Formal and Informal Communication

What is Formal Communication?
The communication in which information flows through proper and pre-defined

solutions is referred to as Formal Communication. It follows a hierarchical chain that
is generally established by the organization itself.
This type of communication is a must in the workplace because employees are

expected to follow formal communication while performing their duties. Some
general examples of formal communication are reports, commands, orders, etc.
Types of Formal Communication
1. Vertical
In this type of formal communication, information exchange takes place at different

organizational levels. Either the communication takes place from superior authority to
subordinate or vice-versa.
It is also classified into two types:
 Bottom-up: Communication flow is from subordinate to superior authority.

 Top-down: Communication flow is from superior authority to subordinate.
2. Lateral or Horizontal
This type of communication takes place between two employees of the same level but
working in different departments.
For example, communication that takes place between the Sales Manager and Human
Resource Manager.
3. Diagonal or Crosswise
This type of communication takes place between employees of different departments
working at different levels.
For example, communication between Salesman and Manufacturing manager.
What is Informal Communication?

Informal communication is multidimensional, it flows freely in the organization
without any restraint of predefined channels or routes. It is comparatively very quick
and relational.
In organizations it is often called the ‘grapevine’. It is also important for the growth of
a company because employees can discuss work-related issues more openly which
ultimately saves the company’s time and money.
Some general examples are - chats between team members, a private journal or diary,
etc.
Types of Informal Communication
1. Single Strand Chain
The communication in which one person tells something to another who again says
something to another person and the process continues.
2. Cluster Chain
In this type of informal communication, one person tells something to some of his
friends then they circulate that among their close friends and the process goes on.
3. Probability Chain
In this type, one person randomly chooses some persons and transfers information to
them and they also do the same later on.
4. Gossip Chain
This type of communication is very common in an organization, where a person tells

something to a group of people then they also spread it further to another group of
people till it gets passed to everyone.
Key Differences Between Formal and Informal

Communication
1. A set of commands is followed for formal communication whereas informal
communication can move freely in all directions.
2. Formal communication is time-consuming, whereas it costs less time for informal
communication.
3. Formal communication has its scope restricted within the organization whereas
informal communication has no boundary.
4. A high level of secrecy is maintained for formal communication, whereas it’s not
guaranteed for informal communication.
5. Formal communication is designed at the organizational level whereas informal
communication occurs naturally.
6. Documentary evidence is always available for formal communication whereas
there are no supporting documents available for informal communication.
7. Slang words are never used in formal communication while they can be used in
informal communication.
8. Formal communication is also known as official communication and informal
communication is also known as grapevine communication.
9. Examples of formal communication are - business letters, reports, orders, etc.
while examples of informal communication are face-to-face communication,
telephonic conversations, etc.
10.Generally, documentation happens for formal communication whereas no
documentation happens for informal communication.
11.Formal communication has a long chain of command whereas informal
communication is very simple due to its short chain of command.
12.The main motive of formal communication is to fulfill organizational objectives
whereas informal communication is intended to meet personal interests and needs.

Formal and Informal Communication

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Formal and Informal Communication

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What is Formal Communication?

The communication in which information flows through proper and pre-defined

This type of communication is a must in the workplace because employees are

Types of Formal Communication

In this type of formal communication, information exchange takes place at different

It is also classified into two types:

 Bottom-up: Communication flow is from subordinate to superior authority.

For example, communication between Salesman and Manufacturing manager.

What is Informal Communication?

Types of Informal Communication

1. Single Strand Chain

This type of communication is very common in an organization, where a person tells

Key Differences Between Formal and Informal

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