Formal and Informal Communication

FORMAL COMMUNICATION

Formal Communication

• Flows through official channels designed in the organization chart.
• Take place between a superior and subordinate or among same level employees or managers.
• Two types: - Vertical and Horizontal.

Vertical and Horizontal

• Vertical communication
• Flows vertically i.e. upwards or downwards through normal channels.
• Upward communications refer to the flow of communication from subordinate to superior including application for grant of leave, submission of progress report, request for grants, etc.
• Downward communications refer to the flow of communication from a superior to a subordinate. Sending notice to employees to attend a meeting, ordering subordinates to complete assigned work, passing on guidelines framed by top management to the subordinates, etc.
• Horizontal or lateral communication takes place between one division and another. For example, a production manager may contact the marketing manager to discuss the schedule of product delivery, product design, quality, etc.

INFORMAL COMMUNICATION

Informal Communication/grapevine

• Communication that takes place without following the formal lines of communication
• Arises out of the needs of employees to exchange their views, which cannot be done through normal channels.