Organisational communication structure What is organisational communication What

Organisational communication structure

What is organisational communication? ? ? What are they?

Organisational Communication: Definition “A programme which focuses on general communication processes and dynamics within organisation. Includes instruction in the development and maintenance of interpersonal group relations within organisations; decision-making and conflict management; the use of symbols to create and maintain organizational images; missions and values; power and politics within organisations; humans interaction with computer technology; and how communication socializes and supports employees and team members. ” ~Source: US Department of Education~

Corporate/ Organisational Communication Structure: Types Information flow Organisational communication structure Dimension/Directions of Communication flow

Corporate/ Organisational Communication Structure: Types (Cont. . ) 1. Written Expression 2. Oral/ Verbal 3. Non-Verbal 4. Visual Writing Oral/Verbal Visual

Organisational Communication flow Inwards and Outwards Or Externally and Internally

Organisational Communication flow: Inwards • Communication which occurs within a business entity. • Among 1. Top level management to bottom level management 2. Same level management 3. Between different levels/departments

Organisational Communication flow: Outwards Includes all the information received by the organization from external agencies, which may be: v other organizations v government, v suppliers, v letters v customers, v emails v competitors v offers v shareholders v orders v media. These may be in the form of v v requests v suggestions v complaints notices and so on.

Organisational Communication flow: Outwards “Communication which the organization maintains with the outside world. ” Outward communication it may be in the form of: v advertisements v media interaction v public relations v negotiations v mails v telegrams v letters v tenders v notices v telephonic conversations and so on.

Organisational Communication Structure Formal vs. Informal

Communication structures: Formal Communication “ A type of verbal presentation or document intended to share information and which conforms to established professional rules, standards and processes and avoids using slang terminology. ”

Organisational Communication TYPES: Formal Communication through officially designated channels -Flow between organisational positions Organizational Pyramid/Structure BOARD OF DIRECTORS - Official information exchange MANAGING DIRECTOR ex: organisations chart, policy manuals, or TOP LEVEL MANAGEMENT heirarchical structures. MIDDLE LEVEL MANAGEMENT Main Dimensions/Directions of flow: SENIOR SUPERVISORS 1. Downward 2. Upward 3. Horizontal 4. diagonal FIRST LINE SUPERVISORS EMPLOYEES/SHOP FLOOR EMPLOYEES

Communication structures: Informal “A casual discussion, verbal exchange, note, or memorandum that may adhere less strictly to rules and conventions. ” • I t is not officially sanctioned • Rapid flow of information- employees expression of information • Unofficial information travels

Informal Communication Channels: Advantages • Speedy transmission • Feedback value (honest and validity) • Psychological satisfaction • Uniting force • Creation of ideas • Good personal relations

Informal Communication Channels: Disadvantages • Seriousness- validity of information is questionable • incomplete information • Distorts information (mouth to mouth) • It may prove counter productive • Chances of misinterpretation • Lack of accountability

Organisational Communication Dimensions Vertical, Horizontal, and diagonal

Corporate Communication: Dimensions Vertical and horizontal Communication Horizontal Vertical

Communication dimensions: Vertical Communication Upward Communication that flows from bottom to top, or which is from lower hierarchical level to higher level. Main function- continuous information supply about lower level situations Downward Communication that flows from top to bottom, or which is from higher hierarchical level to lower level. Main function- orders , instructions, guidance etc

Communication dimensions: Vertical Communication Downward communication Written Oral v Instructions v Memoranda v Speeches v Letters v Meetings v Handbooks v Telephone v policy statements v Loudspeaker v e-mails, text (electronic media’s) v others

Communication dimensions: Horizontal Communication Also known as Lateral Communication Takes place between two or more persons who are subordinates working 1. under the same person, 2. at the same level Includes interdepartmental reports, requests, communication among peers at the same level. suggestions and informal

Communication dimensions: Diagonal Communication • Also known as “Crosswise” Communication • Sharing of information among different structural levels within a business. “Communication between managers and workers located in different functional divisions (Wilson 1992). ” • Adopted to capture the new communication challenges • Flow of information among persons at different levels who have no direct reporting relationships. • Does not appear on organisational charts. Marketing Manager Training Manager Marketing Supervisor Training Supervisor

Communication dimensions: Diagonal Communication Oral • • • informal meetings lunch hour meetings formal conferences project organization meetings advisory authority interactions with line managers of different deptts. Written • • • company news paper/magazine bulletin boards in house journal or communique

Organisational Communication Expression Verbal, Non-verbal, Visual and Written

Classification of Communication: Verbal • Usage of words, sounds, speech. • Interact or relay the message by speaking directly or indirectly to the receiver. • Fluency and clarity- ability to convince the receiver. Business perspective: • Communication skills essential to deal with different profiles of client. • Speaking most effective way of communication • Ex: Face to face communication- direct, video calls etc

Classification of Communication: Non-Verbal • Communicating through, touch, gestures, body motion and tone of the voice. • Same as indirect communication. • Expressing through creative and aesthetic non-verbal communication: dancing, sculpting or composing a song. • Sign language or other gestures are also included in this category.

Classification of Communication: Visual • Includes visual representation. Examples: paintings, photographs, or a video presentation to relay a message.

Classification of Communication: Written • Expressing the message in written form. • Could be edited • Easier to recall, by reading it over again Examples Article writing, emails, reports, chatting, and text messages

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