communication

Communication Channels 1

Introduction

An Organization Communication structure comprises of two channels i .e Formal and Informal . Formal Communication channel is generally controlled by managers or other high designated persons . Organizational relationships are controlled by one 's role , authority is viewed by managers as which conforms to a top down configuration (Monge Eisenberg , 1987 . Even though Formal Communication channel is considered as the most effective means of communication there are some demerits to consider in , such as delay in messages , absence of feedback . etc which are considered as the most

important means of Communication Channels

Where as Informal Communication Channel is also practiced by many Fortune 500 Companies like GE and Wal-Mart . It is also called as Grapevine Communication . Informal recognize a variety of needs including social ones which are not used in Formal Communication Channel . Informal Communication relationships in an Organization may be less rational than formal systems (Johnson , 1993 . The most difficulties that companies face with Informal Communication are Multiple Messages and Devaluation of Interpersonal communication process (Joe Luft , Johari Window Explanation

Organizational Methodologies in Communication Channels

Organizations maintain certain cautions during the implementation of Communication policy . Many Companies mark certain Communications Channels as TWP - Time Wasting Potential , which involves delay in messaging (Explained by Martin Kuhne of Ibis Associates , Sep 2004

Many companies which as Six Sigma implementation standards use effective form of communication channels , where there is 0 error rate . Companies like SME 's and Small Sized

Communication Channels 2

Companies follow certain Channels with some basic error rates . European Companies started training there employees on different Methodologies of Communication to increase employee and employer relationships . Customer Service Oriented Companies like call centre and service centre make there employees efficient on communication channels to deal with there clients . Indian Outsourcing Industry conducted several workshops and induction programs for employees to maintain certain standards of communication

Improvements in Communication Channels

Often Conflicts among management and employees stem from poorly defined tasks and expectations . This happens due to not implementing of proper Communication Channels by Organizations . Organizations can achieve maximum efficiency from Work Groups and Teams by implementing the tasks such as defining clear and procedural working style , Increasing Informal Communication Channel throughout the organization , Providing opportunity for team members to share there views and ideas with Top Management Developing responsibility on companies business and Induction Programs and Workshops on Communication training

Recommendations

Combination of both Formal and Informal Communication Channels in an Organization

Team Tasking - Every team should be given certain work and communication procedure to follow which decreases free time and improves work standards

Interpersonal Communication Culture Development - Which was started by Berkshire Hathaway in 2004 is an important Communication tool to lower the management issues

Communication Advice Cell - Organizations should implement an idea of establishing Advice cells in which management issues are discussed...