Communication and Coordination | CMAT Mock Test Series PDF Download

 Page 1


5
Communication and
Coordination
UNIT 14 COMMUNICATION AND
COORDINATION
Structure
14.0 Objectives
14.1 Introduction
14.2 Nature and Characteristics of Communication
14.3 Process of Communication
14.4 Channels of Communication
14.4.1 Based on Relationships
14.4.2 Based on Direction of Flow
14.4.3 Based on Method Used
14.5 Importance of Communication
14.6 Barriers to Effective Communication
14.7 Principles of Communication
14.8 How to Make Communication Effective?
14.9 Definition of Coordination
14.10 Objectives of Coordination
14.11 Let Us Sum Up
14.12 Key Words
14.13 Answers to Check Your Progress
14.14 Terminal Questions
14.0 OBJECTIVES
After studying this unit, you should be able to :
explain the meaning of communication
describe the nature and characteristics of communication
outline the process of communication
enumerate and distinguish between different types of channels of
communication
State the importance of communication in management
describe the barriers to effective communication
state the principles of communication
suggest how can communication be made effective.
14.1 INTRODUCTION
Communication is as important aspect of the directing function of management
as supervision, motivation and leadership. The success of management depends
on a great deal on effective communication. Since the purpose of directing is to
activate subordinates to work towards the realisation of organisation goals,
Page 2


5
Communication and
Coordination
UNIT 14 COMMUNICATION AND
COORDINATION
Structure
14.0 Objectives
14.1 Introduction
14.2 Nature and Characteristics of Communication
14.3 Process of Communication
14.4 Channels of Communication
14.4.1 Based on Relationships
14.4.2 Based on Direction of Flow
14.4.3 Based on Method Used
14.5 Importance of Communication
14.6 Barriers to Effective Communication
14.7 Principles of Communication
14.8 How to Make Communication Effective?
14.9 Definition of Coordination
14.10 Objectives of Coordination
14.11 Let Us Sum Up
14.12 Key Words
14.13 Answers to Check Your Progress
14.14 Terminal Questions
14.0 OBJECTIVES
After studying this unit, you should be able to :
explain the meaning of communication
describe the nature and characteristics of communication
outline the process of communication
enumerate and distinguish between different types of channels of
communication
State the importance of communication in management
describe the barriers to effective communication
state the principles of communication
suggest how can communication be made effective.
14.1 INTRODUCTION
Communication is as important aspect of the directing function of management
as supervision, motivation and leadership. The success of management depends
on a great deal on effective communication. Since the purpose of directing is to
activate subordinates to work towards the realisation of organisation goals,
therefore, the orders, instructions, plans, policies, rules, procedure and methods
of operation must be communicated by managers to their subordinates. Similarly ,
the problems arising in the work process, actual performance of employees etc.
must be known to the superiors for proper guidance to be given to them in the
day-to-day activities. In this Unit, we will discuss the meaning of communication
in a business organisation, its nature, characteristics and importance. We shall
also distinguish between the various channels of communication which may be
used in an organisation, analyse the barriers to effective communication and
discuss how communication can be made effective on the basis of the principles
of communication.
14.2 NATURE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF
COMMUNICATION
Simply stated, communication means transmission of messages or exchange of
ideas, facts, opinion or feelings between two or more persons. It is the act of
making one’s ideas and opinions known to others. It may also be regarded as the
process of meaningfully transferring information from one person to another. In
an organisational set up, communication is the means by which people are linked
together for a common purpose, to establish a common interest or mutual
understanding. Thus, communication does not simply involve sending of a
message by one person. It also involves the receiver listening to it, interpreting
it, and responding to it or acting according to it.
Communication is essentially a two-way process. It is not complete unless the
receiver of the message has understood the message and his reaction or response
is known to the sender of the message. The basic purpose of communication is
to create mutual understanding and unity of commonness of purpose. It may
involve exchange of facts by way of information, thought, or ideas, opinion or
points of view, feelings or emotions. Communication is a continuous process in
management. No manager can avoid communicating with his superior and
subordinates in the course of his activities. Inadequate or ineffective
communication is often responsible for making managerial performance
unsatisfactory. Managers at all levels and in all departments must communicate
to keep the wheels of operations running smoothly . Thus communication pervades
the entire organisation.
The characteristics of communication in a business enterprise may be outlined
as follows:
1) It is a cooperative process involving two parties, one who transmits and
one who receives the message.
