Formal vs. Informal Communication

64
946
Formal Communication

In an organization, there are two channels of communication – formal vs. informal communication. 

Formal vs. Informal Communication

Formal Communication

Formal communication refers to the flow of official information through proper, predefined channels and routes. To communicate properly, the flow of information is controlled and needs deliberate effort. Formal communication follows a hierarchical structure and chain of command. The structure is typically top down, from leaders in various departments and senior staff in the organization, which funnel down to lower level employees. Employees are bound to follow formal communication channels while performing their duties.

Formal communication is considered effective as it is a timely and systematic flow of communication.

Types of Formal Communication:

The formal communication is of four types:

1. Downward Communication

Downward communication represents the most stereotypical form of formal communication. Information flows from management level down to lower levels. It is the most common form of formal communication. Downward communication includes orders and instructions represented in oral or written format. Reports, emails, letters and manual communication are commonly used downward communication tools.

2. Upward Communication

Upward communication contains information which passes from subordinate levels up to management and senior levels. Common forms of upward communication include (from employees to managers and above) reports, suggestions, requests, instructions and complaints.

3. Horizontal Communication

This communication refers to communication between individuals who are at the same or similar levels within an organization but have different areas of responsibility. It is slightly more fluid and dependent on cross-individual communication. Typical examples exist as communication between managers of different departments (HR, Marketing, Sales, etc.

4. Diagonal Communication

This occurs when employees of different departments at different levels communicate with each other irrespective of the chain of command. Communication between a floor manager and a Sales team is a prime example of diagonal communication.

Informal Communication

In comparison, informal communication refers to communication which is multidimensional. It moves freely within the organization and is not bound by pre-defined channels and communication routes.

This type of communication is particularly quick. It is far more relational than formal communication and is by nature, a very natural form of communication as people interact with each other freely and can talk about a diverse range of topics, often extending outside of their work duties. Due to the inherent nature of informal communication, it moves a lot faster and does not have a paper trail.

Informal communication in the workplace is often called the ‘grapevine’ and generally begins with employees through social relations. In many cases this communications can turn to formal communication if they are added into the formal communication information flow of a company.

Informal communication is considered effective as employees can discuss work-related issues which save the organization time and money. It also helps to build more productive and healthy relationships in the workforce.

Types of Informal Communication:

The informal communication is of four types:

1.  Single Strand Chain: The communication in which one person tell something to another, who again says something to some other person and the process goes on.

2.  Cluster Chain: The communication in which one person tells something to some of its most trusted people, and then they tells them to their trustworthy friends and the communication continues.

3.  Probability Chain: The communication happens when a person randomly chooses some persons to pass on the information which is of little interest but not important.

4.  Gossip Chain: The communication starts when a person tells something to a group of people, and then they pass on the information to some more people and in this way the information is passed on to everyone.

Knowing when to use formal or informal English at work will depend on the business, the industry, who you are speaking with, and what you are talking about. When you are working cross-culturally or with people you do not know very well, using formal language helps eliminate any misunderstandings and helps you sound polite and professional.

Formal vs. Informal Communication

The following points are substantial, so far as the difference between formal and informal communication is concerned.

·  Reliability: In formal vs. informal communication, formal is the more reliable form, as there is a paper trail. Compared to informal communication which has comparatively less reliability, and is very unlikely to have a paper trail.

·    Speed: Formal communication is slower, sometimes feeling unbearably slow due to bureaucracy. On the other hand, informal communication is very quick, often being instantaneous.

·  Time-Consuming: Formal communication requires a number of different processes before the whole communication flow is complete, whereas informal communication requires very little process time.

·    Information Flow: Information through formal communication is only through predefined channels, whereas information through informal communication moves freely. In formal communication, the information must follow a chain of command. Conversely, informal communication can move in any direction.

·    Secrecy: Secrecy is maintained with formal communication, whereas informal communication makes it hard to maintain full secrecy due to its reliance on individuals.

·  Evidence- In formal communication, the documentary evidence is always available. On the other hand, in the case of informal communication, the supporting documents are not available.

·  Design- In formal vs. informal communication, formal communication is designed by the organization. Informal communication starts itself due to the urge of ‘humans to talk’.

· Name- Formal communication is also known by the name of official communication. Informal Communication is also known by the name of grapevine.

Nowadays, many big organizations have started an open-door policy, in which any employee of any department can communicate directly with the head of an organization, about their complaints, grievances, and requests. This results in reducing the complexity of formal communication.

Get a personalized demo for your communication challenges.

Click Book Demo

64 COMMENTS

  1. Real Money Games 101: Finding the Best Online Casinos
    best welcome offer casino [url=https://slots.is#best-legit-online-casino]best online games real money[/url].

  2. Matthew Michael D’Agati is the founder of RW, a renewable energy Firm in MA.

    A couple of ages ago, taking a leap of faith, Matthew D’Agati ventured into the world of alternative energy, additionally within a days began successfully marketing significant amounts of power, mainly as part of the corporate sector, collaborating with developers of solar farms and local businesses in the “architecture” of their unique assignments.

    Ongoing marketing through the sector, inspired Matthew to join up to a surrounding start up 2 a very long time earlier, and in a short time, he assumed the role of their Chief Strategy Officer, responsible for all functioning and endeavor progress, along with being presented group property.

    Using proper relationships and shear jobs ethical code, Matthew D’Agati boosted that team from an initial initial-year revenues to in excess of a 150% surge in gross profits by year two. Based on that foundation, Renewables Worldwide’s (RW), an experienced-held company, was established with assignment of providing renewable strength tips for a more intelligent and more alternative future.

    Greater specially, understanding there is a niche in the markets and an enhanced method to generate results, RW’s is one of a select number of service providers in the U . S . to highlight on guest acquisition, concentrating in both professional and personal sun grind off-take. A perception is to establish a money base on a community-based, statewide, countrywide level, offering numerous replenishable strength items through the of RW.

    This passion in will sustainable industry lasts to agitate and motivate Matt in on going his search to work with providers that publish the similar of providing replenish-able electric options for a more safe destiny. Matthew brings the in market from Hesser College.

    Solar world energy prospects discussed by Matt D’Agati.

  3. Do you have a spam issue on this site; I also am a blogger, and I was wondering your situation; many of us have created some nice methods and we are looking to trade strategies with others, be sure to shoot me an email if interested.

  4. Keep up the fantastic work, I read few blog posts on this website and I believe that your web blog is real interesting and holds circles of good information.

  5. I?¦ll immediately grasp your rss feed as I can not find your email subscription link or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Kindly permit me know in order that I may subscribe. Thanks.

  6. A powerful share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a bit of analysis on this. And he in reality purchased me breakfast as a result of I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the deal with! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I really feel strongly about it and love studying extra on this topic. If possible, as you turn into experience, would you thoughts updating your blog with extra particulars? It’s extremely helpful for me. Large thumb up for this weblog post!

  7. Hi there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group? There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content. Please let me know. Thank you

  8. The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, but I actually thought youd have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could fix if you werent too busy looking for attention.

  9. It’s laborious to search out educated people on this matter, but you sound like you recognize what you’re speaking about! Thanks

  10. Definitely believe that which you stated. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the internet the simplest thing to remember of. I say to you, I definitely get irked at the same time as other people consider worries that they just do not recognise about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the top and outlined out the entire thing with no need side effect , folks can take a signal. Will likely be again to get more. Thanks

  11. Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all of us you actually know what you’re talking about! Bookmarked. Please also visit my site =). We could have a link exchange contract between us!

  12. Hmm it looks like your blog ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any recommendations for beginner blog writers? I’d genuinely appreciate it.

  13. Hey There. I found your blog the use of msn. That is an extremely smartly written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and return to learn extra of your helpful information. Thanks for the post. I will definitely comeback.

  14. You can definitely see your skills in the paintings you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. At all times follow your heart. “Man is the measure of all things.” by Protagoras.

  15. I have been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thank you, I will try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your site?

  16. I got what you intend, regards for posting.Woh I am delighted to find this website through google. “It is a very hard undertaking to seek to please everybody.” by Publilius Syrus.

  17. What does the Lottery Defeater Software offer? The Lottery Defeater Software is a unique predictive tool crafted to empower individuals seeking to boost their chances of winning the lottery.

  18. The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as a lot as this one. I imply, I do know it was my option to read, but I truly thought youd have something attention-grabbing to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you might fix in case you werent too busy looking for attention.

  19. I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the layout of your blog? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or two pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?

  20. I have read a few excellent stuff here. Certainly value bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how so much effort you put to create this kind of wonderful informative website.

  21. Thanks for one’s marvelous posting! I quite enjoyed reading it, you may be a great author.I will make sure to bookmark your blog and may come back very soon. I want to encourage you to continue your great writing, have a nice holiday weekend!

  22. We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your website offered us with valuable information to work on. You have done an impressive job and our entire community will be thankful to you.

  23. Step into the Future of Effective Marketing! Sign up for free at The Peoples Prompt and start using our AI-driven tools to craft compelling marketing messages. Whether you’re crafting ads, social media posts, or engaging blogs, our toolkit simplifies your creative process while amplifying results. Join now and start transforming your content! (free 5000 tokens) https://tinyurl.com/TPP-Ai-Marketers-Toolkit

  24. Im not sure the place you are getting your information, however great topic. I needs to spend some time finding out much more or figuring out more. Thanks for excellent info I was on the lookout for this info for my mission.

  25. Unquestionably consider that which you said. Your favorite reason seemed to be on the internet the simplest factor to consider of. I say to you, I certainly get irked while other folks consider concerns that they just do not recognize about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the highest as well as outlined out the whole thing with no need side-effects , folks could take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thank you

  26. Usually I do not read article on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do it! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thanks, very nice article.

  27. Does your blog have a contact page? I’m having problems locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an e-mail. I’ve got some suggestions for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it expand over time.

  28. Thanks , I have recently been searching for information about this topic for ages and yours is the greatest I have found out so far. But, what in regards to the bottom line? Are you certain concerning the supply?

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here