It Is A Variety Of Patterns Of Vertical And Horizontal Flows Of Organizational Communication
Types of Communication Networks
(i) Chain Network (CN)
In this communication network, the information or messages flow from top to
bottom (downward) or from bottom to top (upward) through formal chain of
command. For example, a manager sends messages to subordinates and subordinates
also send messages to manager through formal chain of command about work
activities.
Characteristics of CN
(a) The information travels through formal chain of authority or command.
(b) It is not speedy and time-consuming way of transferring information to
member as it follows a step-by-step process.
(c) Members are satisfied moderately as the information is passed through
systematic way which must be followed by each member.
(ii) Wheel Network (WN)
When the information flows between a one strong person (leader) and members
in a group or team. Such person is like the hub through which all information or
messages pass through. Members can directly communicate with him but they can’t
communicate with each other. For example, the chairperson can send message
about new policy to departmental managers to be followed in the upcoming month.
Characteristics of WN
(a) The information flows speedily and accurately from one central person
to each member in a group or team.
(b) There is one central path to be followed in achieving goals because one
single and strong person gives guidance and direction to carry on the work
tasks.
(iii) All-Channel Network (A-C N) Or Star Network (SN)
In this channel, the information or messages flow among team members
freely. They can directly communicate with each other to share ideas to perform
work tasks in order to achieve common goals. For example, all the members of the
same or different departments can meet with each other to share ideas about job
tasks.
Characteristics of (A-C N) Or Star Network (SN)
(a) Information flows quickly among group or team members
(b) Member can directly communicate with each other to share, knowledge,
experiences, etc.
(c) Members feel more satisfaction as they get motivation by sharing ideas
and experiences.
(d) There is no one single person to direct the message to other members to
be followed by everyone.
(iv) Circle Network (CN)
Under this network, the information spreads under a circular form (and not
in vertical direction) in which a person can talk to two persons at a time. For communicating with third person, he sends
messages through these persons to whom he directly talked before in the
meeting. For example, Mr. A can directly send message to Mr. B and Mr. C but to
send his message to Mr. D, he asks Mr. B to send his message Mr. D.
Characteristics of CN
(a) Every person can talk to each other through chain of command.
(b) One person can talk directly two persons at the same time.

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