Introduction, Meaning, Importance and

Principles of Directing

Directing is the heart of management function. All other functions of

management such as planning, organizing, and staffing have no
importance without directing. ​Leadership​, motivation, ​supervision​,
communication are various aspects of directing. Let us study the
importance and principles of directing.

Directing

Directing refers to a process or technique of instructing, guiding,

inspiring, counselling, overseeing and leading people towards the
accomplishment of organizational goals. It is a continuous managerial
process that goes on throughout the life of the ​organization​. Main
characteristics of Directing are as follows:

1. Initiates Action

A directing function is performed by the managers along with

planning​, staffing, organizing and controlling in order to discharge
their ​duties in the organization. While other functions prepare a
platform for action, directing initiates action.

Browse more Topics under Directing

● Elements of Direction
● Incentives
● Leadership
● Communications

2. Pervasive Function

Directing takes place at every level of the organization. Wherever

there is a superior-subordinate relationship, directing exists as every
manager provides guidance and inspiration to his subordinates.

4. Continuous Activity

It is a continuous function as it continues throughout the life of

organization irrespective of the changes in the managers or
employees​.

5. Descending Order of Hierarchy

Directing flows from a top ​level of management to the bottom level.
Every manager exercises this function on his immediate subordinate.

6. Human Factor

Since all employees are different and behave differently in different

situations, it becomes important for the managers to tackle the
situations appropriately. Thus, directing is a significant function that
gets the work done by the employees and increases the growth of the
organization.

(Source: qsstudy)

Explore more about Directing

Directing
● Leadership
● Incentives
 ● Communication
● Elements of Directing

1. Initiates Action

Each and every action in an organization is initiated only through

directing. The managers direct the subordinates about what to do, how
to do when to do and also see to it that their instructions are properly
followed.

2. Ingrates Efforts

Directing integrates the efforts of all the employees and departments

through persuasive leadership and ​effective communication towards
the accomplishment of organizational goals.

3. Motivates Employees

A manager identifies the ​potential and abilities of its subordinates and

helps them to give their best. He also motivates them by offering them
financial and non-financial incentives to improve their performance.

4. Provides Stability

Stability is significant in the growth of any organization. Effective

directing develops co-operation and commitment among the
employees and creates a balance among various departments and
groups.

5. Coping up with the Changes

Employees have a tendency to resist any kind of change in the

organization. But, adapting the environmental changes is necessary for
the growth of the organization. A manager through ​motivation​, proper
communication and leadership can make the employees understand
the nature and contents of change and also the positive aftermaths of
the change. This will help in a smooth adaptation of the changes
without any ​friction​ between the management and employees.

6. Effective Utilization of Resources

It involves defining the duties and responsibilities of every

subordinate clearly thereby avoiding wastages, duplication of efforts,
etc. and utilizing the resources of men, machine, materials, and money
in the maximum possible way. It helps in reducing costs and
increasing profits.

Read the ​Elements of Directing here​.

Principles of Directing
1. Maximum Individual Contribution

One of the main principles of directing is the contribution of

individuals. ​Management should adopt such directing policies that
motivate the employees to contribute their maximum potential for the
attainment of organizational goals.

2. Harmony of Objectives

Sometimes there is a conflict between the organizational objectives

and individual objectives. For example, the organization wants profits
to increase and to retain its major share, whereas, the employees may
perceive that they should get a major share as a bonus as they have
worked really hard for it.

Here, directing has an important role to play in establishing harmony

and coordination between the objectives of both the parties.

3. Unity of Command

This principle states that a subordinate should receive instructions

from only one superior at a time. If he receives instructions from more
than one superiors at the same time, it will create confusion, conflict,
and disorder in the organization and also he will not be able to
prioritize his work.

4. Appropriate Direction Technique

Among the principles of directing, this one states that appropriate

direction techniques should be used to supervise, lead, communicate
and motivate the employees based on their needs, capabilities,
attitudes and other situational variables.

5. Managerial Communication

According to this principle, it should be seen that the instructions are

clearly conveyed to the employees and it should be ensured that they
have understood the same meaning as was intended to be
communicated.

6. Use of Informal Organization

Within every formal organization, there exists an informal group or

organization. The manager should identify those groups and use them
to communicate information. There should be a free flow of
information among the seniors and the subordinates as an effective
exchange of information are really important for the growth of an
organization.

7. Leadership

Managers should possess a good leadership quality to influence the

subordinates and make them work according to their wish. It is one of
the important principles of directing.

