Flow of Communication

FLOW OF
COMMUNICATION
Flow of communication varies with

types and levels of communication
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 one’s job.
• It flows through formal channels- the

main lines of organizational
communication
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.
Flow of Communication…
For example,
 A manager instructs a
subordinate on some matter.
 When two employees discuss a

customer’s order or policy
change.
 This type of Communication

can be downward, upward,
lateral or diagonal.
Managing
Director
Upward
Director1 Director2 Director3
Manage Manage Manager

r1 r2 3 Manage Manag Manage
er2
r1 r3
Horizontal/Lateral
Downward
Manag Manager Manage
er1 3 r3
Diagonal
Flow of Communication in an Organization

Downward
Communication
• Flows from a manager
down the chain of
command.
• When managers
inform, instruct,
advise, or request
their subordinates.
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.
Downward
Communication…
• It enables managers to evaluate the
performance of employees.
• It can take any form- memos, notices, face

to face interactions or telephonic.
• However, this should be adequately

balanced by upward flow of communication.
Upward Communication
• When subordinates send reports to
inform their 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.
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.
Upward
Communication…
• Suggestion Boxes,
employee attitude
survey, grievance
procedures, superior-
subordinate decisions,
review report provide
info to the top
management.
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.
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)
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.

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.
Communication
Networks
A variety of patterns
emerge when
communication combines
through vertical and
horizontal channels.
Formal Network Models
There are five common formal
communication networks :
1. Chain network
2. Y Network
3. Wheel Network
4. Circle Network
5. All- Channel Network
1. Chain Network
• A vertical hierarchy.
• Only upward or downward.
• Direct line of authority

Chain Network
2. Y- Network
• Multi- level hierarchy.
• If we turn Y upside down, we see

two subordinates reporting to one
senior.
Y- Network
3. Wheel Network
• Several subordinates reporting to
senior.
• Combination of horizontal and

diagonal flow of communication.
• No interaction between subordinates

and all of them of same rank.
Wheel Network
4. Circle Network
• Between adjacent employees but no

further.
Circle Network
5. All Channel Network
• Least structured.
• All can communicate.

All Channel Network

Flow of Communication

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Flow of Communication

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Flow of Communication

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

FLOW OF

Flow of communication varies with

• The term formal refers to communication

• It flows through formal channels- the

• The bulk of communication that a

 When two employees discuss a

 This type of Communication

Director1 Director2 Director3

Manage Manage Manager

Flow of Communication in an Organization

• Also, superiors send feedback about their

• It increases awareness about the organization

• It can take any form- memos, notices, face

• However, this should be adequately

• It keeps managers aware of how

• Managers rely on this for some problem

• In an open culture without too many

• At times vertical communication channels are

• The Vice President(Marketing) sending some

• A sales manager communicates

• It is quick and efficient.

• Increased used of e-mail also

• It is also referred to as radical, circular

• Only upward or downward.

• Direct line of authority

• If we turn Y upside down, we see

• Combination of horizontal and

• No interaction between subordinates

• Between adjacent employees but no

• All can communicate.

You might also like