2) The respective parties to a communication must have the ability to convey
and listen to what his counterpart has to communicate.
3) Communication includes sending the message as well as receiving the
reaction or response to the message and therefore is a two-way traffic.
4) The response to a communication is as essential as the initial communication
because the response indicates the impact of the communication.
Page 3


5
Communication and
Coordination
UNIT 14 COMMUNICATION AND
COORDINATION
Structure
14.0 Objectives
14.1 Introduction
14.2 Nature and Characteristics of Communication
14.3 Process of Communication
14.4 Channels of Communication
14.4.1 Based on Relationships
14.4.2 Based on Direction of Flow
14.4.3 Based on Method Used
14.5 Importance of Communication
14.6 Barriers to Effective Communication
14.7 Principles of Communication
14.8 How to Make Communication Effective?
14.9 Definition of Coordination
14.10 Objectives of Coordination
14.11 Let Us Sum Up
14.12 Key Words
14.13 Answers to Check Your Progress
14.14 Terminal Questions
14.0 OBJECTIVES
After studying this unit, you should be able to :
explain the meaning of communication
describe the nature and characteristics of communication
outline the process of communication
enumerate and distinguish between different types of channels of
communication
State the importance of communication in management
describe the barriers to effective communication
state the principles of communication
suggest how can communication be made effective.
14.1 INTRODUCTION
Communication is as important aspect of the directing function of management
as supervision, motivation and leadership. The success of management depends
on a great deal on effective communication. Since the purpose of directing is to
activate subordinates to work towards the realisation of organisation goals,
therefore, the orders, instructions, plans, policies, rules, procedure and methods
of operation must be communicated by managers to their subordinates. Similarly ,
the problems arising in the work process, actual performance of employees etc.
must be known to the superiors for proper guidance to be given to them in the
day-to-day activities. In this Unit, we will discuss the meaning of communication
in a business organisation, its nature, characteristics and importance. We shall
also distinguish between the various channels of communication which may be
used in an organisation, analyse the barriers to effective communication and
discuss how communication can be made effective on the basis of the principles
of communication.
14.2 NATURE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF
COMMUNICATION
Simply stated, communication means transmission of messages or exchange of
ideas, facts, opinion or feelings between two or more persons. It is the act of
making one’s ideas and opinions known to others. It may also be regarded as the
process of meaningfully transferring information from one person to another. In
an organisational set up, communication is the means by which people are linked
together for a common purpose, to establish a common interest or mutual
understanding. Thus, communication does not simply involve sending of a
message by one person. It also involves the receiver listening to it, interpreting
it, and responding to it or acting according to it.
Communication is essentially a two-way process. It is not complete unless the
receiver of the message has understood the message and his reaction or response
is known to the sender of the message. The basic purpose of communication is
to create mutual understanding and unity of commonness of purpose. It may
involve exchange of facts by way of information, thought, or ideas, opinion or
points of view, feelings or emotions. Communication is a continuous process in
management. No manager can avoid communicating with his superior and
subordinates in the course of his activities. Inadequate or ineffective
communication is often responsible for making managerial performance
unsatisfactory. Managers at all levels and in all departments must communicate
to keep the wheels of operations running smoothly . Thus communication pervades
the entire organisation.
The characteristics of communication in a business enterprise may be outlined
as follows:
1) It is a cooperative process involving two parties, one who transmits and
one who receives the message.
2) The respective parties to a communication must have the ability to convey
and listen to what his counterpart has to communicate.
3) Communication includes sending the message as well as receiving the
reaction or response to the message and therefore is a two-way traffic.
4) The response to a communication is as essential as the initial communication
because the response indicates the impact of the communication.
5) The message to be communicated may be conveyed verbally, in writing, by
means of signs, gestures or symbols. More than one means may be adopted
to make the communication effective.
6) The purpose of communication is that of passing information and
understanding, to bring about commonness of purpose, interest and efforts.
7) Communication is a continuous process for effectiveness and efficiency of
on going operations, planning and policy making.
8) Communication may flow vertically upward or downward between superiors
and subordinates, horizontally between persons occupying similar ranks in
different departments, as well as diagonally between persons at different
levels in different parts of the organisation. Hence, communication flows
pervade the entire organisation.