8. Follow Through

As per this principle, managers are required to monitor the extent to

which the policies, procedures, and instructions are followed by the
subordinates. If there is any problem in implementation, then the
suitable modifications can be made.

Solved Question for You

Q: Direction takes place at all levels of management. True or False?

Ans: The statement is true. Every manager of the organisation

performs some function of directing. From top executives to low-level
managers all give direction to their subordinates.
Elements of Directing

Directing is one of the most important functions of management.

Without the direction provided to the employees, the workforce would
be clueless about which path to follow. Let us understand the concept
of direction and the elements of directing.

Meaning of Direction

Directing can be defined as that ​function of management​, which helps

in guiding and leading people to work in such a manner so as to
perform efficiently and effectively for the attainment of organizational
objectives. Directing is the managerial function, which initiates
organized action.

It is one of the most important fundamental functions of management

and is a part of every managerial action taken because the direction is
primarily concerned towards various other function of management
like leadership, ​motivation​, and communication.
According to Koontz and O ‘Donnel; “directing is a complex function
that includes all those activities which are designed to encourage
subordinate to ​work effectively and efficiently in both the short and
long-run.”

Therefore the direction involves such methods which include

communicating and providing ​leadership to the subordinates and
motivating them to contribute to the best of their ​capability for the
achievement of organizational objectives.

Browse more Topics under Directing

● Introduction, Meaning, Importance & Principles of Directing
● Incentives
● Leadership
● Communications

Elements or Techniques of Direction

 (Source: qsstudy)

There are various elements involved in direction are as follows-

1] Issuing Orders and Instructions to Subordinates

The first and foremost element of direction is to issue orders and

instructions which are considered an essential step in the process of
directing subordinates. An ​order is a fundamental tool for getting
things done. Therefore, the orders and instructions reflect managerial
decisions and initiate action on the part of subordinates. Orders may
be general or specific, formal or informal, written or oral.

Thus an order should serve the following characteristics:

● The order should be clear and complete.

 ● It should be reasonable and attainable.
● The order must be in tune with the various other objectives of
the organization and also for the interests of the subordinates.
● All order should follow the chain of command.
● Face-to-face suggestions are preferable to long​ distance orders.

2] Supervision in an overall manner

It refers to monitor the progress of routine work of one’s subordinates

and guiding them properly. Supervision is an important element of the
directing function of management. Supervision has an important
feature which includes face-to-face interaction between the supervisor
and his subordinates.

It involves direct personal contact with subordinates. Supervision

converts plans into action. Thus supervision is considered as an
essential step in the process of directing.

3] Motivating Subordinates

The term motivation can be referred to as that process which excites

people to work for the attainment of the desired objective. Among the
various factors of production, it is only the human factor which is
dynamic and provides mobility to other physical resources.

Thus, in an overall sense, it becomes essential so as to motivate the

human resources so as to keep the employees dynamic, aware and
eager to perform their duty. Both the monetary and non-monetary
incentives are given to the employees for motivation. Thus through
motivation, the employees will perform better. Hence, it will help to
achieve the organizational goals and objectives.

4] Providing Leadership

The term Leadership defines as to influence others in such a manner

as to guide them to do what the leader wants them to do. Leadership
plays an important role in directing. Only through this leadership skill,
a manager can develop trust and zeal among his subordinates.
Therefore it leads to guide and provide overall counselling to
subordinates in the best way for achieving their objectives and also for
the organization.

5] Communicating with Subordinates

It refers to an act of transferring facts, ideas, feeling, etc. from one

person to another and making him understand them. A manager has to
continuously t guides and also at the same time, monitors his
subordinates about what to do, how to do, and when to do various
things.

Also, it is very essential to know their reactions. To do all this it

becomes essential to develop effective telecommunication facilities.
Therefore, the essential feature is to communicate with itself can be
called by developing mutual understanding inculcates a sense of
cooperation which builds an environment of coordination in the
organization.

6] Maintaining discipline and Rewarding Effective People

By maintaining an atmosphere of discipline and trust in the

organization, the manager can easily give directions. So that the work
done by his employees is in most efficient and effective manner.

In return, the employees will get a reward in the form of bonus,

incentives and other perks so as to get themselves associated with the
organization on a long-term basis. Therefore, this element of ​direction
also plays a very important role in achieving overall objectives of an
organization​.
Solved Questions for You

Q1. What the major elements involved in direction.

