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Flows of Communication

This document defines communication and describes different types of communication flows within organizations. It defines communication as the exchange of thoughts, opinions, or information between parties. The main types of organizational communication flows discussed are vertical (downward and upward), horizontal, and grapevine. Downward communication involves information flowing from superiors to subordinates, such as instructions or directives. Upward communication allows feedback and information to flow from lower to higher levels in the organization. Horizontal communication flows across departments at the same level. The grapevine refers to informal communication networks within an organization.

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821 views19 pages

Flows of Communication

This document defines communication and describes different types of communication flows within organizations. It defines communication as the exchange of thoughts, opinions, or information between parties. The main types of organizational communication flows discussed are vertical (downward and upward), horizontal, and grapevine. Downward communication involves information flowing from superiors to subordinates, such as instructions or directives. Upward communication allows feedback and information to flow from lower to higher levels in the organization. Horizontal communication flows across departments at the same level. The grapevine refers to informal communication networks within an organization.

Uploaded by

anandsethi
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Flows Of

Communication
Definition
 A connection allowing access between persons or places
 Communication is commonly defined as "the imparting or interchange of
thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, or signs".
 Communication can be perceived better as a two-way process in which
there is an exchange and progression of thoughts, feelings or ideas
(energy) towards a mutually accepted goal or direction (information)
Types Of Communication
 Vertical
 Horizontal
 Grapevine

Vertical
Downward
 Communication which flows from the superiors to subordinates is known as
downward communication
 Information flowing from the top of the organizational management hierarchy and
telling people in the organization what is important (mission) and what is valued
(policies)
Elements of DC
 DIRECTIONS TO CARRY OUT A SPECIFIC TASK.
 JOB INSTRUCTIONS
 INFORMATION INTENDED TO CREATE UNDERSTANDING OF THE TASK
AND ITS RELATION TO OTHER ORGANIZATIONAL TASKS.
 JOB PRINCIPLE.
Examples
 A manager explains a task to an employee
 A customer gives an order to a supplier
 Shareholders instruct management
 Notice, circulars, instructions, orders, letters, memos, bulletins, handbooks, annual
reports, loudspeaker announcements and group meetings

Upward Communication
 Process of information flowing from the
lower levels of a hierarchy to the upper
levels
 Becoming more and more popular in
organizations as traditional forms of
communication are becoming less popular
Examples
 Status Meetings
 Appraisal Discussions
 Town Hall Meetings
 Seasonal Chats
 Whistle Blowers

Advantages
 Upward communication allows feedback to be recognized
 Ensures that there is a freedom of communication between the ranks coming from
lower ranks to the top.
Horizontal
 Flow of messages across functional areas at
a given level of an organization
Quality Of HC
 Structure and Culture
 Mechanistic Structure
 Organic Organizational Structure
Problems with HC
 Territoriality
 Specialization
 Rivalry
 Lack of Motivation
Grapevine
 Grapevine is an informal channel of business
communication. It is called so because it
stretches throughout the organization in all
directions irrespective of the authority
levels
Advantages
 Grapevine channels carry information
rapidly.
 The managers get to know the reactions of
their subordinates on their policies.
 The grapevine creates a sense of unity
among the employees who share and
discuss their views with each other.
 The grapevine serves as an emotional
supportive value.
 The grapevine is a supplement in those
cases where formal communication does
not work.

Disadvantages
 The grapevine carries partial information at
times as it is more based on rumours
 The grapevine is not trustworthy always as it
does not follows official path of
communication
 The productivity of employees may be
hampered as they spend more time talking
rather than working.
 The grapevine leads to making hostility against
the executives.
 The grapevine may hamper the goodwill of the
organization

Examples
 Suppose the profit amount of a company is
known. Rumour is spread that this much
profit is there and on that basis bonus is
declared.
 CEO may be in relation to the Production
Manager. They may have friendly relations
with each other.

References
 Wikipedia
 Businessdictionary
 Google
Thank You

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