{"id":15771,"date":"2019-06-12T17:15:27","date_gmt":"2019-06-12T14:15:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hubgets.com\/blog\/?p=15771"},"modified":"2019-06-12T17:18:05","modified_gmt":"2019-06-12T14:18:05","slug":"surprising-importance-formal-communication-atwork","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hubgets.com\/blog\/surprising-importance-formal-communication-atwork\/","title":{"rendered":"The Surprising Importance Of Formal Communication At Work"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In this day and age, millennial-run startups prefer a more horizontal type of organizational structure. People are more and more inclined towards blurring the lines between formal and casual. However, formal communication hasn?t totally lost its power. There are still instances in which this type of communication is needed. In such cases, it can make all the difference between order and chaos at work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article we are going to discuss the main advantages of formal communication, and how we can overcome its disadvantages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is formal communication<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Formal communication is still very much present in medium-sized and large companies. Here, the hierarchical organization is clearly defined. It mostly refers to the structured channel of information<\/a> within an organization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most often, formal communication goes downwards, from the chain of command to the executants in the form of orders, instructions, rules and regulations, notifications etc. However, in some circumstances, it can go upwards too, as the employee sends back feedback, complains, suggestions and so on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Main characteristics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Formal communication can easily be recognized. It follows a set of characteristics that clearly separates it from informal communication, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. It requires a vertical organization, with the recognition of authority.<\/li>
  2. A structured path is followed.<\/li>
  3. It allows no (or very little) flexibility.<\/li>
  4. With very few exceptions, it goes through written channels.<\/li>
  5. While it can go two ways, it usually goes downward.<\/li>
  6. It maintains a standard that needs to be respected.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Channels used in formal communication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This form of communication almost always leaves a paper trail – be it physical or digital. The most used channels are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    • Email<\/li>
    • Printed statements<\/li>
    • News bulletins<\/li>
    • Digital forms – organization website, internal forums, etc.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      The main advantages <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Formal communication is still widely used in the corporate world due to its many advantages that allow management to reach their goals and keep productivity high. Let?s go through some of the most important advantages that kept formal communication relevant to this day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      1. Clear and reliable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Abiding to a clear set of rules, formal communication has a clear intent. There is little room for misunderstandings or misinterpretations, as it frequently happens with informal communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Receivers know exactly what is expected of them and when, which makes the process safer and more reliable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      2. Available for future reference<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Receiving verbal instructions is great, as it allows room for follow-up questions and clarifications. However, relying on human memory can lead to gaps and errors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n