Ans. The elements mainly concerned with the directing function in an

organization are as follows-

1. Issuing orders and instructions

2. Supervision
3. Motivation
4. Leadership
5. Communication
6. Maintaining discipline approach

Q2. How can be communication prove to be an important element of

directing function in an organization?

Ans. As we can define ​communication to be an art of transferring

facts, ideas, feeling, etc. from one person to another and making him
understand them. Therefore the manager has to continuously guide
and also at the same time, monitors his subordinates about what to do,
how to do, and when to do various things.
Also, it is very essential to know their reactions. To do all this it
becomes important to develop effective telecommunication facilities.
Therefore, the essential feature is to communicate with itself can be
called by developing mutual understanding inculcates a sense of
cooperation which builds an environment of coordination in the
organization.

Incentives

The incentive is a positive motivational influence on a person that

helps improve his ​performance​. Thus, it can be said that all the
measures taken by the management to improve the performance of its
employees are incentives. The incentives can be broadly classified as
financial incentives and non-financial incentives.

Financial Incentives

In today’s socio-economic ​condition money has become a very

important part of our lives. We need money to satisfy almost all our
needs as it has purchasing ​power​. Thus, financial incentives refer to
those incentives which are in direct monetary form i.e. ​money or can
be measured in monetary terms.

Financial incentives can be provided on an individual or group basis

and satisfy the monetary and future security needs of individuals. The
most commonly used financial incentives are:

(a) Pay and Allowances

Salary is the basic incentive for every employee to work efficiently for
an organization. Salary includes basic pay, dearness allowance, house
rent allowance, and similar other allowances. Under the salary system,
employees are given increments in basic pay every year and also an
increase in their allowances from time-to-time. Sometimes these
increments are based on the performance of the employee during the
year.

Browse more Topics under Directing

● Introduction, Meaning, Importance & Principles of Directing
● Elements of Direction
● Leadership
● Communications
(b) Bonus

It is a sum of money offered to an employee over and above the salary

or wages as a reward for his good performance.

(c) Productivity linked Wage Incentives

Many wage incentives are linked with the increase in productivity at

individual or group level. For example, a worker is paid 50 rupees per
piece if he produces 50 pieces a day but if he produces more than 50
pieces a day, he is paid 5 rupees extra per piece. Thus, on the 51​st
piece, he will be paid 55 rupees.

(d) Profit-Sharing

Sometimes the employees are given a ​share in the profits of the

organization. This motivates them to perform efficiently and give their
best to increase the profits of the organization.

(e) Retirement Benefits

Retirement benefits like gratuity, pension, provident fund, leave

encashment, etc. provide ​financial security to the employees post their
retirement. Thus, they work properly when they are in service.

(f) Stock Options or Co-partnership

Under the Employees Stock Option Plan, the employee is offered the
ordinary shares of the company at a price lower than its market price
for a specified period of time. These are non-standardized offers and
shares are issued as a private contract between the employer and
employee. These are generally offered to management as a part of
their managerial compensation package.

Allotment of shares induces a feeling of ownership in the employees

and they give their best to the company. Infosys, GoDaddy and The
Cheesecake Factory are some of the companies that have implemented
the scheme of the stock option.

(g) Commission

Some organizations offer a commission in addition to the salary to

employees for fulfilling the targets extremely well. This incentive
encourages the employees to increase the client base of the
organization.

(h) Perquisites

Several organizations offer perquisites and fringe benefits such as

accommodation, car allowance, medical facilities, education facilities,
recreational facilities, etc. in addition to the salary and allowances to
its employees. These incentives also motivate the employees to work
efficiently.

What is ​Communication?

Non-Financial Incentives

Apart from the ​monetary and future security needs, an individual also
has psychological, ​social and emotional needs. Satisfying these needs
also plays an important role in their ​motivation​. Non-financial
incentives focus mainly on the fulfillment of these needs and thus
cannot be measured in terms of money.
However, there are chances that a particular non-financial incentive
may also involve the financial incentive as well. For example, when a
person is promoted his psychological needs are fulfilled as he gets
more authority, his status increases but at the same time, he has
benefitted monetarily also as he gets a rise in salary. The most
common non-financial incentives are:

(a) Status

With reference to an organization, status refers to the position in the

hierarchy of the organizational chart. The level of authority,
responsibility, recognition, salary, perks, etc. determine the status of
an employee in the organization.