14.3 PROCESS OF COMMUNICATION
The process of communication implies the existence of a sender, a receiver, a
message and a motivating climate for it. The process includes the following
steps :
1) Clear perception of the idea or problem : No message can be transmitted
properly unless the idea or problem is formulated with clarity of thought
and perception on the part of the communicator. It is only on the basis of
clear thinking that the communicator can decide on the means to be adopted
to convey the message.
2) Participation of others involved : The next step is to secure the participation
of other persons in the decision to communicate a message. This may be
helpful in clarifying the ideas through interaction with others, gathering
new ideas and suggestions, and in creating a motivating climate for securing
positive response to the message.
3) Transmission of the message : What to communicate, to whom, when and
how are expected to be decided before actual transmission of the message.
Actual transmission involves preparing the matter and the form of
communication (known as ‘encoding’ the message) and selecting the
medium or means of communication (oral or written) keeping in view the
nature of person or group to be addressed.
4) Motivating the receiver of the message : The communicator cannot depend
on the message alone to get an appropriate response from the receiver. He
must ensure that the receiver of the message is not only able to interpret the
message correctly but is also prepared to act according to it. Thus, apart
from the clarity of the message, it must inspire the receiver to do or behave
as desired by the sender of the message.
5) Evaluation of the effectiveness of communication : After the message
has been transmitted and accepted by the receiver, it remains for the
communicator to ascertain and evaluate the nature of impact of the
communication. This determines whether and to what extent the receiver
has positively responded to the message.
Page 4


5
Communication and
Coordination
UNIT 14 COMMUNICATION AND
COORDINATION
Structure
14.0 Objectives
14.1 Introduction
14.2 Nature and Characteristics of Communication
14.3 Process of Communication
14.4 Channels of Communication
14.4.1 Based on Relationships
14.4.2 Based on Direction of Flow
14.4.3 Based on Method Used
14.5 Importance of Communication
14.6 Barriers to Effective Communication
14.7 Principles of Communication
14.8 How to Make Communication Effective?
14.9 Definition of Coordination
14.10 Objectives of Coordination
14.11 Let Us Sum Up
14.12 Key Words
14.13 Answers to Check Your Progress
14.14 Terminal Questions
14.0 OBJECTIVES
After studying this unit, you should be able to :
explain the meaning of communication
describe the nature and characteristics of communication
outline the process of communication
enumerate and distinguish between different types of channels of
communication
State the importance of communication in management
describe the barriers to effective communication
state the principles of communication
suggest how can communication be made effective.
14.1 INTRODUCTION
Communication is as important aspect of the directing function of management
as supervision, motivation and leadership. The success of management depends
on a great deal on effective communication. Since the purpose of directing is to
activate subordinates to work towards the realisation of organisation goals,
therefore, the orders, instructions, plans, policies, rules, procedure and methods
of operation must be communicated by managers to their subordinates. Similarly ,
the problems arising in the work process, actual performance of employees etc.
must be known to the superiors for proper guidance to be given to them in the
day-to-day activities. In this Unit, we will discuss the meaning of communication
in a business organisation, its nature, characteristics and importance. We shall
also distinguish between the various channels of communication which may be
used in an organisation, analyse the barriers to effective communication and
discuss how communication can be made effective on the basis of the principles
of communication.
14.2 NATURE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF
COMMUNICATION
Simply stated, communication means transmission of messages or exchange of
ideas, facts, opinion or feelings between two or more persons. It is the act of
making one’s ideas and opinions known to others. It may also be regarded as the
process of meaningfully transferring information from one person to another. In
an organisational set up, communication is the means by which people are linked
together for a common purpose, to establish a common interest or mutual
understanding. Thus, communication does not simply involve sending of a
message by one person. It also involves the receiver listening to it, interpreting
it, and responding to it or acting according to it.
Communication is essentially a two-way process. It is not complete unless the
receiver of the message has understood the message and his reaction or response
is known to the sender of the message. The basic purpose of communication is
to create mutual understanding and unity of commonness of purpose. It may
involve exchange of facts by way of information, thought, or ideas, opinion or
points of view, feelings or emotions. Communication is a continuous process in
management. No manager can avoid communicating with his superior and
subordinates in the course of his activities. Inadequate or ineffective
communication is often responsible for making managerial performance
unsatisfactory. Managers at all levels and in all departments must communicate
to keep the wheels of operations running smoothly . Thus communication pervades
the entire organisation.
