What are the different types of communication?

[munina]

Discuss the various types of communication or channels of communication.

[bankdream]

Communication may be classified as under:
(A) On the basis of organisation structure
1. Formal Communication
2. Informal Communication
(B) On the basis of direction
1. Upward Communication
2. Downward Communication
3. Horizontal Communication
© On the basis of way of expression
1. Oral or verbal communication
2. Written communication
(A) On the basis of organisational structure
(a) Formal communication: Such communication is associated with the formal organisation structure. They travel through the formal channel-efficiency recognised positions in the organisation chart. We very often hear the phrase 'through proper channel'. It explains the essence of formal channel. Thus it is a deliberate attempt to regulate the flow of organisational communication so as to make it orderly and thereby to ensure that information flows smoothly, accurately and timely. This formal channel is the path of line authority linking the position to its line superior. It is also known as 'Channel of Command'. Its implication is that all communication to and from a position should How through the line superior or subordinate only i.e., through the scalar chain. This type of formal communication is known as Single-path communication. There may be multiple channel communication which improves communication through more than one path at a time.
(b) Informal communication—Such communications are free from all formalities because they are based on the informal relationship between the parties. Such communication includes comments, suggestions or any other informal reactions. Such types of communication are also called 'grapevine communications'. They may be conveyed by a simple glance, gesture, nod, smile or mere silence too. It is not the result of any official action but of the operation of personal, social and group relations of the people. Informal communication is unplanned but may follow a predictable pattern.

(B) According to direction of communication, the communication may be of following three types:
(a) Downward communication-Communications which flow from the superiors to subordinates with the help of scalar chain are known as downward communications. They include orders, instructions, rules, policies, programmes and directions etc. Their nature is directive
(b) Upward communication—Upward communications are just reverse of the downward communication. Feedback to the higher authorities by the lower level is an upward communication. It flows from the subordinates to their superiors through the line. Such communication includes suggestions, opinions, reactions, complaints and grievance, etc. Generally this type of communication is ignored by the superior but in modern times it is regarded as the main source of motivation in employees.
© Horizontal communication—It refers to transmission of information among positions of the same level, i.e., when communication takes place between two or more persons of the same level of organisation under the same superior is known as horizontal communication. Such communication may be written or oral. The main object of this type of communication is to co-ordinate the efforts of the persons working under various departments. It removes duplication of work and thus minimises the wastage of time, money and labour.

© According to way of Expression
On the basis of their expression, communication may be divided in two categories: oral and written.
(a) Oral communication
Transmission with the help of spoken words is a common system of communication. In oral communication both parties of the process exchange their ideas through oral words either in face-to-face communication or through any mechanical device such as telephone etc. Meetings, lectures, conferences are some other media of such communication.
(b) Written communication
When communication of ideas, orders, instructions etc. are resorted to writing, it is termed as written communication. For example, handbook, notice-boards, new sheet, magazines, report etc.