A person at the top level management has more authority,

responsibility, recognition and salary and vice-versa. Status satisfies
the self-esteem and psychological needs of an individual and in turn,
motivates him to work hard.

(b) Organizational Climate

Organizational climate refers to the environmental characteristics of

an organization that are perceived by its employees about the
organization and have a major influence on their behavior. Each
organization has a different organizational climate that distinguishes it
from other ​organizations​.

Some of the factors that influence the organizational climate of an

enterprise are organizational structure, individual responsibility,
rewards, risk and risk-taking, warmth and support and tolerance and
conflict. When the organizational climate is positive employees tend
to be more motivated.

(c) Career Advancement Opportunity

It is very important for an organization to have an appropriate skill

development program and a sound promotion policy for its employees
which works as a booster for them to perform well and get promoted.

Every employee desires growth in an organization and when he gets

promotion as an appreciation of his work he is motivated to work
better.

(d) Job Enrichment

It refers to the designing of jobs in such a way that it involves a higher

level of knowledge and skill, a variety of work content, more
autonomy and responsibility of employees, meaningful work
experience and more opportunities of growth. When the job is
interesting, it itself serves as a source of motivation.

(e) Job Security

Job security provides future stability and a sense of security among the
employees. The employees are not worried about the future and thus
work with more enthusiasm. Owing to the unemployment problem in
our country, job security works as a great incentive for the employees.
However, there is also a negative aspect of this incentive that
employees tend to take their job for granted and not work efficiently.

(f) Employee Recognition Programmes

Recognition means acknowledgment and appreciation of work done

by employees. Recognition in the organization boosts their self-esteem
and they feel motivated. For example, declaring the best performer of
the week or month, displaying their names on the notice board and
giving them rewards, fall under the Employee recognition program.

(g) Employee Participation

Involving the employees in decision making regarding the issues

related to them such as canteen committees, work committees, etc.
also helps in motivating them and inducing a sense of belongingness
in them.

(h) Employee Empowerment

Giving more autonomy and powers to subordinates also make them

feel that they are important to the organization and in turn they serve
the organization better.

Solved Questions for You

Q: Which among the following allowances is paid to employees in

order to enable them to face the increasing price of essential
commodities?

a. Bonus
b. Commission
c. Increment
d. Dearness Allowance

Ans: The correct answer is D. Dearness Allowance is a cost of living

allowance paid to employees, to help accommodate the constantly
increasing cost of living.
Leadership

Leaders and their leadership skills play an important role in the growth
of any ​organization​. Leadership refers to the process of ​influencing the
behaviour of people in a manner that they strive willingly and
enthusiastically towards the achievement of group objectives.

A leader should have the ability to maintain good interpersonal

relations with the followers or subordinates and motivate them to help
in achieving the organizational objectives.

Features of Leadership

● Influence the behaviour of others:​ Leadership is an ability of an

individual to influence the ​behaviour​ of other employees in the
organization​ to achieve a common purpose or goal so that they
are willingly co-operating with each other for the fulfillment of
the same.
● Inter-personal process​: It is an interpersonal process between
the leader and the followers. The relationship between the
leader and the followers decides how efficiently and effectively
the targets of the organization would be met.
● Attainment of common organizational goals:​ The purpose of
leadership is to guide the people in an organization to work
towards the attainment of common organizational goals. The
leader brings the people and their efforts together to achieve
common goals.
● Continuous process:​ Leadership is a continuous ​process​. A
leader has to guide his employees every ​time​ and also monitor
them in order to make sure that their efforts are going in the
same direction and that they are not deviating from their goals.
● Group process:​ It is a group process that involves two or more
people together interacting with each other. A leader cannot
lead without the followers.
● Dependent on the situation​: It is situation bound as it all
depends upon tackling the situations present. Thus, there is no
single best ​style of leadership​.
Importance of Leadership:

