Communication patterns in organizations

This is about the different types of communication patterns in organizations. The types like circle, chain, Y , wheel , and network has been described in this ppt

1. Communication Patterns in Organizations Submitted By Shamil Aboobacker v.p 191127

2. Communication pattern Communication is a transfer of information. It is classified into verbal, non-verbal and written. It also has different forms: intrapersonal, interpersonal, group and mass communication. Similar is communication patterns, it shows how communication flows within a group. It is a part of group communication.

3. What are Communication Patterns ?

4. Circle In circle communication pattern, there is a leader and hierarchies in the group members. Here, the leader can only communicate to the members who are next to him/her like their direct subordinates. He/she cannot talk with any other members too, like the lowest level of workers . All group members can only communicate to the people who are above them or below them in the chain of command. The message flows in one direction or way . This type of communication is also a time consuming one.

5. Chain (line ) It is either top to bottom level staffs or bottom to top level staffs. It is a one-way flow of communication . In chain communication pattern, all members cannot communicate with the leader of the group like in a circle . The members might not get the exact message sent by the leader but an altered version of it. The leader won’t even be aware what distorted message others lower in the command got. Chance of distortion in feedback also.

6. Wheel In wheel pattern, there is a leader at the center of all communication. All others are members that stand at the same level in the structure . Here, all members can communicate with the leader and vice versa. But, members cannot interact with each other . This pattern is taken as the best pattern of communication for any organization as a leader can have direct contact with all . Communication problems are less and the method is quick . Prompt and simultaneous feedback is also encouraged in the communication pattern.

7. ‘Y’ Pattern Y pattern of communication is more complicated as there are different sub-groups within a group. In the center is a leader who manages these sub-groups. According to this pattern given by Leavitt, there are 3 subgroups being controlled by a single leader. There are 3 members in each sub-group. The lowest level of each sub-group communicates with the members senior to them. They communicate it with their seniors. Then, that member communicates it with the leader . The message sent by the leader also communicates from top-to-bottom approach . The sub-groups cannot communicate with each other.

8. Network Pattern The network is a communication pattern in which anyone can communicate with anyone else as per their needs and requirements. In a network, communication differs due to physical proximity and organizational structures too . Communication in networks can be prescriptive, like rules given from leader to other members or descriptive like case reports given by members to leaders.