The characteristics of communication in a business enterprise may be outlined
as follows:
1) It is a cooperative process involving two parties, one who transmits and
one who receives the message.
2) The respective parties to a communication must have the ability to convey
and listen to what his counterpart has to communicate.
3) Communication includes sending the message as well as receiving the
reaction or response to the message and therefore is a two-way traffic.
4) The response to a communication is as essential as the initial communication
because the response indicates the impact of the communication.
5) The message to be communicated may be conveyed verbally, in writing, by
means of signs, gestures or symbols. More than one means may be adopted
to make the communication effective.
6) The purpose of communication is that of passing information and
understanding, to bring about commonness of purpose, interest and efforts.
7) Communication is a continuous process for effectiveness and efficiency of
on going operations, planning and policy making.
8) Communication may flow vertically upward or downward between superiors
and subordinates, horizontally between persons occupying similar ranks in
different departments, as well as diagonally between persons at different
levels in different parts of the organisation. Hence, communication flows
pervade the entire organisation.
14.3 PROCESS OF COMMUNICATION
The process of communication implies the existence of a sender, a receiver, a
message and a motivating climate for it. The process includes the following
steps :
1) Clear perception of the idea or problem : No message can be transmitted
properly unless the idea or problem is formulated with clarity of thought
and perception on the part of the communicator. It is only on the basis of
clear thinking that the communicator can decide on the means to be adopted
to convey the message.
2) Participation of others involved : The next step is to secure the participation
of other persons in the decision to communicate a message. This may be
helpful in clarifying the ideas through interaction with others, gathering
new ideas and suggestions, and in creating a motivating climate for securing
positive response to the message.
3) Transmission of the message : What to communicate, to whom, when and
how are expected to be decided before actual transmission of the message.
Actual transmission involves preparing the matter and the form of
communication (known as ‘encoding’ the message) and selecting the
medium or means of communication (oral or written) keeping in view the
nature of person or group to be addressed.
4) Motivating the receiver of the message : The communicator cannot depend
on the message alone to get an appropriate response from the receiver. He
must ensure that the receiver of the message is not only able to interpret the
message correctly but is also prepared to act according to it. Thus, apart
from the clarity of the message, it must inspire the receiver to do or behave
as desired by the sender of the message.
5) Evaluation of the effectiveness of communication : After the message
has been transmitted and accepted by the receiver, it remains for the
communicator to ascertain and evaluate the nature of impact of the
communication. This determines whether and to what extent the receiver
has positively responded to the message.
Elements in the Communication Process
The process of communication may be better understood if we take into account
the basic elements in the communication process. The elements are shown in
Figure 13.1
Let us now discuss them one by one.
1) Communicator : The communicator plays an important role in the process
of communication as the message originates from him. Communicators
may include: managers, subordinates, clients, customers, as well as outside
parties.
2) Encoding : Encoding the matter to be communicated is the second element.
It refers to preparing the subject of communication (idea, fact, information,
etc.) in a suitable language.
3) Message : The encoded message needs to be transmitted by appropriate
means. It may be in verbal or written form depending on the purpose in
view.
4) Medium : The medium of communication carries the message from the
communicator to the receiver. Face-to-face verbal communication, use of
telephone, intercom facilities, issue of memorandum, notice, circulars,
statements, telegraph, telex, etc. are the various means available as media
of communication. Besides, non-verbal media like signals, gestures, etc.
may also be used. The choice of medium is an important aspect of
communication, since proper medium also determines its effectiveness.
5) Decoding : Decoding refers to the conversion of the message by the receiver
into meaningful terms so as to make it understandable. This is another
important element of communication for the receiver’s response and depends
upon his understanding of the content and purpose of the message.
6) Receiver : The receiver of the message has an equally vital role to play as
the communicator. Indeed, communication to be effective must be receiver-
oriented. The ability of the receiver for decoding and understanding the
message contribute to a positive response from the receiver.
7) Feedback: The actual response of the receiver to the message communicated
to him is known as ‘feedback’. This is an important element of the
communication process. It reduces the possibility of a difference between
the intention of the communicator and the interpretation of the message by
the receiver. Two-way communication requires feedback to the initial
message sent and enables the sender to check whether the message received
has been properly understood by the receiver.
