لخّصلي

Channels of communication
A communication channel is a medium or pathway through which information is transmitted between
individuals, groups, or entities. It can encompass various forms, such as verbal, written, visual, or nonverbal methods, and may include both formal and informal avenues. Communication channels play a
crucial role in facilitating the exchange of information within organizations and other social contexts.
Communication Channel is how employees communicate The company and through it they
interact with each other. Communication channels keep information flowing efficiently.
Effective communication channels can boost productivity and help make better decisions as a
team. They also have a direct impact on the employee experience, employee engagement as
well as the ability to help employees increase their thinking leadership skills
Communication is divided into external and internal communication.
External communication: External communication is the process of exchanging information
with the people of various external or outside parties of the organization. Generally, these
parties are a stakeholder of the organization.
Internal communication: Internal communication is the process of exchanging information
among people of different levels or internal participants within the organization
The two major channels of communication are the Formal and informal
Formal Channels of Communication
Formal communication is the process of exchanging information by following the prescribed or
official rules, procedures, systems formalities, chain of command etc. in the organizational
structure.
Informal Channels of Communication
Along with the formal channel of communication every organization has an equally effective channel of
communication that is the informal channel often called grapevine, because it runs in all
directions—Horizontal, Vertical, Diagonal. It flows around and wherever people get together in groups
Upward Communication:
Upward communication moves from the subordinates to the superiors and continues up to the
organizational hierarchy.
BENEFITS:
Provides feedback to the superiors.
2. Introduction of new schemes without unduly opposition from the employees.
3. Helps in to promote harmony between the management and the employees.
4. Problems and grievances are redressed
The two major channels of communication are the Formal and informal
Grapevine/Informal Communication
Along with the formal channel of communication every organization has
an equally effective channel of communication that is the informal
channel often called grapevine, because it runs in all
directions—Horizontal, Vertical, Diagonal. It flows around and wherever
people get together in groups.
The grapevine refers to the informal communication network within an
organization, where information, gossip, or rumours are transmitted
from person to person. It's often characterized by its informal and
unsanctioned nature, spreading throughout the organization regardless
of official authority channels. It's like the social network of informal
communication in a workplace

Rapid Transmission: Grapevine communication spreads information quickly,
especially in situations where formal channels may be slow.
Supplements Formal Communication: It can fill gaps left by formal channels,
ensuring information reaches individuals who might be left out.
Social Bonding: Grapevine communication fosters social bonds within groups,
contributing to a sense of camaraderie and shared understanding.
Feedback Mechanism: Provides feedback on how information is perceived among
employees, offering insights into the organizational climate.
 Advantages of Grapevine Communication:

Unreliable: Grapevine communication often involves rumours and unverified
information, leading to inaccuracies and misunderstandings.
Distortion of Facts: Information may be altered as it passes through various
individuals, leading to a distorted version of the original message.
Lack of Accountability: Since grapevine communication is informal, there is a lack
of accountability for the accuracy of the information shared.
Negative Impact on Morale: False or negative grapevine messages can create
anxiety and distrust among employees, affecting overall morale and productivity

Verbal communication is when we communicate our message verbally to whoever is
receiving the message. It is of two types oral and written which had their own advantages
and disadvantages.
Oral communication: is the communication where the message or information exchanges by
spoken words. It can be done by both face to face and through mechanical devices.
Written communication: is the communication where the message or information exchanges
by written words. Letter, telegraph, fax, e-mail are examples of written communication.
Written communication guarantees that everyone concerned has the same information. It
provides a longlisting record of communication for future. Written instructions are essential
when the action called for is crucial and complex. To be effectual, written communication
Non-verbal communication is usually understood as the process of communication
through sending and receiving wordless messages. Such messages can be
communicated through gesture; body language or posture; facial expression and
eye contact; object communication such as clothing, hair styles or even
architecture; symbols and infographics. Speech may also contain non-verbal
elements known as paralanguage, including voice quality, emotion and speaking
style, as well as prosodic features such as rhythm, intonation and stress. Likewise,
written texts have non-verbal elements such as handwriting style, spatial
arrangement of words, or the use of emotions.

Word Interpretation Barrier:
People ascribe diverse meanings to the same word, hindering effective communication. For
instance, 'run' has numerous meanings, creating potential confusion.
Bypassing Instructions: Bypassing occurs when the sender and receiver assign different meanings to
a word or use different terms for the same concept. An example is the ambiguity of "burn it," where,
in official language, it means making additional document copies.
Denotation & Connotation: Words have denotative (literal) meanings, conveying objective
information without positive or negative connotations. Connotative meanings, on the other hand,
involve personal reactions and qualitative judgments, as seen in words like 'honest,' 'cheap,' and
Attitude and opinions: Individuals prefer information aligning with their views.
Emotions: Sender's emotions impact communication; confusion hinders message clarity.
Closed Mind: Difficulty in communicating with rigid minds resistant to listening.
Status-consciousness: Over-awareness of rank inhibits candid expression.
Source trust: Reaction influenced by trust in the communication source.
Faulty transmission: About 30% information loss in each oral communication transmission.
Poor retention: Oral message in particular are lost due to poor human retention ability.
(Employees retain only about 50%)

To overcome communication barriers:
Establish clear and explicit organizational policies to encourage communication at all levels.
Share the responsibility for good communication throughout the organization, with special
emphasis on leadership.
Provide adequate facilities and ensure their proper and effective use to promote communication.
Foster interpersonal relationships based on mutual respect, trust, and confidence, modifying the
organizational climate accordingly.
Implement continuous evaluation programs to identify communication issues, understand their
causes, and take corrective actions as needed