Networks and Barriers to

communication

Communication networks are the patterns that emerge from the combination of vertical, horizontal and diagonal channels of communication.Communication networks can be formal as well as informal.

FORMAL NETWORK MODELSIn an organization, there are five common communication networks in formal communication-ChainYWheelCircle, andAll- channel

CHAIN NETWORK It represents a vertical hierarchy in which communication can

flow only upward or downward. This network is used in direct line of authority communications, with no deviations.

Y- network

It is a multi-level hierarchy and a combination of horizontal and vertical flow of communication. If we turn the Y upside down, we see two subordinates reporting to one senior with two levels of authority above the latter.

wheel network

Wheel network refers to several subordinates reporting to a superior. This is a combination of horizontal and diagonal flow of communication.

Subordinates of equal rank reporting to one superior but without any interaction among themselves.

circle network

The circle network allows employees to interact with adjacent members but no further than that. For example, at this three level hierarchy, there is a vertical communication between superiors and subordinates, and horizontal communication only at the lowest level.

all-channel network

The all-channel network is the least structured and enables each employee to communicate feely with all the others. There are no restrictions on who can communicate with whom. All are equal, as no one employee formally or informally assumes a leading role. Hence, everybody’s views are equally and openly shared.

Finally, for effective use of communication networks, we need to remember the following:

1. No single network is suitable for all occasions.

2. The wheel and All-channel networks are preferred if speed of communication is a priority.

3. The chain, Y, and Wheel networks serve the best when accuracy is crucial.

Informal network models Communication also travels along an informal

network- the grapevine. informal network- very active in almost every

organization. In fact some organizations consciously use it to

great effect, to develop their human resources, and in turn, their productivity..

Ex- Michael Eisner, the Chairman of Walt Disney, adopts management by walking around. (MBWA)

: He goes around the company, talks to employees, observes them talking among themselves, and use

this knowledge effectively to adopt or change certain strategies.

There are four patterns for informal communication as well:Among the following four, single strand is the way in which most people view the grapevine.

1. Single strand- message is passed from one person to another along a single strand.

2. Gossip- One person passes the information to all the others

A B C

A

B

C EG

G

D

F

3. Probability- Each person tells others at random

4. Cluster- The most popular pattern – Some people tell something to some selected few.

A

DB

F

GK

C

E

A

C

D

F

B G E

To effectively use the channel of grapevine, organizations should:

Not ignore information received through the grapevine

Use the channel to supplement the formal channel

Identify but not threaten the main sources of information

Try to understand the human relationships involved in grapevine communication.

Characteristics of the grapevine

AdvantagesIn general, the grapevine is

Not expensive

Rapid

Multidirectional

If carefully cultivated, capable of resolving conflicts

An outlet for anxieties, worries, frustration

A promoter of unity and solidarity

Voluntary and unforced

Disadvantages If information from grapevine is

blindly accepted,, it may

Reveal some degree of error

Be harmful in case it is baseless or imaginary

Lead to misunderstandings because of incomplete information

Unreliable, as nobody takes the responsibility for it

Cause damage to the organization, if not clarified in time

BARRIERS TO COMMUNICATION

Barrier means any kind of obstruction that obstructs the smooth flow of communication.

The communication will be incomplete and unsuccessful unless one identifies and understands the barriers to communication.

Barriers interfere with the self-confidence, self disclosure, and self-consciousness of the sender and the receiver If not removed on time, barriers can prove to be damaging to an

organization Therefore understanding the factors that prevent us from

transmitting the exact meaning is essential for effective communication

Based on the process of message formation and delivery, barriers are of three types

1.Intrapersonal

2.Interpersonal

3.Organizational

Intrapersonal barriers Intrapersonal means inbuilt barriers. Since each of us is

unique and has different perceptions, experiences, education, culture, etc., the thinking varies and leads to intrapersonal barriers. The reasons can be:

Wrong assumptions – sender or receiver does not have adequate knowledge

Varied perception – six blind men Differing background – Ex. Rock climbing Wrong inferences- fail to distinguish between what actual is

and what you have assumed Blocked categories- react positively if in consonance with our

views and attitude – arise because of rigidity in opinions, closed mind ( misoneists who ignore variations & differences )

Categorical thinking- know it all (pansophists)

Interpersonal barriers

Inappropriate transaction of words between two or more people. Reasons of interpersonal barriers are: Limited vocabulary Incompatibility of verbal and non verbal messages Emotional outbursts Communication selectivity Cultural variations Poor listening skills Noise in the channel

Organizational barriers

Too many transfer stations- message distorted/ filtered because of too many people involved

Fear of superiors Negative tendencies- groups/sub groups may have differences Use of inappropriate media- choosing an appropriate medium

of communication considering time, cost, type of message and intended audience

Information overload- handling huge amount of data decreases efficiency. Results- fatigue, disinterest and boredom- leads to vital, relevant information getting mixed up with irrelevant details