What are the chief characteristics of formal and informal channel of communication?
Answers
Feature of Formal communication:
Effectiveness: The formal channel is the most effective channel of communication. It reaches every nook and corner of the organization bridging the gaps.
Prevent bogging: Not everyone knows all the information. Team member communicate with the team leader, team leader reports the manager and so on. Thus the top level management receives only relevant information.
Better monitoring: It is designed for specific needs, thus, making it easy to organize activities. Problems are addressed as quickly as possible.
Good atmosphere: A Good formal channels of communication reflect professionalism. They help consolidate the organization
Feature of Informal communication:
Speed: It flows in all directions in an organization as quickly as possible with no formal barrier. Example: rumors.
Feedback: It is more people-oriented and less issue-oriented. The reaction to the decisions, policies, directives and directions often reach managers faster through informal channel than through the formal one.
Parallel function: It flows in all directions in an organization. Good managers use this channel to benefit for transmitting information.
Support system: developed by employees within an organization. Informal channel may not be totally authentic and dependable. It brings them closer.