Pattern/channels of communication
1. What Channels/Patterns Mean
Channels of communication = paths/media through which message flows; patterns = network structures (who talks to whom) in an organization.
2. Channels by Direction (formal)
| Channel | Direction | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Downward | Top → bottom (higher to lower) | Manager to team: instructions, policies, appraisal |
| Upward | Bottom → top | Team to manager: reports, feedback, grievances, suggestions |
| Horizontal (lateral) | Same level, peer to peer | Engineer to engineer: coordination, problem-solving |
| Diagonal (crosswise) | Different levels & departments (bypassing hierarchy) | Junior engineer directly to senior manager of other dept for quick help |
3. Patterns / Networks (exam expects 5)
| Pattern | Structure | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Chain | A→B→C→D linear | Hierarchical info flow, slow, formal |
| Wheel (star) | One central hub (leader) connects to all others, no peer links | Centralized control (manager hub) |
| Circle | Each connects to two neighbours in circle | Peer discussion |
| All-channel (star completely connected) | Everyone connected to everyone | Open team, fast, but information overload |
| Y | One branch | Two groups via one leader |
Informal channels (grapevine) follow single strand, gossip, cluster patterns (fast, may distort).
4. Worked Checks
Need to send urgent design change from Head to developers: downward channel via email + meeting.
Need to escalate bug: upward channel via report.
Need to coordinate between two teams at same level: horizontal meeting.
Diagonal saves time but may bypass hierarchy — use with care.
5. Exam Points
- Distinguish downward, upward, horizontal, diagonal with example — 5 marks, very frequent.
- List chain, wheel, circle, all-channel, Y patterns with diagram — 5-7 marks, very frequent (the most common patterns question).
- Show formal vs informal channels — 3 marks.
- Mention grapevine patterns — 3 marks.