The pattern through which communication flows within the organization is generally indicated through the communication network. Organizational communication addresses how information circulates among the employees of a company. This means that the flow of information is managed, regulated and structured.
Different types of communication networks may operate in formal organization. Some of the popular communication networks are presented and discussed in given figure.
- Single chain: This network exists between a supervisor and his subordinates. Since many levels exist in an organization structure, communication flows from every superior to his subordinate through the single chain.
- Wheel: In-wheel network, all subordinates under one superior communicate through him only as he acts as a hub of the wheel.
- Circular: In the circular network, the communication moves in a circle.
- Free flow: In this network, each person can communicate with others freely. The flow of communication is fast on this network.
