Channels and Media of Communication

Choice of channel and media of communication depends on

(a) Sender-receiver relationship

(b) Need and purpose of communication

Nonverbal need: Simplification, explanation and observation media- face to face, charts, graphs, diagrams, OHPs and LCD projectors.
Verbal need: One to one conversation, record is not needed, immediate response media- face to face, telephone, mobile phones, voice mail, audio tapes, internet, teleconferencing.
Audio-visual need: Simplification and more explanation, marketing, entertainment, immediate response media- television, cinema, video tapes, video conferencing, internet (through webcams).
Written need: Record is necessary, immediate response is not required, communication is detailed, in depth, or complex media- Letters, memos, reports, print, e-mails, fax, SMS on mobile phones, chatting through internet.
Grid- a new medium of communication: Share computing power and data sharing capacity oCombine the resources of about 100,000 processors.

Communication process carries messages in different directions

Downwards Communication: Highly Directive, from Senior to subordinates, to assign duties, give instructions, to inform to offer feed back, approval to highlight problems .
Upwards Communications: To give feedback, to inform about progress/problems, seeking approvals.
Lateral or Horizontal Communication: Among colleagues, peers at same level for information level for information sharing for coordination, to save time.
Diagonal communication: Facilitates efficiency, among persons at different levels who have no direct relationship with each other, in case of emergencies.

[Image source: www.mindtools.com]

Fig. Upward, Downward and Lateral communication in an organization

Communication Networks: There may be two kinds of communication networks.

Formal Communication: Established and agreed procedures
Informal Communication: Channels not formally recognized
Grapevine Communication: 1) A secret means of spreading or receiving information 2) The informal transmission of (unofficial) information, gossip or rumor from person-to-person