OVERVIEW
Here in this topic, we are going to discuss two types of Communication, formal and informal Communication with their meanings and characteristics. Let us start with the meaning of formal communication.
FORMAL COMMUNICATION
Formal communication takes place officially. Here the information is always exchanged between the organisations. This makes it possible to exchange information exactly to the department or any official in a proper manner. This type is also known as through-paper channel communication. Now let us see some characteristics of formal communication in brief. Let us start.
CHARACTERISTICS
- Formal Communication can be in both forms oral and written, where oral communication includes handling officials’ daily life work, and on the other hand, the terms and conditions of any organization are stated in written form.
- This communication takes place between employees who are working together for the same organization and having formal relationships.
- In this type, an individual has to follow one path to deliver his message, or information to others in a formal manner.
- All the messages which are conveyed are under the guidance of the organization, no personal messages are in its jurisdiction.
- The relationship between two people is not automatically generated but it needs to be coordinated according to the organisation.
INFORMAL COMMUNICATION
Informal Communication refers to the way of Communication in which we communicate unofficially. Informal Communication takes place in informal relationships like communication between friends, families, and other belongingness. This kind of communication takes place on some occasions when individuals convey their informal messages at dinner, family functions, etc. In this type, it is difficult to find the starting and ending point of discussion or communication, because it is like a grapevine.
Now let us discuss its characteristics in short.
CHARACTERISTICS
- This type of communication is generated in society which is beyond the control of any restriction. Here there is not any kind of superior and inferior relationship.
- It does not follow any kind of specific chain of talk to follow like organizational rules and regulations, etc.
- Under this type the news is spread out at large within seconds, or minutes where the meaning of exact news can be changed easily.
- Here no one cares what they are talking about, no one cares at all. It can consequently follow rumors also.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FORMAL AND INFORMAL COMMUNICATION
FORMAL COMMUNICATION | INFORMAL COMMUNICATION |
Structured and official information occurs | Informal talks occur without any structure. |
To convey official information to officials and employees. | Share thoughts, and ideas informally to personal relationships. |
Information is conveyed through memos, emails, and reports. | Messages are conveyed through casual talks, social media, etc. |
Talk seriously, and respectfully to everyone. | Friendly and relaxed talk takes place between persons. |
Message delivered in typed document and recorded manner. | Always message conveyed verbally but rarely in document form. |
CONCLUSION
Here, in the end, we can see how communication differs from formal to informal communications, which play a crucial role in talking. Formal refers to a structured way of talking with the employees and other officials, on the other hand, informal refers to the way of talking where we share our feelings, thoughts, and ideas among our friends, families, etc which is not described by any organization.