Informal Communication and its Features

Formal channels are not only media of communication. In an organization a considerable portion, of communication are completed through informal channels. Communication without using formal channel is known as informal communication.

In the words of Thill and Bovee, "informal communication travels along the

organization's unofficial lines of activity and power."

S. P. Robbins said, "informal communication is free to move of any direction, skip

authority levels and is as likely to satisfy group members, social needs."

In short informal communication takes place among different level of employees

by-passing the formal network.

Characteristics features :

1. Organizational hierarchy not followed

2. Free flow of information

3] Rapid communication

4. Information may be distorted

5. Lack of evidence

Advantages and Disadvantages of Informal Communication

Advantages of informal communication are as follows :

1. Free flow of information : As no formal channel is maintained information can flow freely among the employees of the organization.

2. Rapid communication : In case of informal communication messages can be transmitted to the ultimate recipient faster than formal communication. I

3. Suitable for motivation : In modern days many communication experts advocated that informal communication is more appropriate for motivating employees. `

4. Remove mental distances : Through informal communication employees can share their views on any problem. As a result mental distances are reduced.

5. Increase enthusiasm : Due to the very nature of informal communication it allows lower level employees to communicate freely with the tops management. Accordingly .problems of lower level employees can be minimized and their enthusiasm increased.

6. Evaluation of employees : Sometimes it is necessary for the management to evaluate the attitudes of the employees. Through informal communication management can .come closer to the operational level employees and judge their attitudes clearly.

7. Supportive : Informal communication is not just a separate system of exchanging information, it is also supportive to the formal communication. Meaning of formal communication can be clarified by the informal communication.

8. Increase cooperation : Cooperation among the employees increased by informal communication.

9. Flexibility : One of the major advantages of informal communication is flexibility.

Infact it is popular among the employees for its flexibility. It can adopt with the demand

of the situation.

10. Enhance mutual trust : By removing mental distance informal communication also enhance the mutual trust between the management and employees.

Disadvantages :

1. Lack of control : Sometimes informal communication damage the official decorum which lead to lack of control.

2. Distortion : Another major limitation of informal communication is, there is a chance of distortion of messages as it passes from top to bottom.

3. Rumor can take place : By taking the opportunity of informal communication rumor can take place. If rumor' is not properly controlled it can be detrimental to the organization.

4. Not reliable : Informal communication is not reliable and can not be used safely.

5. No documentary evidence : Another demerit of informal communication is it has no documentary evidence.

6. Secrecy not maintained : A major loophole of the informal communication is secrecy of the information is not maintained. Thus sometimes interest of the organization: may be hampered.

 7. Conflict : Due to lack of control information may be distorted, which may lead to internal conflict among the employees. '

8. Chance of error : As official chain and procedures are not followed, chance of error increases. Fraudulent activities also can take place.

Difference between Formal and Informal Communication

Difference between formal and informal communication are as follows

Subject	Formal Communication	Informal Communication
l. Definition	When communication takes place through the formal official channels then it is known as formal communication.	Any communication by passing the formal channels can be termed as informal communication.
2. Flexibility	Formal communication is not flexible.	It is flexible.
3. Degree of control	Formal communication is totally controlled by the management.	It can not be controlled like formal communication.
4. Evidence	It has documentary evidence.	It has no documentary evidence.
5. Discipline	Official discipline is strictly maintained in formal communication.	Official decorum and discipline are not followed.
6. Flow of information	In formal communication information can flow only upward and downward	But in informal communication information flows freely to all direction.
7. Speed	Here speed of communication  is slow.	Informal channels are very fast, here information can be transmitted instantly.
8. Secrecy	In case of formal communication can be maintained.	Here maintaining secrecy is very difficult.
9. Rumor	There is no scope for creation of rumor in formal communication.	Due to its flexible nature rumor can be created.
10. Distortion	Generally information is not distorted.	As official decorum is not followed information can be distorted.
ll. Time	It is time consuming.	Less time is taken for transmitting information.
12. Misunderstanding	In case of formal communication	Due to lack of control misunderstanding can takes place.
13. Cost	It is expensive.	It is less expensive than formal  communication.