Communicator Medium
Decoding
Message Encoding
Feedback Receiver
Fig. 14.1: Elements of Communication Process
Page 5


5
Communication and
Coordination
UNIT 14 COMMUNICATION AND
COORDINATION
Structure
14.0 Objectives
14.1 Introduction
14.2 Nature and Characteristics of Communication
14.3 Process of Communication
14.4 Channels of Communication
14.4.1 Based on Relationships
14.4.2 Based on Direction of Flow
14.4.3 Based on Method Used
14.5 Importance of Communication
14.6 Barriers to Effective Communication
14.7 Principles of Communication
14.8 How to Make Communication Effective?
14.9 Definition of Coordination
14.10 Objectives of Coordination
14.11 Let Us Sum Up
14.12 Key Words
14.13 Answers to Check Your Progress
14.14 Terminal Questions
14.0 OBJECTIVES
After studying this unit, you should be able to :
explain the meaning of communication
describe the nature and characteristics of communication
outline the process of communication
enumerate and distinguish between different types of channels of
communication
State the importance of communication in management
describe the barriers to effective communication
state the principles of communication
suggest how can communication be made effective.
14.1 INTRODUCTION
Communication is as important aspect of the directing function of management
as supervision, motivation and leadership. The success of management depends
on a great deal on effective communication. Since the purpose of directing is to
activate subordinates to work towards the realisation of organisation goals,
therefore, the orders, instructions, plans, policies, rules, procedure and methods
of operation must be communicated by managers to their subordinates. Similarly ,
the problems arising in the work process, actual performance of employees etc.
must be known to the superiors for proper guidance to be given to them in the
day-to-day activities. In this Unit, we will discuss the meaning of communication
in a business organisation, its nature, characteristics and importance. We shall
also distinguish between the various channels of communication which may be
used in an organisation, analyse the barriers to effective communication and
discuss how communication can be made effective on the basis of the principles
of communication.
14.2 NATURE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF
COMMUNICATION
Simply stated, communication means transmission of messages or exchange of
ideas, facts, opinion or feelings between two or more persons. It is the act of
making one’s ideas and opinions known to others. It may also be regarded as the
process of meaningfully transferring information from one person to another. In
an organisational set up, communication is the means by which people are linked
together for a common purpose, to establish a common interest or mutual
understanding. Thus, communication does not simply involve sending of a
message by one person. It also involves the receiver listening to it, interpreting
it, and responding to it or acting according to it.
Communication is essentially a two-way process. It is not complete unless the
receiver of the message has understood the message and his reaction or response
is known to the sender of the message. The basic purpose of communication is
to create mutual understanding and unity of commonness of purpose. It may
involve exchange of facts by way of information, thought, or ideas, opinion or
points of view, feelings or emotions. Communication is a continuous process in
management. No manager can avoid communicating with his superior and
subordinates in the course of his activities. Inadequate or ineffective
communication is often responsible for making managerial performance
unsatisfactory. Managers at all levels and in all departments must communicate
to keep the wheels of operations running smoothly . Thus communication pervades
the entire organisation.
The characteristics of communication in a business enterprise may be outlined
as follows:
1) It is a cooperative process involving two parties, one who transmits and
one who receives the message.
2) The respective parties to a communication must have the ability to convey
and listen to what his counterpart has to communicate.
3) Communication includes sending the message as well as receiving the
reaction or response to the message and therefore is a two-way traffic.
4) The response to a communication is as essential as the initial communication
because the response indicates the impact of the communication.
5) The message to be communicated may be conveyed verbally, in writing, by
means of signs, gestures or symbols. More than one means may be adopted
to make the communication effective.
6) The purpose of communication is that of passing information and
understanding, to bring about commonness of purpose, interest and efforts.
7) Communication is a continuous process for effectiveness and efficiency of
on going operations, planning and policy making.
8) Communication may flow vertically upward or downward between superiors
and subordinates, horizontally between persons occupying similar ranks in
different departments, as well as diagonally between persons at different
levels in different parts of the organisation. Hence, communication flows
pervade the entire organisation.
14.3 PROCESS OF COMMUNICATION
The process of communication implies the existence of a sender, a receiver, a
message and a motivating climate for it. The process includes the following
steps :
1) Clear perception of the idea or problem : No message can be transmitted
properly unless the idea or problem is formulated with clarity of thought
and perception on the part of the communicator. It is only on the basis of
clear thinking that the communicator can decide on the means to be adopted
to convey the message.
2) Participation of others involved : The next step is to secure the participation
of other persons in the decision to communicate a message. This may be
helpful in clarifying the ideas through interaction with others, gathering
new ideas and suggestions, and in creating a motivating climate for securing
positive response to the message.
