Communication involves a sender and a receiver of message to perform a function. The message is shared between two persons. Where, either one reacts to the message or one does not react. It can be said that communication is social and cultural togetherness. Therefore, types of communication are divided on the basis of following aspects Type of communication
1. On the basis of relationship element
➢ Interpersonal or Dyadic communication
➢ Intrapersonal communication
➢ Group communication
➢ Mass of mediated communication
2. On the basis of purpose and style
➢ Formal communication (Chain, star, Circle, all Channel, Inverted- v and g- Networks)
➢ Informal communication (single stand, Gossip, Probability and Cluster Networks)
3. On the Basis of Direction
➢ Vertical Communication
➢ Horizontal or Lateral communication
➢ Diagonal Communication
4. Oral and written Communication
There are various forms of oral and written communication as indicated below:
A oral / Personal
1. instructions
2. lectures and meetings
3. interviews
4. rumours
5. Grapevine
6. Face to Face communication
7. Telephone etc.
8. Complaints
9. Union channels
B. Written
1. Rules and regulations
2. Policies
3. Instructions Handbook
4. Orders circulars memos
5. Letter
6. Manuals
7. Posters
8. Annual reports
9. House magazines
10. Union periodicals
11. Reports
12. Grievance procedures
13. Complaints
14. Suggestions
1. On the Basis of Relationship Element
On the basis of relationship, types of communication can be divided into following
Interpersonal or Dyadic Communication
• It is the process by which people exchange information, feelings and meaning.
• It is face-to-face communication.
• It is not just about what is actually said but how it is said.
• It is an ideal and effective communication, as one can get immediate feedback. In this communication ethics are important.
• It may be formal or informal and can take place anywhere by means of words, sounds, facial expressions, gestures and postures.
• This type of communication depends on the mutual relationship between two partners in their status, communication, role and skills.
Intrapersonal Communication
• It takes place within the individual.
• It is meant to reflect oneself to clarify something.
• It is self-orientation to know what is true or false, good or bad, etc.
• It might be descriptive or prescriptive.
• It is a learned idea of an individual.
• It is generally consistent with values, so that it is often emotional
Mass or Mediated Communication
• Communication with mass audience is called as mass communication.
• It is used as synonyms for convenience.
• The channel through which communication takes place is called as mass media
• Any mechanical device that multiplies messages and takes it to a large number of people simultaneously is called mass communication
• It is a special kind of communication in which the nature of the audience is considered.
• Its feedback is different from that of interpersonal communication.
• Radio, TV, newspapers, films, magazines, etc are the examples of mass communication
2. On the Basis of Purpose and Style
On the basis of purpose and style, type of communication can be divided in two forms. They are
Formal communication
A Formal communication is deliberately established by upper level of management for day to- day transmission of official information.
There are six types of formal communication.
1. Chain Network In this communication, the information and message flow only up or down in hierarchical chain of command.
2. Star Network Under this communication, the information and message flow among the group members through a leader. In other words, the group members do not communication with each other directly but rely on the leader.
3.Circle Network In this Communication, the group members interact with the adjoining member only.
4.All Channel Network Under this communication, all members of a group actively communication with each other freely. It is most decentralized type of formal communication.
5. Inverted-V Network Under this communication, a subordinate communicates with his immediate superior as well as second superior.
6. γ –Network Under this communication, two subordinates through the hierarchical chain. Communicate with the superior. In turn, the superior communicates with two superiors who are senior to him.
Informal Communication
An informal communication is an unofficial channel and is the result of the operations of social forces at the work place. It mainly addresses the social needs of the employees. It is also known as the Grapevine and supplements formal communication.
Keith Davis has investigated the phenomena of grapevine.
There are four types of grapevine networks
1. Single strand Network Under this communication, the information passes from one to one, that is one member communicates to another member who in turn communicates to another member and so on.
2. Gossip Network Under this communication, the member communicates non-selectively, i.e., a member having information passes it on to everyone he meets.
3. Probability Network Under this communication, information passes according to the law of probability, i.e., one member communicates randomly with others who in turn communicate to some other.
4. Cluster Network Under this communication, the information passes selectively, i.e., one member communicates with only those members whom he trusts. In turn, they pass it on to some other selected members. It is most popular type of grapevine communication and widely prevalent in organization.
On the Basis of Direction
Communication flows through the network in an organization which may be of three types i.e., horizontal, vertical and diagonal.
Vertical Communication
This is basically a formal communication, where communication is most dominated. This follows the hierarchical chain of command.
The vertical direction of communication can be upward (bottom up) and downward (top down)
Horizontal or Lateral Communication
It Is the communication where people can communicate their colleagues and peers at same level in hierarchical chain of command.
It is necessary for smooth coordination. It may be combined of both formal and informal.
It is beneficial when organizations are very large.
This leads to a successful interactive interpersonal communication
Diagonal Communication
It is free flow of communication hence no barrier of hierarchy. It encourages the bonding between superior and subordinate as well among the colleagues.
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