Formal Communication
This is one of the categories of communication channels covering/including those which are formally prescribed and implemented by managers and others who are in authority. Usually, channels are designed to provide downward horizontal and/or upward flows of information. Such channels are essential for connecting and co-ordinating the achievements of people at different locations in the organisational set-up.
The Manager must know “what is going on” in the organisation. Such information is needed if the manager wishes to carry out his control function, efficiently and effectively.
Informal Communication
Need for the Informal Communication arises from the desire to transmit information. Even by remaining outside the formal structure, it endures with or without the approval of manager and can have both destructive and constructive effects on the enterprise. Since it can be stamped out, it should not be ignored but should be mobilised to transmit and receive information supplementary to the formal organisation in the co-ordination of enterprise effort.
Managers flow and sometimes are required to flow formally from superior to subordinate and from subordinate to superior. But this channel is not sufficient and also not reliable for handling all messages quickly and with complete understanding. Therefore, manager informally contacts subordinates personally or through others to establish contact. So long as no orders are given or implied, this practice is highly useful. The work requires voluntary application by all members of an organisation. This requires motivation. It is necessary to give training to subordinates in communication. In an efficient organisation, there is no chance of poor communication.
