COMMUNICATION 1.5

COMMUNICATION 1.5

[Communication Network]

”Communication Networks show the way information flows in an organization. This is the interaction pattern between and among group members.”

1. FORMAL NETWORK MODELS:

           - Chain Network

           - Y-Network

           - Wheel Network

           - Circle Network

           - All-Channel Network

2. INFORMAL NETWORK MODEL (GRAPEVINE):

            - Single Strand

             - Gossip

             - Probability

             - Cluster

Centralized & Decentralized 

Organizational Structure

An organizational structure is the outline of a company’s framework and guidelines for managing business operations. Small business owners are usually responsible for creating their companies' organizational structure, which is usually an extension of the owner’s personality, management style and characteristics. Two types of organizational structures are found in the business environment: centralized and decentralized. Each structure offers advantages and disadvantages for business owners.

Centralized organizational structures rely on one individual to make decisions and provide direction for the company. Small businesses often use this structure since the owner is responsible for the company’s business operations.

Decentralized organizational structures often have several individuals responsible for making business decisions and running the business. Decentralized organizations rely on a team environment at different levels in the business. Individuals at each level in the business may have some autonomy to make business decisions.

1. FORMAL NETWORK MODELS

A. CHAIN NETWORK

• The Chain Network is a vertical hierarchy in which communication can flow only upward or downward.
• In Chain Network, members communicate with people next to them in sequence.
• +ve Aspect is: It can be used to transfer important messages from higher management levels to lower levels.
• -ve Aspect is: This often leads to one way communication and the people in lower order of chain isolation is felt.

B. Y-NETWORK

• The Y-Network is a multi-level hierarchy and a combination of Horizontal & Vertical flow of communication.
• Same as chain network except that there are 2 members outside the chain.

C. WHEEL NETWORK

• The Wheel Network refers to several subordinates reporting to a superior. It’s a combination of Horizontal & Diagonal flow of communication.
• + ve Aspect: The central management can pass messages to all departments quickly.
• - ve aspect: The departments cannot communicate directly between themselves.        

D. CIRCLE NETWORK

•      The Circle Network allows employees to interact with adjacent members but no further. In the given figure, there is vertical communication between superiors & subordinates, and horizontal communication only at the lowest level.
•     Here members communicate with others close to them in terms of expertise, office location, etc. 

        E. ALL CHANNEL NETWORK

•     The All-Channel Network enables each employee to communicate freely with the others. Here, everybody's views are equally & openly shared.
•      +ve Aspect: This is used to create or discuss new ideas.
•   -ve Aspect: Can be time-consuming and there is no clear leader or sender of messages.

1. The Chain Network is a vertical hierarchy in which communication can flow only upward or downward.
2. The Y-Network is a multi-level hierarchy and a combination of Horizontal & Vertical flow of communication.
3. The Wheel Network refers to several subordinates reporting to a superior. It’s a combination of Horizontal & Diagonal flow of communication.
4. The Circle Network allows employees to interact with adjacent members but no further. In the given figure, there is vertical communication between superiors & subordinates, and horizontal communication only at the lowest level.
5. The All-Channel Network enables each employee to communicate freely with the others. Here, everybody's views are equally & openly shared. 

     note: There are a number of ways to organise communications networks, each with different advantages. Networks of communications may be: centralised - where a leader directs the flow of communication. decentralised - each member of the group has access to the ideas of all other members.

 2. INFORMAL NETWORK MODELS (GRAPEVINE)

     Besides flowing through the formal networks, communication in an organization also travels along an informal network-the GRAPEVINE.

•      Single Strand is the way in which people pass the message along a single strand.
•      In the Gossip network, one person passes information to all the others.
•      In the Probability network, each person tells others at random.
•      Cluster is the most popular pattern of grapevine communication, where some people tell a selected few of others.

           NOTE:

• The wheel & all channel networks preferred if speed of communication is a priority.
• The chain, Y & wheel networks serve best if accuracy is crucial.
• In general, grapevine is rapid, voluntary, multidirectional & capable of resolving conflicts.
• If blindly accepted, Grapevine could be harmful & lead to misunderstanding in case it is baseless or of incomplete information. 

(to be continued...)