Post on 08-Apr-2018
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FLOW OF COMMUNICATION
Flow of communication varies with types and
levels of communication
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Flow Of Communication
Information flows in an organization both
formally and informally.
The term formal refers to communication that
follows the official hierarchy and is required to
do ones job.
It flows through formal channels- the main
lines of organizational communication
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Flow Of Communication
Internal operational and external
operational communication can be
described as formal.
The bulk of communication that a
business needs flows through
these channels.
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Flow of Communication
For example, A manager instructs a subordinate
on some matter.
When two employees discuss a
customers order or policy change.
This type of Communication can
be downward, upward, lateral or
diagonal.
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Managing Director
Director1 Director2 Director3
Manager1 Manager2 Manager3
Manager1 Manager 3 Manager3
Manager2Manager1 Manager3
Upward
Downward
Horizontal/Lateral
Diagonal
Flow of Communication in an Organization
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Downward Communication
Flows from a manager
down the chain of
command.
When managers inform,
instruct, advise, or request
their subordinates.
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Downward Communication
Generally used to convey routine information,
new policies or procedures, to seek
clarification, to ask for an analysis.
Also, superiors send feedback about their
subordinates through this channel.
It increases awareness about the organization
among subordinates and employees.
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Upward Communication
When subordinates send reports to informtheir superiors or to present their finding and
recommendations, the communication flows
upward.
It keeps managers aware of how employees
feel about their jobs, colleagues, organization.
Managers rely on this for some problem
solving decision making.
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Upward Communication
Upward communication depends on the
culture of organization.
In an open culture without too many
hierarchical levels, managers are capable to
create a climate of trust.
In an authoritative environment , upward
communication is limited to the managerial
ranks.
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Upward Communication
Suggestion Boxes, employee
attitude survey, grievance
procedures, superior-subordinate decisions, review
report provide info to the top
management.
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Lateral or Horizontal
Communication This form of communication
takes place among peer
groups.
Necessary to facilitate
coordination, save time, and
bridge the communication gap
between different
departments.
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Lateral or Horizontal
Communication From the organization's point of view it can
be advantageous or disadvantageous.
At times vertical communication channels are
bypassed by employees for personal gains.
The Vice President(Marketing) sending some
survey results to VP(Production)
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Diagonal or Cross- wise
communication
Flows in all directions and cuts across
functions and levels of communication.
A sales manager communicates directly with
the VP (Production)
It is quick and efficient.
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Diagonal or Cross- wise
communication At times it prevents employees being used
just as a medium between sender and
receiver.
Increased used of e-mail also encourages
cross- wise communication.
It is also referred to as radical, circular
communication.
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Communication Networks
A variety of patterns emerge when
communication combines throughvertical and horizontal channels.
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Formal Network Models
There are five common formal communication
networks :
1. Chain network2. Y Network
3. Wheel Network
4. Circle Network5. All- Channel Network
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1. Chain Network
A vertical hierarchy.
Only upward or downward.
Direct line of authority
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Chain Network
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2. Y- Network
Multi- level hierarchy.
If we turn Y upside down, we see twosubordinates reporting to one senior.
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Y- Network
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3. Wheel Network
Several subordinates reporting to senior.
Combination of horizontal and diagonal flowof communication.
No interaction between subordinates and allof them of same rank.
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Wheel Network
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4. Circle Network
Between adjacent employees but no further.
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5. All Channel Network
Least structured.
All can communicate.
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All Channel Network