Organizational Communication

Organizational communication – the compounded interpersonal communication process across an organization

Communication flows in an organization are:

l  Vertical

l  Horizontal

l  Grapevine (multidirectional)

Vertical Communication

The flow of information both up and down the chain of command

•         Formal communication

•         Recognized as official

•         Status and power are not equal among participants in vertical communication

Horizontal Communication

The flow of information between colleagues and peers

•         Informal communication

•         Does not follow the chain of command

•         Not recognized as official

Grapevine – the informal vehicle through which messages flow throughout the organization

•         “When the grapevine allows employees to know about a management decision almost before it is made, management must be doing something right.”

Communication networks – sets of employees who have stable contact through which information is generated and transmitted

Two major types of communication networks:

1. within organizations

2. within departments and small groups 

                                   





                                     Message Transmission channels

           

Oral Communication Media