What are informal communication channels? Explain two types of informal channels and the aspects of each that are useful for managers to understand.

What will be an ideal response?


Informal communications channels are those that develop outside the formal structure and do not follow the chain of command. The two types are the grapevine and MBWA.

The grapevine is the unofficial communication system of the informal organization, a network of gossip and rumor of what is called "employee language." Managers should be aware that this is the major way that many employees acquire their information, and that it can be a morale reducer.

MBWA (Management by Wandering Around) is where a manager literally wanders around his or her organization and talks with people across lines of authority. It gives the manager access to less distorted information about what is going on at lower levels, allows managers to learn more about their people, and to express to employees the values and goals that are important.

Business

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Which of the following types of businesses might have an operating cycle longer than one year?

A. Ski resort. B. Commercial airplane manufacturer. C. Clothing retailer. D. Wheat farmer. E. Florist.

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Which of the following is true of cell phone communication?

a. Using your cell phone while driving is advisable because it is a wise use of time. b. Federal law prohibits using a cell phone use while driving without a hands-free device. c. You should generally answer your cell phone during a business meeting, when a call comes from a client. d. None of the above is true.

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Beamish Inc., which produces a single product, has provided the following data for its most recent month of operations:    Number of units produced 8,000Variable costs per unit:  Direct materials$37Direct labor$56Variable manufacturing overhead$4Variable selling and administrative expense$2Fixed costs:  Fixed manufacturing overhead$312,000Fixed selling and administrative expense$448,000 There were no beginning or ending inventories. The absorption costing unit product cost was:

A. $93 per unit B. $136 per unit C. $97 per unit D. $194 per unit

Business

The Norris-LaGuardia Act is also known as the National Labor Relations Act

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

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