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Informal communication,informal define

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what is informal communication?,advantages and disadvantages of informal communication

Define informal communication. What are the characteristics of informal communication?

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 communications.

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 if 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 of informal communication:
1. Organizational hierarchy not followed
2. Free flow of information
3. Rapid communication
4. Information may be distorted
5. Lack of evidence.

The 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.

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 top 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 co-operation:
Co-operation among the employees increased by informal communication.

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

1. Lack of control:
Sometimes informal communication damages 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 increase. Fraudulent activities also can take place.