts
Cluster
information is passed on to selected persons
most common pattern
selectivity: pass on information to people with whom you are
in close contact
