This document discusses the different channels of communication in an organization. It describes formal channels as the official paths determined by the organizational structure, like meetings and emails. Informal channels arise outside the formal structure through personal contacts. Communication can flow downward from superiors to subordinates, upward from subordinates to superiors, and laterally between peers. Both formal and informal channels are important for an efficient flow of information in an organization.

1. CHANNELS OF
COMMUNICATION
FLOW OF COMMUNICATION

2. A COMMUNICATION CHANNEL IS THE ROUTE THROUGH
WHICH MESSAGES FLOW FROM THE SENDER TO THE
RECEIVER.
Channels of communication can be both formal and informal.
Formal channels include the paths of communication which are
institutionally determined by the organization. They are associated
with the status and position of the communicator and the receiver.
Informal communication is between people through informal
contacts.

3. FORMAL COMMUNICATION
CHANNELS
• Communication that takes place in the chain of command.
• Organizational structure defines the communication between the
superior and the subordinate.
• The following are oral and written forms of formal communication
channels:
Newsletters
Meetings
Written memos
E- mails
Bulletin boards

4. INFORMAL COMMUNICATION
CHANNELS
• Informal communication arises out of channels that fall
outside the formal channels.
• Informal communication takes place due to the individual
needs of the members of an organization .
• It exists in every organization
• It can be oral as well as expressed by simple glance, sign or
symbol.
• It is implicit, spontaneous, multidimensional and diverse.

5. ADVANTAGES
An organization can make efficient use of informal channels
to fortify the formal channels of communication.
It acts as a valuable purpose in expressing certain information
that can not be channelled via official channels.
It satisfies people’s desires to identify what is happening in the
organization and offers an opportunity to express dreads

6. Communication can also take place through several other ways like
CHANCE ENCOUNTERS- These are not planned and usually take place during
corporate lunches, meetings and other important events where people meet
for a few hours and develop rapport.
GRAPEVINE- It is structure less and the information passes through all directions.
RUMOURS AND GOSSIPS- These are detrimental to the health of an organization.
They need to be nipped in the bud.
Ex. When an organization goes through recession, people spread rumours that
some employees will be given pink slips. In such a case, the brilliant and
experienced people in the organization may start looking for employment
elsewhere.

7. INFORMATION CAN FLOW FORMALLY AND
INFORMALLY TO VARIOUS DIECTIONS LIKE:
1.DOWNWARD
2.UPWARD
3.LATERAL OR HORIZONTAL

8. DOWNWARD FLOW OF
COMMUNICATION
• Means communication flow from higher to lower level
• Superiors to juniors- managers inform or instruct, advise or
request
• Used to convey routine information, new policies or procedures,
• To seek clarification,
• Ask for analysis
• Form of memos, notices, telephonic conversation etc.

9. ADVANTAGES OF DOWNWARD
FLOW OF COMMUNICATION
• Increases awareness
• Helps in smooth functioning
• Feedback from seniors help improve quality
• Gives day-to-day information
• Helps the subordinates gain experience
• Note: it should be adequately balanced by upward flow of
communication

10. UPWARD FLOW OF COMMUNICATION
• Information flows from the lower level of hierarchy to the
upper levels
• Usually concerning employees’ comments about
themselves, their reactions about others, reactions to
practices and policies and their thoughts about their work
• Subordinates send reports to inform superiors or to present
their findings and recommendations

11. ADVANTAGES
Keeps managers aware of how employees feel
about
Helps managers for making certain decisions
Managers can create an atmosphere of trust and
respect
Ex. Suggestion boxes, grievance and redressal
forums, open forums

12. DISADVANTAGES
• Limited upward flow of communication is maintained in
organizations. This can create a sense of insecurity in the
lower level of employees.
• They don’t get opportunities to let their feelings / resentment
out
• Since they are unable to communicate their thoughts, their
work is likely to be affected

13. LATERAL / HORIZONTAL FLOW
• Communication among departments or people at the same
level in the managerial hierarchy.
• Most frequently used channel
• It can be carried on through face to face discussions
• Telephonic talk
• Periodical meetings
• Memos etc. – written to reach more people

14. ADVANTAGES
• Facilitates co ordination and understanding
• Saves time
• Bridges communication gaps
• Vital for growth