Communication can be broadly divided into two broad categories. These are:
1. Verbal Communication
ADVERTISEMENTS:
2. Non-verbal Communication
1. Verbal Communication:
It is the use of words and languages to interact between two or more individuals. It can be either oral or written. Hence speaking, listening, reading and writing are all classified under verbal communication. Since this type of communication elicits immediate feedback, in organizations, we make an extensive use of verbal communication.
Image Source: thebluediamondgallery.com
2. Non-verbal Communication:
It can occur without use of words. This type of communication sensitizes our senses and thereby evokes responses, depending on the way we interpret a particular cue. It is often referred to as body language, i.e., any non-flexile or reflexile body movement of the communicator which carries some meaning.
Gestures, facial expressions, glance, stare, smile, raising of finger are some examples of body language, which carry some meaning. In organizations, non-verbal communication is very important for interpersonal relations.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
Based on organizational practices, communication can further be divided into internal and external, formal and informal, downward, upward and horizontal, diagonal and grapevine. Flow of information within the organization is known as internal communication, which may be either formal or informal in nature.
External communication takes place between two organizations, i.e., between the organization and others outside the organization. Formal communication is official communication, whereas, informal communication takes place within the formal organization, between the members. Downward communication is between the superiors and subordinates and upward communication is between the subordinates and the superiors.
In the first case, the superiors communicate with the subordinates, while in the second case, subordinates communicate with the superiors. Horizontal communication takes place between two equals, i.e., between the persons working at the same level in organization. Diagonal communication takes place cutting across the hierarchical barriers.
However, this is formal in nature. To take an example, direct communication from a field sales person to the vice president (HR) is diagonal in nature. Notice they are functionally apart and also hierarchically different. Grapevine communication is defined as more unofficial nature of communication, i.e., not from the official channels. It may be good or bad. Often managers deliberately make use of such communication mode, to understand the pulse of the workers on some possible change implementation programmes.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
However, it can also be damaging, when it becomes unhealthy rumours, as it creates tension among people. Apart from these various types of communication, we have the system of network communication for globally dispersed organizations.