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Explain Formal Communication with its advantages and disadvantages.
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Joined: Feb 2013
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.
Advantages of formal communication
The following are the advantages of formal communication:
(1) It helps maintain the authority of line officers who control the subordinates and fix the responsibility for the activities done.
(ii) An immediate superior has a direct contact with his subordinates. It helps understand the attitude and behaviour of each other well.
(iii) Since an officer knows better about the organisation and his subordinates, solution of problems becomes easy.
Disadvantages of formal communication
The formal communication claims the following disadvantages too:
(i) It increases the work load of the line superior because all communications are transmitted through them. It leaves no time to perform other functions well.
(ii) It enhances the chances of more transmission errors and reduces accuracy of the message.
(iii) It is not good for upward communication because officers overlook the interest of their subordinates. It implies delay tactics and red-tapism.
(iv) It is generally happened that the contacts of distants subordinates with the topmost superior are far-remote. They do not even recognize to each other. It adversely affects the relations.
