What is Informal Communication?
Informal communication is communication outside of formal communication channels in the workplace. Informal communication is sometimes called the “grapevine”.
Informal communication may be done in the same environment as formal communication. For example, during an appraisal process in a private room. Managers may conduct the appraisal and, upon completion, tell the employer about their personal lives that are not intended for the general workplace.
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What are the different types of informal communication?
There are four main types of informal communication.
- Single Strand Chain.
- Gossip Chain.
- Probability Chain.
- Cluster Chain.
What are the advantages of informal communication?
- It adds a personal touch to how people communicate, which encourages building social media relationships.
- Informal communication within the company is more efficient and faster than formal training.
- This type of communication allows for more open and honest grieving.
- Expressing their thoughts freely, employees might have more ideas, opinions, and suggestions.
- It fosters a positive work environment.
- It eliminates rigid hierarchical structures and allows anyone to interact with the top officials.
What are the disadvantages of informal communication?
- It is not possible to track information flowing through the system when it relies on information mode communication.
- It is driven by emotion and sentiments, which makes it less professional.
- Sometimes it can be unstable, which may facilitate the spread of misinformation or rumors.
- Since there is no evidence of the origin of communication, no one can be held responsible.
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What are the key features of informal communication?
- It is not professional in nature.
- It could take the form of gossip.
- It doesn’t have a set structure or channel.
- It spreads quickly throughout the organization.
- It’s direct.
- It is flexible and dynamic by nature.
How does informal communication convey?
The following are some examples of informal communication:
- Personal conversation.
- Gossip.
- Eye contact.
- Unofficial discussion.
- You can make spontaneous suggestions.
- Expression of the facial features.
- Movement and body language
- Silence.
