Informal Communication

Meaning & Definition

Informal Communication

Informal communication in the workplace is communication that takes place outside the formal, communication structures of the workplace. Some people refer to informal communication as the ‘grapevine.’

Informal communication can occur in the same setting as formal communication, such as in a private meeting room during the appraisal process. A manager may conduct the appraisal process and then upon its conclusion tell the employer something about their personal life that is not meant for general workplace consumption or to be recorded formally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

  1. What are the types of Informal Communication?

    There are four major types of informal communication:

    1. Single Strand Chain.
    2. Gossip Chain.
    3. Probability Chain.
    4. Cluster Chain.
  2. What are the benefits of Informal Communication?

    • It gives a more personal touch to the way people converse, making it more inclined towards building a social relationship.
    • The flow of information through informal communication in the organization is faster and less retrained.
    • Grievances can be addressed more openly through this type of communication.
    • Expressing their thoughts without fear, employees may come up with more ideas, suggestions and opinions.
    • It creates a friendly work environment.
    • It destroys the rigid hierarchical structures that run-in organizations enabling even the most junior person to interact with the highest officials.
  3. What are the key features of Informal Communication?

    • It is clearly not professional in nature.
    • It can take the form of gossip.
    • There is no set structure or channel for it.
    • It spreads quickly through the organization.
    • It is direct.
    • It is flexible and dynamic in nature.
  4. What are the disadvantages of Informal Communication?

    • There is no methodology in place to track the information that flows through when relying on information mode of communication.
    • It is driven by emotions and sentiments which makes it less professional.
    • It can be unreliable at times facilitating the spread of rumors or misinformation.
    • No one can be held responsible since there is no proof of where communication first originated.
  5. How is informal communication conveyed?

    Informal communication is conveyed in a multitude of ways with the help of the following:

    • Personal conversation.
    • Gossip.
    • Eye contact.
    • Unofficial discussion.
    • Spontaneous suggestions.
    • Facial expression.
    • Body language and movement.
    • Silence.

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