Communication Network Of The Organization

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Communication Network of the Organization

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The Vital link ……………… Communication provides the vital link between people and information whether a newcomer to the organisation or a seasoned employee you have information that others need in order to perform their functions…….. And others have information that is vital to you……………

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A Complex Network……………. A complex network looking over all of an organisation’s communication we can see an extremely complex network of Information flow. We see dozens, hundreds and even thousands of individuals engaging in untold numbers of communication events throughout each workday …….

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Formal Communication in Organizations

Organizational Communication Vertical 





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Communication

Communication that flows up and down the organization, usually along formal reporting lines.  Takes place between managers and subordinates and may involve several levels of the organization. Upward communication  Consists of messages from subordinates to superiors and is more subject to distortion. Downward communication  Occurs when information flows down the hierarchy from superiors to subordinates.

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Organizational Communication (cont’d) Horizontal 

Communication

Communication that flows laterally within the organization; involves persons at the same level of the organization.  Facilitates  Useful  Plays

coordination among independent units.

in joint problem solving.

a major role in communications among members of work teams drawn from different departments.

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Formal Channels of Communication 0

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Downward Communication Problems Drop  

Off

Distortion Loss of message content

Dealing  



with Drop Off

Use right communication channel Consistency between verbal and nonverbal messages Active listening

0

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Information Loss In Downward Communication 100% Board 63% Vice presidents 56% General managers 40% Plant managers 30% Supervisors 20% Workers

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Upward Communication Problems Barriers to accurate upward communication: 



12/06/09

Managers may resist hearing about employee problems Employees may not trust managers sufficiently to push information upward

10

15-10 0

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Informal Communication in Organizations

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Informal Communication in Organizations May

or may not follow official reporting relationships and/or prescribed organizational channels May have nothing to do with official organizational business. Promote a strong culture and enhance employee understanding of how the organization works.

Informal Communication

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

Exist outside formal authorized channels



Do not adhere to organization’s hierarchy of authority



Primary way information spreads

Informal Communication



Personal Networks



Grapevine



Management By Wondering Around

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Developing Personal Communication Networks Build

12/06/09

it before you need it

Never

eat lunch alone

Make

it win-win

Focus

on diversity 15

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Common Grapevine Chains Found in Organizations Grapevine 

An informal communication network that can permeate an organization. Types of grapevines are: Source: From Keith Davis and John W. Newstrom, Human Behavior at Work: Organizational Behavior, Eighth Edition, Copyright © 1989 by McGraw-Hill. Reprinted by permission of the McGraw-Hill Companies.

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Informal Communication Management 

by Wandering Around

Managers keep in touch with what’s going on by wandering around and talking to people on all levels in the organization.

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Communication Network in groups and Teams Team communication considerations: 



The extent to which team communication is centralized 

Complex and difficult team activities share information in a decentralized structure



Simple problems - centralized communication structure

The nature of the team’s task

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Communication Networks in Groups & Teams

Wheel Network

Circle Network

Chain Network

All Channel Network

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Communication Networks Networks show information flows in an organization.  Wheel

Network: information flow to and from one central member.  Chain Network: members communicate with people next to them in sequence. 

Wheel and Chain networks provide for little interaction.

 Circle

Network: members communicate with others close to them in terms of expertise, office location, etc.  All-Channel Network: found in teams, with high levels of communications between each member and all others.

Effectiveness of Team Communication Networks

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Challenges/Communication Barriers Barriers Individual Interpersonal dynamics Channels and media Semantics Inconsistent cues

Organizational

How to Overcome Active listening Selection of appropriate channel Knowledge of other’s perspective MBWA Climate of Trust, dialogue

Status and power differences

Development and use of formal channels

Departmental needs and goals

Changing organization or group structure communication needs

Communication network unsuited Lack of formal channels

to fit

Encouragement of multiple channels, formal and informal Feedback and learning

15-23 Deal with global issues proactively What are the issues you face in communicating globally?

PERCENT OF RESPONDENTS RANKING THESE ISSUES IN TOP 3 100 90 80 70 60

51

50 40

34

32

30

28

20

2 3

10 0 The Need to Differences inLeadership Language Tailor Communication Perceptions of Communication Styles Communication CATEGORY Source: Towers Perrin/IABC “Future Trends” Study.

Cost

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Thank you ! 