4 Informal Communication Network Pattern

The informal communication network pattern takes the shape of a grapevine. Informal communication tends to treat the lines of the informal grouping which would set the core skeleton of such communication networks.

Informal communication network

Hierarchical (Nodal) trend pattern of Informal Communication

In this pattern of informal communication, the levels in -the management hierarchy dominate and work as nerve centers for the informal communication spread.

The pattern proceeds vertically through all levels, but three or a maximum of four levels in circles work as units, each system of circles passing down the main communication streams to the lower levels of managers.

The functioning of such informal communication can be shown with the help of the following diagram.

The diagram shows that each vertical level works as the node (level) for communication movement down the trunk. At each node, two or three levels of managers participate. The nodal manager surrounds each nodal level.

Gossip Pattern of Informal Communication

The gossip pattern of informal communication is free for all. The information flow is criss-cross circular and up and down on the principle of who can give and who will take. Here certain visible informal groups provide interesting points for gossip.

The following diagram shows the pattern and gossip relationship.

The diagram shows that there is a central nodal core (A) which (at a senior level) functions as the mainspring of gossip. The sub-nodes are subsidiary centers that spread and disseminate the gossip net.

Random Net or Probability Pattern of Informal Communication

This pattern of informal communication network stands mid-way and is a combination of the gossip pattern and the group center model of communication.

In this form of communication, there is a random concentration of gossip around certain levels (nodes of centers) which can shift from time to time with the nature and source of communication.

Usually, the nature of communication exchanged through this pattern is a mixture of loose functional and dysfunctional messages. This can be shown with the help of the following diagram.

This diagram shows that the messages can reach out to distant points within the enterprise. The transmittal points are chosen at random and the centers shift from time to time.

The random messages are absorbed by the environment which enriches the informal communications. Certain levels of centers may remain outside the net for the time being or from time to time.

Group Center Network of Informal Communication

In this pattern of informal communication networks, there are some distinct centers of group nodal points that work as sources of communication.

This may be due to the nature of the position or function of the group or due to certain individual managers located in a group who are known for keeping track of the communication network of the enterprise and dissemination of messages.

The centers of transmittal may change with the change of managers or the shifting of the concentration of interest from one group to another group. This may be shown in the following diagram.

The diagram shows that groups 1, 2, and 3 occupy nodal and sub-nodal positions for transmitting the communication. The relationship between a group center and the member levels is fairly well identified.

Hope you find all your information regarding informal communication network patterns, otherwise, you can comment below.

Related Content of Types of Communication:

• Difference between Oral and Written Communication
• 12 Principles of Effective Oral Communication
• Example of Downward Communication in Organization
• Effective Written Communication and Principles of Effective Writing
• Difference between Upward and Downward Communication
• Vertical Communication Definition
• Advantages and disadvantages of Vertical Communication
• Difference between Horizontal and Vertical Communication
• Copy Writing in Mass Communication
• Mass Communication Industry
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Upward Communication
• Upward Communication Example, Sample, and Template
• Mass Communication Skills Test and Mass Communication System
• Media for Horizontal Communication
• How to Solve the Problems of Horizontal Communication
• Different Kinds / Types of Communication
• Lateral / Horizontal Communication Definition with Example
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Written Communication
• Business Application of Verbal Communication
• Which One is More Acceptable between Oral and Written Communication?
• Distortion in Upward Communication Channel
• Factors that Influence Downward Communication