Communication Channels
Communication Channels: Information travels forward, backwards, and sideways in an organisation. Communication is the term used to describe the movement of information. The way information travels inside and across companies is referred to as communication channels.
A manager becomes a link in the chain of communication. Depending on the manager’s location in the communication web, decisions and directives move upwards, downwards, or sideways. Reports from lower-level managers, for example, will move upwards. A successful manager must effectively motivate, lead, and organise his staff, and the instruments at his disposal are spoken and written words.
It is critical to have an effective communication channel in place for the flow of information and for a manager to manage his workforce.
Communication Channels
- A Communication Channel’s Operation
Information is passed from a management to a subordinate or vice versa by a channel of communication, such as face-to-face discussions or an inter-departmental memo.
The feedback mechanism between management and staff is an essential part of the communication process.
Workers notify supervisors that they understand the job at hand, while managers make comments and guidance on the performance of employees using this technique.
- A Communication Channel’s Importance
An inefficient flow of information results from a communication channel failure. Employees are oblivious to the company’s expectations. They don’t know what’s going on in the firm. They will be sceptical of intentions and any changes in the firm as a result of this. Employees become department-focused rather than company-focused without efficient communication, which has an impact on their decision-making and productivity at work.
Eventually, this will have a negative impact on the organization’s overall goals. As a result, in order for an organisation to function efficiently, a competent manager must be able to convey what is expected of his or her staff, as well as ensure that they are completely informed about business regulations and any forthcoming changes.
As a result, managers should design an efficient communication channel to maximise worker productivity and assure the smooth operation of the firm.
- Communication Channels Types
Over the past 20 years, the number of communication channels accessible to a manager has risen. Some of the new options include video conferencing, mobile technology, electronic bulletin boards, and fax machines.
Managers can no longer depend on face-to-face communication to get their message through as their firms increase in size. Managers nowadays confront a dilemma in determining the sort of communication channel to use in order to carry out successful communication.
To make the job of a manager simpler, communication channels are divided into three categories: formal, informal, and unofficial.
- Channels of Formal Communication
A formal communication channel delivers information such as an organization’s objectives, rules, and procedures. In this form of communication channel, messages are sent in a chain of command. This indicates that knowledge flows from a manager to his subordinates, who then pass it on to the next level of management.
A company’s newsletter is an example of a formal communication channel, since it provides workers and customers with a clear understanding of the company’s aims and vision. It also covers information transmission in the chain of command for memos, reports, orders, and planned meetings.
Formal communication channels include a company strategy, customer satisfaction survey, yearly reports, an employer’s handbook, and review meetings.
- Channels of Informal Communication
There is always an informal communication network inside a formal working setting. Because the rigorous hierarchical web of communication cannot work effectively on its own, a communication channel exists outside of it. While this sort of communication channel has the potential to disrupt the chain of command, a smart manager must strike a balance between official and informal communication channels.
Lunchtime in the organization’s cafeteria/canteen is an example of an informal communication route. Discussions among colleagues are welcomed in this informal environment. An example of an informal communication channel is managers roaming about and taking a hands-on approach to dealing with employee inquiries.
Quality circles, teamwork, and other training programmes are all examples of informal communication channels that exist outside of the line of command.
- Unofficial Channels of Communication
Good managers will know that interpersonal contact is occasionally necessary inside a business. While meeting minutes may be discussed among workers, other topics such as sports, politics, and television series are also discussed.
The ‘grapevine’ is an unofficial communication route inside an organisation. Rumors are passed down via the grapevine. Those who participate in ‘grapevine’ conversations often create groups, which may lead to connections outside of the company. While the grapevine may have beneficial connotations, information flowing through the grapevine is sometimes overblown, causing unneeded anxiety among workers. A competent manager should be aware of the information flowing through this unofficial communication channel and take proactive steps to prevent incorrect information from spreading.
Social events among workers are an example of an unauthorised communication route.
There are three sorts of communication channels in each organisation: formal, informal, and unofficial.
While the ideal communication web is a formal framework that allows for casual contact, organisations also include unofficial communication channels.
It is critical for a manager to express his or her ideas to workers through these many channels, then listen, absorb, glean, and further communicate with them.