Organizational Communication: Networks & Channels

Core Functions of Communication Networks

Communication and information networks serve several key functions within an organization:

• Control: They help regulate the conduct of organization members.
• Motivation (Reasons): They inform staff about their tasks, execution methods, and potential improvements, thereby stimulating their behavior and performance.
• Emotional Expression: They provide a channel for individuals to express frustrations and feelings of satisfaction.
• Decision Support (Reporting): They facilitate decision-making by providing necessary information to individuals and groups.

Directions of Organizational Communication Flow

Communication within an organization can flow in several directions:

• Vertical Downward: Communication from a superior to a subordinate.
• Vertical Upward (Ascendant): Communication from a subordinate to a superior.
• Horizontal or Lateral: Communication between individuals at the same hierarchical level.
• Oblique Downward: Communication from a superior to a subordinate at a different hierarchical level and in a different chain of command.
• Oblique Upward (Ascendant): Communication from a subordinate to an individual at a higher hierarchical level and in a different chain of command.

Types of Communication Networks

Communication networks can be broadly categorized into two types:

• Formal Networks: These are typically vertical, adhering to the established chain of authority, and are primarily concerned with work-related communications.
• Informal Networks: These networks allow communication to flow in any direction, often bypassing formal authority levels. They can fulfill the social needs of members and facilitate the execution of activities.

Common Communication Methods in Business

Communication can be performed using various methods:

Primary Communication Methods

• Written Communication: This includes sending documents, letters, memoranda, bulletins, company manuals, reports, and utilizing bulletin boards.
• Oral Communication: This occurs through voice, including person-to-person conversations, group discussions, informal contacts, interviews, conferences, and meetings.
• Nonverbal Communication: This involves conveying messages through means other than voice, such as gestures, body movements, signs, and facial expressions.

Additional Corporate Communication Channels

Beyond the primary methods, other channels provide information about company life and staff:

• Brochures: These can take various forms, often serving as an enhanced version of a simple leaflet. Typically printed in color, they can feature advertising or sales pitches based on product characteristics, particularly in marketing contexts.
• House Organs (Internal Publications): These are magazine-style leaflets published by some companies for their staff. They cover internal company affairs, employee life, courses, conferences held within the company, and travel of officials and employees.
• Conferences: These are generally informative sessions for all company staff and are also used for training purposes. They offer the advantage of efficiently transmitting a considerable amount of information to a large number of people in a short period.

The Crucial Role of Information Flow

Information is the lifeblood and the very essence of an organization's functions. Therefore, the channels and mechanisms for disseminating this information effectively become the structural backbone of the organization. Communication networks are fundamental as they define the pathways through which this vital information flows, ensuring operational coherence and strategic alignment.