Formal and Informal Communication Essay Example

own advantages and disadvantages, which will be further discussed.

Formal Communication

In formal communication, the emphasis is on following a predefined format. This applies to various forms of business communication.

Corporate communication, also known as official communication, is a formal and official means of exchanging information. It encompasses various forms such as conferences, meetings, written memos, and corporate letters. Additionally, even initial interactions between individuals tend to be highly formal.

Formal communication is straightforward, functional, precise, and has a strict and rigid tone. It takes place through the formal channels of the organization structure, following the lines of authority established by management. These communications are usually written and can take various forms such as policies, manuals, procedures, regulations, memos, official meetings, and reports.

Advantages of Formal Communication

There are definitely some advantages of formal communication: (a) It helps in establishing responsibility and (b) maintaining the authority relationship within an organization.

Disadvantages of Formal Communication

(a) It is generally time-consuming and cumbersome, and (b) sometimes it leads to a considerable amount of distortion.

Informal Communication

For simplicity of understanding, communication that occurs outside the formal channels is known as informal communication. Informal communication includes instances of free and unrestrained communication among individuals who have a casual relationship with each other. Generally, it revolves around the everyday social interactions of members within an organization.

Informal communication, which relies on mutual understanding and connection, is frequently observed among friends and family members. However, ensuring accuracy in informal communication can pose challenges. Nonverbal cues like gestures, smiles, or silence often characterize informal communication.

Informal communication often occurs in small groups, where people share information with their social circles and beyond without strict rules or guidelines. This type of communication can also

go beyond time limits.

Casual conversations with our loved ones are widely known to continue endlessly, whether it be about location or subjects.

Informal Communication Benefits

Some benefits of informal communication include: (a) serving as a valuable method for sharing information that official channels cannot convey, and (b) involving more individuals in the decision-making process, thereby facilitating better managerial decisions.

Drawbacks of Informal Communication

Despite its numerous advantages, informal communication also has some disadvantages: (a) it often contains facts, misrepresentations, rumors, and unclear data.

Using informal channels of communication can result in conveying inaccurate information that could potentially harm an organization rather than help it.