Communication Channel

Communication Channel:

A communication channel is a particular type of media through which a message is sent and received. In other words, it's the method of communication used. The communication channels can flow down from superiors to subordinates, up from subordinates to superiors, or across from and to co-workers of the same hierarchical level of authority.

Types of Channels

Organizations have several types of communication channels available for people to communicate with each other.

Verbal communication is spoken communication. This is one of the oldest forms of communication and one of the most used channels in day-to-day activities. It can be a rather informal form of communication, and no records of the communication are typically kept unless the communication is recorded. Examples include talking around the water cooler, team meetings, and live presentations.

Written communication - Written communication is another widely used channel of communication in an organization. It includes any communication done with the written word, including letters, memos, and even a simple note scratched out on a napkin. Written communication is a much more formal channel of communication, which permits you time to think and process your message, revise your message before sending it, and archive the message for use later. It can be an impersonal means of communicating.

Nonverbal communication - You can actually communicate without saying.

The Working of a Communication Channel

Through a modem of communication, be it face-to-face conversations or an inter-department memo, information is transmitted from manager to a subordinate or vice  versa.In this mechanism, employees inform managers that they have understood the task at hand while managers provide employees with comments and directions on employee's work.

Importance of a Communication Channel

A breakdown in the communication channel leads to an inefficient flow of information. Employees are unaware of what the company expects of them. They are uninformed of what is going on in the company.

This will cause them to become suspicious of motives and any changes in the company. Also without effective communication, employees become department minded rather than company minded, and this affects their decision making and productivity in the workplace.

Types of Communication Channels

The number of communication channels available to a manager has increased over the last 20 odd years. Video conferencing, mobile technology, electronic bulletin boards and fax machines are some of the new possibilities.

As organizations grow in size, managers cannot rely on face-to-face communication alone to get their message across.

A challenge the managers face today is to determine what type of communication channel should they opt for in order to carryout effective communication.

In order to make a manager's task easier, the types of communication channels are grouped into three main groups: formal, informal and unofficial.

Formal Communication Channels

·        A formal communication channel transmits information such as the goals, policies and procedures of an organization. Messages in this type of communication channel follow a chain of command. This means information flows from a manager to his subordinates and they in turn pass on the information to the next level of staff.

·        A business plan, customer satisfaction survey, annual reports, employer's manual, review meetings are all formal communication channels.

Informal Communication Channels

·        Within a formal working environment, there always exists an informal communication network. The strict hierarchical web of communication cannot function efficiently on its own and hence there exists a communication channel outside of this web. While 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.

·        An example of an informal communication channel is lunchtime at the organization's cafeteria/canteen. Here, in a relaxed atmosphere, discussions among employees are encouraged. Also managers walking around, adopting a hands-on approach to handling employee queries is an example of an informal communication channel.

Unofficial Communication Channels

·        Good managers will recognize the fact that sometimes communication that takes place within an organization is interpersonal. While minutes of a meeting may be a topic of discussion among employees, sports, politics and TV shows also share the floor.

The unofficial communication channel in an organization is the organization's 'grapevine.' It is through the grapevine that rumors circulate