What Is the Role of Communication in Organizational Behavior?

Formal Communication Networks and Informal Communication Networks, under the same concept of communication networks, refer to the information transmission channels formed by formal communication in group organizations. It is most common in organizations and plays the main channel role in information communication.

Formal Communication Networks and Informal Communication Networks, under the same concept of communication networks, refer to the information transmission channels formed by formal communication in group organizations. Formal communication networks are generally divided into the following four Types: Y-type communication, chain-type communication, round-type communication and wheel-type communication. ^[1]

Formal communication networks include chain type, Y type, wheel type, ring type, and full channel type.

Formal Communication Network Wheeled Communication

The advantages are: the fastest transmission of information, the fastest time to solve simple problems. The accuracy of problem solving is high, and the predictive ability of leaders is very high. Central leaders are at the core of information communication and have a high degree of satisfaction. All information must be passed through this core, so you can receive all the information, which is conducive to understanding, grasping, summarizing the overall situation, and quickly feedback your opinions. Among many forms of communication, the wheeled communication network is the fastest because it creates a favorable and rapid environment for the rapid dissemination of information. The well-known professional manager Yu Shiwei said that the doors of his office are almost all closed, and this arrangement actually shows that the boss is more open to employees ^[2] .

Disadvantages are: there are few communication channels. Except for leaders at the core who understand the overall situation, other members do not communicate with each other, and insufficient parallel communication is not conducive to improving morale. Organizational members have high psychological pressure, and the average satisfaction of members is low, which affects the organization's work efficiency. If this communication network is introduced into the organization, it will easily grow an authoritarian communication network.

Formal communication network

Advantages: simple organizational structure and clear relationship duties.

Disadvantages: The speed of transmitting information is the slowest, and the information is filtered through layers, which is prone to distortion, so that the superior cannot directly understand the true situation of the subordinate, and the subordinate cannot understand the true intention of the superior. The information received by various information carriers is very different, and there is a big gap in average satisfaction. The communicator at the lowest level can only communicate upwards or receive distorted information, which causes great psychological pressure and is most likely to produce dissatisfaction. The communication face of each member is narrow, the content of communication between each other is scattered, and it is not easy to form a group common opinion. It is difficult for the communicator at the lowest level and the communicator at the highest level to communicate, which is not conducive to fostering group cohesion.

() Formal communication network ring (ring) network

The advantages are: group members have equal status, and everyone has the same communication object and communication network. The democratic atmosphere in the organization is strong, and members of the group have a certain degree of satisfaction, and horizontal communication generally makes the group morale high.

For example, a temporary organization formed by an enterprise has no rank differences in communication and enjoys equal status. Therefore, the advantages of this network are that members fully participate, opportunities are equal, mood is comfortable, and motivation can be mobilized;

The disadvantages are: the degree of centralization of the organization and the degree of prediction of the leader are low, the communication speed is slow, the accuracy is not high enough, the information is easy to be scattered, and it is often difficult to form a center.

Formal communication network omnichannel communication network

The advantage is that the network is highly decentralized, and each member of the organization can communicate directly with anyone else, without restrictions. All members are equal, and people are free to express their opinions and propose solutions to problems. The various communicators are fully open and understand each other well. The average satisfaction level of the members of the organization is very high, and the gap between the satisfaction levels of each member is small. The morale of the organization is high, the atmosphere of cooperation is strong, the individual has the initiative, and can give full play to the innovative spirit of the members of the organization. The wider communication channels of ring-type communication have made up for the shortcomings of ring-type communication in that it is difficult to quickly gather information in all aspects.

The disadvantage is that there are too many communication channels and it is easy to cause confusion. Not applicable to larger organizations. In a larger corporate organization, members cannot have face-to-face contact with each other. The number of communication routes can limit the ability to receive and send information. Information transfer takes time and affects work efficiency.

Y Formal communication network Y-type communication network

The advantages are: high degree of centralization, more organization, faster information transmission and problem solving, and stricter organizational control. (The central location is the central information conveyer. Outside information must pass through him to reach other members. Information from high-level communicators also needs to pass through him to the members below. Therefore, people in this special position may have Secretary status ^[3] .)

Disadvantages are: lack of direct horizontal communication between members of the organization, can not be beyond the level of communication, except for nodes, the satisfaction of all members is relatively low, the organizational atmosphere is mostly harmonious.