3) Transmission of the message : What to communicate, to whom, when and
how are expected to be decided before actual transmission of the message.
Actual transmission involves preparing the matter and the form of
communication (known as ‘encoding’ the message) and selecting the
medium or means of communication (oral or written) keeping in view the
nature of person or group to be addressed.
4) Motivating the receiver of the message : The communicator cannot depend
on the message alone to get an appropriate response from the receiver. He
must ensure that the receiver of the message is not only able to interpret the
message correctly but is also prepared to act according to it. Thus, apart
from the clarity of the message, it must inspire the receiver to do or behave
as desired by the sender of the message.
5) Evaluation of the effectiveness of communication : After the message
has been transmitted and accepted by the receiver, it remains for the
communicator to ascertain and evaluate the nature of impact of the
communication. This determines whether and to what extent the receiver
has positively responded to the message.
Elements in the Communication Process
The process of communication may be better understood if we take into account
the basic elements in the communication process. The elements are shown in
Figure 13.1
Let us now discuss them one by one.
1) Communicator : The communicator plays an important role in the process
of communication as the message originates from him. Communicators
may include: managers, subordinates, clients, customers, as well as outside
parties.
2) Encoding : Encoding the matter to be communicated is the second element.
It refers to preparing the subject of communication (idea, fact, information,
etc.) in a suitable language.
3) Message : The encoded message needs to be transmitted by appropriate
means. It may be in verbal or written form depending on the purpose in
view.
4) Medium : The medium of communication carries the message from the
communicator to the receiver. Face-to-face verbal communication, use of
telephone, intercom facilities, issue of memorandum, notice, circulars,
statements, telegraph, telex, etc. are the various means available as media
of communication. Besides, non-verbal media like signals, gestures, etc.
may also be used. The choice of medium is an important aspect of
communication, since proper medium also determines its effectiveness.
5) Decoding : Decoding refers to the conversion of the message by the receiver
into meaningful terms so as to make it understandable. This is another
important element of communication for the receiver’s response and depends
upon his understanding of the content and purpose of the message.
6) Receiver : The receiver of the message has an equally vital role to play as
the communicator. Indeed, communication to be effective must be receiver-
oriented. The ability of the receiver for decoding and understanding the
message contribute to a positive response from the receiver.
7) Feedback: The actual response of the receiver to the message communicated
to him is known as ‘feedback’. This is an important element of the
communication process. It reduces the possibility of a difference between
the intention of the communicator and the interpretation of the message by
the receiver. Two-way communication requires feedback to the initial
message sent and enables the sender to check whether the message received
has been properly understood by the receiver.
Communicator Medium
Decoding
Message Encoding
Feedback Receiver
Fig. 14.1: Elements of Communication Process
Check Your Progress A
1) Which of the following statements are True and which are False.
i) Communication involves something more than sending a message.
ii) The basic purpose of communication is to issue orders and instructions
to subordinates.
iii) Encoding means writing a message in code language.
iv) Communication is always made either verbally or in writing.
v) Two-way communication ensures feedback to the initial message sent.
vi) What to communicate must be decided first, and when to communicate
decided later.
2) Fill in the blanks.
i) Communication is a ................................... process in management.
ii) The receiver has to ................................... the message to understand
its content and purpose.
iii) The response of the party to whom a message has been sent is known
as ..............................................
iv) The respective parties to a communication must have the ability to
........................................... and .............................. what his counterpart
communicates.
v) The encoded message may be transmitted through one or more
...............................................................
14.4 CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION
The direction or path through which the flow of communication takes place is
known as the channel of communication. The channels of communication can
be divided on the basis of (1) the relationships (2) the direction of the flow and
(3) the method used.
14.4.1 Based on Relationships
The direction of the flow is basically governed by the relationships between the
parties involved. Thus, communication may be of two broad types: (1) formal
(2) informal
1) Formal communication : The formal channels of communication are based
on organisational relationships established formally by the management of
the organisation. Orders, instructions and information which flow through
these channels are official communication. In other words, the formal
channels of communication are used for the transmission of official messages
within or outside the organisation. In every organisation, the lines of
communication correspond to the chain of command, that is the superior-
subordinate relations in the hierarchy. A superior gives orders to the
subordinates directly under his authority but cannot do so to anyone who is