Communication Flows and Foundational Management Theories

Organizational Communication Networks

Formal Networks

Formal networks follow the path laid by the hierarchy of roles defined in the organizational plan, encompassing both ascending and descending communication.

Informal Networks

Informal networks emerge within an organization without prior planning and operate outside official channels, often skipping formal protocols.

They are flexible, fast, and can transmit accurate information. Their diffusion does not follow a strict chain, but rather each link tends to form a cluster. A negative attribute is that these networks are sometimes used to spread false rumors.

Communication Flow Directions

Descending Communication

Its primary goal is to convey instructions, orders, and objectives. It is used to motivate, coordinate, and report on tasks or goals. This includes messages ranging from higher hierarchical levels to subordinate employees.

Types of Descending Communication

• Instructions
• Work procedures and practices (policies, rules, regulations, benefits)
• Feedback (e.g., praise for individual work)

Ascending Communication

This communication flows from subordinates to leadership, including questions, suggestions, and problem reports. It makes employees perceive a real interest in them, fostering integration and motivation, thereby creating a good working environment.

Horizontal Communication

This involves the lateral exchange of messages between people of a similar hierarchical level within the organization. Messages are typically related to tasks or human factors.

Management Theory and Administrative Principles

Defining Administration

Administration studies the processes that organizations and enterprises use, how resources are managed, as well as the processes and outcomes of their activities. Administration encompasses planning, organizing, directing, and controlling all resources.

Influential Management Theorists

Frederick Winslow Taylor's Contributions

Taylor, an American engineer, focused on time and motion studies and standardization. His concern for maximizing production often neglected the human character of administration.

His main interest was the efficient use of personnel and equipment through movement and time studies, aiming for work with less cost and greater benefit. His greatest shortcoming was focusing attention on the more tangible aspects, often overlooking the human element in the study of administration.

Henri Fayol's Contributions

Fayol, a French engineer, focused on efficiency and managerial functions, emphasizing the application of administrative principles.

Fayol classified the qualities of an enterprise into technical, commercial, financial, security, accounting, and administrative categories.

Fayol's Principles of Administration

He established general principles of administration:

• Division of Labor: Specialization of functions.
• Authority: The right to command and enforce obedience.
• Discipline: Respect for rules and laws.
• Unity of Command: Receiving orders from only one single boss.
• Subordination of Individual Interest: The interests of the organization should take precedence over individual interests.
• Remuneration: Fair and proportionate payment for services.