CommunicationNetworks

There are two types of communication networks:-

i. Formal Network

ii. Informal Network

Formal Network

Formal network is present mainly in organizations. There five sub networks in formal network.

• Chain Network:-

The chain network represents hierarchy in which communication can only flow upwards or downwards.

This type of network is found direct line of authority communications with no deviations.

• Y-Network:-

Y network is an effect of multi layer hierarchy and a combination of horizontal and vertical flow of communication. It is like two subordinates reporting to one senior.

• Wheel Network:-

The wheel network refers to several subordinates reporting to a superior. This is a combination of horizontal and diagonal flow of communication. Here the subordinates are3 of equal rank and they do not interact within themselves.

• Circle Network:-

The circle network allows the employees to interact with adjacent members themselves but no further.

• All Channel Network:-

The all channel network allows the employees to interact with each other. There are no restrictions on who can communicate with whom. All are equal.

Informal Network

Besides formal network informal network is also present in an organization. It is also called “GRAPEVINE”.

There are 4 sub networks in informal network:-

• Single Strand:-

Single strand is the way in which

most people view grapevine.

Here,the message is passed

from one person to another

along a single strand.

• Gossip:-

In gossip network one person

passes information to all others.

• Probability:-

In the probability network, each person tells others at random.

• Cluster:-

Cluster is the most popular pattern of grapevine communication.

Cluster refers to flow of information in which some people tell a selected few of others