Explain the formal communication network.

The way in which formal communication is done, is known as formal communication network. It is given below:

Formal communication can be done in different ways — it may be vertical communication or horizontal communication. The different forms of formal communication network are shown in the above diagram.

(i) Chain Communication: Chain communication refers to the communication between a superior and a subordinate All the people in an organisation from top to bottom are linked with the help of a scalar chain as is shown in diagram (1). A is placed at the highest rank, B is a subordinate of A, C is the subordinate of B, D is the subordinate of C and E is the subordinate of D.

(ii) Wheel Communication: In this form of communication all the subordinates of a superior talk to one another through his medium. The superior works as a hub of a wheel. In the second diagram, A is the superior and B, C, D and E are the subordinates. All the four subordinates communicate through the medium of A.

(iii) Circular Communication: This communication takes place among the members of a group. Every member of a group can communicate with the nearest two members. In diagram (3), A can have communication with B and E. Similarly, B can have communication with A and C. The same applies to all the members of the group. In this case the communication moves at a slow speed.

(iv) Free Flow Communication: This form of communication also takes place among the different members of the group. Its special feature is that every member of the group can talk to all the other people in the group. This is clarified in diagram (4). A can talk directly to B, C, D, E. In the same way, B can talk directly to A, C, D, E. The same applies to all the members of the group. In this case, the communication moves at a rapid pace.

(v) Inverted ‘V’ Communication: In this form of communication, a subordinate is permitted to communicate with the boss of his boss. In this form of communication, the messages move at a rapid speed. In the diagram (5), C and D are the subordinate of B who in turn is a subordinate of A. Here, C and D can talk directly to A who happens to be the boss of B.