COMMUNICATION NETWORKS: FORMAL

AND INFORMAL

Formal Communication Network

CHAIN NETWORK: Under the chain pattern, the
Definition: The Formal Communication Network information flows either up or down the line. Here
shows the pattern of the communication, i.e. the each person gets the information from his
way in which the formal communication is immediate superior and then passes it to their
facilitated. immediate subordinates. Likewise, the chain gets
created, and all members get connected to a single
There are several types of formal communication person, typically the leader. This network is suitable
networks classified on the basis of the degree to when the information to be passed is legally
which they are centralized and decentralized. These correct.
are:

WHEEL NETWORK: This is the most centralized

forms of a communication network wherein all the
information flows from one central person,
typically the leader. The other members have little
or no communication link with each other. Here, CIRCLE NETWORK: The circle network is one of the
the leader deliberately controls the line of decentralized forms of a communication network
communication and make sure that the information wherein the information is shared equally among all
reaches all in the group. the members. Here each person gives and receives
information from two or more persons in the
network. Under this pattern, each member has the
equal chance to participate.

INVERTED “V” COMMUNICATION: The inverted

“V” communication is a formal network wherein
FREE FLOW NETWORK: Under this pattern,
the subordinate is allowed to communicate with his
everyone is connected to each other, and the
immediate superior as well as with the superior’s
information can flow freely from anywhere in the
superior, i.e. the boss of the immediate boss. But,
organization. It is the most decentralized form of
however, the communication between the
formal communication. The distinct feature of this
subordinate and the superior’s superior is limited.
communication pattern is that all the persons in the
Thus, several formal communication networks get group are linked to each other and can freely
created in the organization when people follow a communicate with anyone they want.
proper channel of communication in respect of
their hierarchical positions.
 INFORMAL OR GRAPEVINE The grapevine is mainly controlled by the
COMMUNICATION employees themselves. As employees control
the grapevine information, sometimes the
Informal communication system is the opposite information may be accurate and sometimes
system of  formal communication. In this system the information may be inaccurate.
the communication is made without following any
predetermined rules of policy. Informal • MORE RELIABLE INFORMATION: Most
communication can play a vital role in the employees perceive and believe that the
operation of the organization’s activities. For grapevine contains more reliable information
example, when employees cannot understand the than the information received from upper
subject matter of the communication, they can
management. What employees may or may not
discuss it with others in an informal situation.
However, information can pass through many realize is that many times the grapevine
individuals and can cover a long distance, both contains false information.
making its origin obscure. • Flexibility: Informal communication is more
Also known as grapevine communication because flexible than formal communication because it
there is no definite channel of communication is free from all type of formalities.

• Oral way of communication: Informal

Definition
communication technique more uses oral way
“Informal communication is the flow of information of communication rather than written
without regard for the formal organizational communication.
structure, hierarchical or reporting relationship.”
• RAPID COMMUNICATION: Informal
How it takes place communication transmits very fast. Especially
miss-inflation or rumour spread rapidly to
The exchange of informal messages usually takes
place on the occasion of community meals, social others in the organization.
occasions, parties, etc. On such occasions,
superiors, for example, can gather such information • DISTORTION OF MEANING: Sometimes the
from their subordinates as may be difficult to get meaning and the subject matter of the
through formal communication. Such information is distorted in this system.
communication includes comments, suggestions,
etc. • INFLUENTIAL: Can have a huge impact on those
Under this, communication takes place through directly involved in the information being
gesticulation, moving of head, smiling and by conveyed.
remaining quiet. For example, a superior wants to
complain against his subordinate to his higher • FREE FROM ACCOUNTABILITY: The exchange of
officer and at the same time he is afraid of giving it
message is free from accountability to the
in writing. This can be conveyed to the higher
officer through informal communication, say during authority or top executives of the organization.
the course of a conversation.
• SPONTANEOUS: Informal communication is the
process of spontaneous exchange of
CHARACTERISTICS information between two or more people of
• UN-OFFICIAL CHANNEL OF COMMUNICATION: different status within the organizational
Since an informal communication network does structure.
not follow any rules or formalities, it is, by
nature, an unofficial channel of communication. • MULTIDIRECTIONAL: Informal communication is
multidirectional in nature. The grapevine may
• NOT CONTROLLED BY MANAGEMENT: The
be largely available to simply serve the interests
grapevine is not controlled by management.
of the people it involves. Many times,
 employees use the grapevine to begin rumours • There are many problems which cannot be
that serve their own interests, with little regard solved with the help of formal communication.
for the people they affect. Like a grapevine, it There is more freedom in informal
moves in a zigzag manner. communication which helps the solution of
difficult problems.
POSSIBILITY OF RUMOUR AND DISTORTION:
5. SATISFYING THE SOCIAL NEEDS OF WORKERS:
• Responsibility for the true or false nature of
communication does not lie on any individual • Everybody wants good relations with the high
and, therefore, not much attention is paid to its officers at the place of his work. Such relations
meaning while communicating. Consequently, give satisfaction to the employees and they feel
the rumours keep floating. proud. But this can be possible only with the
help of informal communication.
QUICK RELAY:

• Informal communication makes news spread

like wildfire. Not only this, people start adding LIMITATIONS
something of their own which sometimes
changes the real meaning of the The defects or limitations of the informal
communication. communication are as follows:

ADVANTAGES of Informal Communication 1. UNSYSTEMATIC COMMUNICATION:

The informal channel of communication has • This communication is absolutely

the following advantages: unsystematic and it is not necessary that
information reaches the person concerned.
1. FAST AND EFFECTIVE:
2. UNRELIABLE INFORMATION:
• Under this communication, the messages move
fast and their effect is equally great on the • Most of the information received through
people. this communication is undependable and no
important decision can be taken on its basis.
2. FREE ENVIRONMENT:

• Informal communication is done in a free

environment. Free environment means that
there is no pressure of any office-big or small.
The reactions of the employees can easily be
collected.

3. BETTER HUMAN RELATIONS:

• Informal communication saves the employees

from tension. Freedom from tension helps the
establishment of better human relations. This
also affects formal communication.

4. EASY SOLUTION OF DIFFICULT PROBLEMS: