Key Differences

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Difference Between Formal and Informal Communication

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formal vs informal communication Someone said correctly “The very attempt of, not to speak, speaks a lot.”Communication plays a crucial role in our life, as people interchange their ideas, information, feelings, opinions by communicating. Formal communication is one that passes through predefined channels of communication throughout the organization. On the contrary, Informal communication refers to the form of communication which flows in every direction, i.e. it moves freely in the organization.

Communication could be verbal – spoken or written, or non-verbal i.e. using sign language, body movements, facial expressions, gestures, eye contact or even with the tone of voice.

In an organization, there are two channels of communication – formal communication and informal communication. People often confuse between these two channels, so here we have presented an article which explains the difference between formal and informal communication network.

Content: Formal Communication Vs Informal Communication

  1. Comparison Chart
  2. Definition
  3. Key Differences
  4. Video
  5. Conclusion

Comparison Chart

Basis for ComparisonFormal CommunicationInformal Communication
MeaningA type of verbal communication in which the interchange of information is done through the pre-defined channels is known as formal communication.A type of verbal communication in which the interchange of information does not follow any channels i.e. the communication stretches in all directions.
Another NameOfficial CommunicationGrapevine communication
ReliabilityMoreComparatively less
SpeedSlowVery Fast
EvidenceAs the communication is generally written, documentary evidence is present.No documentary evidence.
Time ConsumingYesNo
AdvantageEffective due to timely and systematic flow of information.Efficient because employees can discuss work related problems, this saves time and cost of the organization.
DisadvantageDistortion due to long chain of communication.Spread of rumors
SecrecyFull secrecy is maintained.It is difficult to maintain the secrecy.
Flow of InformationOnly through predefined channels.Can move freely.

Definition of Formal Communication

The communication in which the flow of information is already defined is termed as Formal Communication. The communication follows a hierarchical chain of command which is established by the organisation itself. In general, this type of communication is used exclusively in the workplace, and the employees are bound to follow it while performing their duties.

organizational structure

Organizational Structure

Example: Requests, commands, orders, reports etc.

The formal communication is of four types:

  • Upward or Bottom-up: The communication in which the flow of information goes from subordinate to superior authority.
  • Downward or Top-down: The communication in which the flow of information goes from superior to subordinate.
  • Horizontal or Lateral: The communication between two employees of different departments working at the same level.
  • Crosswise or Diagonal: The communication between the employees of two different departments working at different levels.

Definition of Informal Communication

The communication which does not follow any pre-defined channel for the transmission of information is known as informal communication. This type of communication moves freely in all directions, and thus, it is very quick and rapid. In any organization, this type of communication is very natural as people interact with each other about their professional life, personal life, and other matter.

Example: Sharing of feelings, casual discussion, gossips, etc.

The informal communication is of four types:

  • Single Strand Chain: The communication in which one person tell something to another, who again says something to some other person and the process goes on.

    single strand chain

    Single Strand Chain

  • Cluster Chain: The communication in which one person tells something to some of its most trusted people, and then they tells them to their trustworthy friends and the communication continues.

    Cluster Chain

    Cluster Chain

  • Probability Chain: The communication happens when a person randomly chooses some persons to pass on the information which is of little interest but not important.

    Probability Chain

    Probability Chain

  • Gossip Chain: The communication starts when a person tells something to a group of people, and then they pass on the information to some more people and in this way the information is passed on to everyone.

    Gossip Chain

    Gossip Chain

Key Differences Between Formal and Informal Communication

The following points are substantial, so far as the difference between formal and informal communication is concerned.

  1. Formal communication is also known by the name of official communication. Informal Communication is also known by the name of grapevine.
  2. In formal communication, the information must follow a chain of command. Conversely, the informal communication can move freely in any direction.
  3. In formal communication, full secrecy is maintained, but in the case of informal communication maintenance of secrecy is a very tough task.
  4. Formal communication is written, whereas Informal communication is oral.
  5. Formal communication is time-consuming as opposed to Informal communication, which is rapid and quick.
  6. Formal communication is more reliable than Informal communication.
  7. Formal communication is designed by the organization. Informal communication starts itself due to the urge of ‘human to talk’.
  8. In formal communication, the documentary evidence is always available. On the other hand, in the case of informal communication, the supporting documents are not available.

Video: Formal Vs Informal Communication

Conclusion

A very deep discussion on the difference between formal and informal communication has been done in this article. Nowadays, many big Transnational Organizations has started an open-door policy, in which any employee of any department can communicate directly with the head of an organization, about their complaints, grievances, and requests. This results in reducing the complexity of the formal communication.

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Comments

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    • Surbhi S says

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