A communication channel is a type of media that is used to transfer a message from one person to another. In business specifically, communication channels are the way information flows in the organization within, and with other companies.
Importance of a Communication Channel
Communication channels affect how inefficient or efficient the flow of information is within a company. This lack of communication could cause employees to lack the knowledge of what the company expects of them, leaving them uninformed. Also without an effective communication channel, employees lose focus on the big picture and lose their company mind, which goes on to affects their decision making and productivity in the workplace.
This harms the overall organizational objectives as well. For an organization to be run effectively, a good manager should be able to communicate to their employees what is expected of them, make sure they are fully aware of company policies and any upcoming changes. Communication channels should be included by managers to enhance the productivity of their workers and to also ensure the well being and smooth running of their company.
Types of Communication
With technology advancing, the number of communication channels has significantly increased over the past few years. Many new types of channels exist today including video conferencing, mobile technology, electronic bulletin boards and also fax machines. As time progresses so many more channels will be introduced and implemented within the work place. These new types of channels help organizations communicate with the several workers to ensure their message has been sent. Choosing the type of communication channel is very important, these channels are grouped into three main categories: formal, informal and unofficial.
Formal Communication Channels
Importance of a Communication Channel
Communication channels affect how inefficient or efficient the flow of information is within a company. This lack of communication could cause employees to lack the knowledge of what the company expects of them, leaving them uninformed. Also without an effective communication channel, employees lose focus on the big picture and lose their company mind, which goes on to affects their decision making and productivity in the workplace.
This harms the overall organizational objectives as well. For an organization to be run effectively, a good manager should be able to communicate to their employees what is expected of them, make sure they are fully aware of company policies and any upcoming changes. Communication channels should be included by managers to enhance the productivity of their workers and to also ensure the well being and smooth running of their company.
Types of Communication
With technology advancing, the number of communication channels has significantly increased over the past few years. Many new types of channels exist today including video conferencing, mobile technology, electronic bulletin boards and also fax machines. As time progresses so many more channels will be introduced and implemented within the work place. These new types of channels help organizations communicate with the several workers to ensure their message has been sent. Choosing the type of communication channel is very important, these channels are grouped into three main categories: formal, informal and unofficial.
Formal Communication Channels
- Sends information including goals, policies and procedures of an organization
- Messages follow a chain of command
- Flows from managers to their subordinates
- Examples include business plan, customer satisfaction survey, annual reports, employer's manual, review meetings.
- The strict hierarchical web of communication cannot function efficiently on its own and hence there exists a different communication channel.
- This type of communication channel may disrupt the chain of command, a good manager needs to find the fine balance between the formal and informal communication channel to ensure the best type of communication.
- Examples include, lunch time gathering, water cooler talk etc.
- Quality circles, team work, different training programs are outside of the chain of command are also informal communication channels.
- Sometimes communication that takes place in an organization are interpersonal.
- Talks of sports, politics and TV shows are seen between co-workers.
- The unofficial communication channel in an company is the company's 'grapevine.' It is this that cause rumors.
- 'Grapevine' discussions often form groups, which translate into friendships outside of the organization.
- A good manager should be aware of information circulating in this unofficial communication channel and should take positive measures to prevent false information from spreading.
- Social gatherings between co-workers are a type of unofficial communication channel.