Structure of Communication Organization
Get to know the four kinds of communication networks.Within an organization, the following types of communication networks exist: wheel network, chain network, circle network and all-channel network. There is also a larger formal network called the organizational communication network, which represents communication within the hierarchical structure of an organization. According to Gareth R. Jones and Jennifer R. George's book, Contemporary Management, "communication in organizations tend to flow in certain patterns." These are basic structures that describe how communication flows to employees, groups or teams throughout an organization.
If you are in a wheel network, information flows from one central member of the group to the rest of the members. Other group members may not have to communicate with each other to perform well. An example would be a group of independent makeup consultants who report to one regional mentor. The independent makeup consultants do not need to interact with one another in order to perform. Wheel networks do not exist in teams, since teams signify intense interaction between all members of a group.
If you are a part of a chain network, members communicate with each other in a pre-planned sequence. An example of a chain network is an assembly-line group. In an assembly line, employees only communicate with those whose work precedes or follows their own. Like wheel networks, chain networks do not exist in teams.
If you are in a circle network, members communicate if they share something in common, such as experiences, beliefs, areas of expertise, background or office location. For example, the people who you may informally socialize with in your office area may be a part of your circle network. Circle networks are not described as teamwork.
An all-channel network is found in teams. Teamwork is characterized with high levels of intense communication. Each team member communicates with every other team member. Information flows in all directions. Computer programs are often utilized to maintain effective communication in teams due to their efficiency.
Communication is also described as moving upward, downward or horizontally within the hierarchical communication structure. In a hierarchical communication structure, upper-level management is on top and lower-level employees are on bottom. An organizational structure may appear to be a good summary of a business' communication network, but they only describe formal communication. Rather than moving up and down, communication can be informal and flow around issues, goals, ideas and projects. A great deal of communication occurs informally. The "grapevine" is typically the name given for an informal communication network where unofficial information travels
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