● Initiating Action: ​Leadership starts from the very beginning,

even before the work actually starts. A leader is a person who
communicates the policies and plans to the subordinates to start
the work.
● Providing Motivation: ​A leader motivates the employees by
giving them ​financial and non-financial incentives​ and gets the
work done efficiently. Motivation is the driving force in an
individual’s life.
​ leader not only supervises the
● Providing guidance: A
employees but also guides them in their work. He instructs the
subordinates on how to perform their work effectively so that
their efforts don’t get wasted.
 ​ leader acknowledges the efforts of the
● Creating confidence: A
employees, explains to them their role clearly and guides them
to achieve their goals. He also resolves the complaints and
problems of the employees, thereby building confidence in
them regarding the organization.
​ good leader should maintain
● Building work environment: A
personal contacts with the employees and should hear their
problems and solve them. He always listens to the point of
view of the employees and in case of disagreement persuades
them to agree with him by giving suitable clarifications. In case
of conflicts, he handles them carefully and does not allow it to
adversely affect the entity. A positive and efficient work
environment​ helps in stable growth of the organization.
​ leader reconciles the personal interests of the
● Co-ordination: A
employees with the organizational goals and achieves
co-ordination in the entity.
● Creating Successors: ​A leader trains his subordinates in such a
manner that they can succeed him in future easily in his
absence. He creates more leaders.
● Induces change: ​A leader persuades, clarifies and inspires
employees to accept any change in the organization without
 much resistance and discontentment. He makes sure that
employees don’t feel insecure about the changes.

Often, the success of an organization is attributed to its leaders. But,

one must not forget that it’s the followers who make a leader
successful by accepting his ​leadership​. Thus, leaders and followers
collectively play a key role to make leadership successful.

Browse more Topics Under Directing

● Introduction, Meaning, Importance & Principles of Directing
● Elements of Direction
● Incentives
● Leadership
● Communications

Qualities of a Leader

● Personality: ​A pleasing personality always attracts people. A

leader should also friendly and yet authoritative so that he
inspires people to ​work​ hard like him.
● Knowledge: ​A subordinate looks up to his leader for any
suggestion that he needs. A good leader should thus possess
adequate knowledge and competence in ​order​ to influence the
subordinates.
​ leader needs to possess a high level of integrity
● Integrity: A
and honesty. He should have a fair outlook and should base his
judgment on the facts and logic. He should be objective and not
biased.
​ good leader takes initiative to grab the
● Initiative: A
opportunities and not wait for them and use them to the
advantage of the organization.
● Communication skills:​ ​A leader needs to be a good
communicator so that he can explain his ideas, policies, and
procedures clearly to the people. He not only needs to be a
good speaker but also a good listener, counsellor, and
persuader.
● Motivation skills​: A leader needs to be an effective motivator
who understands the needs of the people and motivates them by
satisfying those needs.
​ leader needs to have a high
● Self-confidence and Will Power: A
level of self-confidence and immense will-power and should
 not lose it even in the worst situations, else employees will not
believe in him.
​ leader needs to be intelligent enough to analyze
● Intelligence: A
the pros and cons of a situation and take a decision accordingly.
He also needs to have a vision and fore-sightedness so that he
can predict the future impact of the decisions taken by him.
​ leader has to be decisive in managing his work
● Decisiveness: A
and should be firm on the decisions are taken by him.
● Social skills: ​A leader should possess empathy towards others.
He should also be a humanist who also helps the people with
their personal problems. He also needs to possess a sense of
responsibility and accountability because with great authority
comes great responsibility.

Leadership Styles
● Autocratic leadership style: It refers to a leadership style where
the leader takes all the decisions by himself.
● Democratic leadership style: It refers to a style where the leader
consults its subordinates before taking the final decision.
 ● Laissez-faire or Free-rein leadership style: It refers to a style
where the leader gives his subordinates complete freedom to
take the decisions.

Solved Question for You

Q: All decision power is centralized in a ________.

a. Democratic Leadership
b. Laissez Faire leadership
c. Autocratic Leadership
d. All of the above

Ans: The correct answer is C. An autocratic leader does not ​delegate

any authority or responsibility to anyone. They just make decisions on
their own and communicate them expecting implementation.

Communication

Communications is fundamental to the existence and survival of

humans as well as to an organization. It is a process of creating and
sharing ideas, information, views, facts, feelings, etc. among the
people to reach a common understanding. Communication is the key
to the Directing ​function of management.

A ​manager may be highly qualified and skilled but if he does not

possess good communication skills, all his ability becomes irrelevant.
A manager must communicate his directions effectively to the
subordinates to get the work done from them properly.

Communications Process

Communications is a continuous process which mainly involves three

elements viz. sender, message, and receiver. The elements involved in
the communication process are explained below in detail:

1. Sender

The sender or the communicator generates the message and conveys it

to the receiver. He is the source and the one who starts the
communication

2. Message

It is the idea, information, view, fact, feeling, etc. that is generated by

the sender and is then intended to be communicated further.
Browse more Topics under Directing
● Introduction, Meaning, Importance & Principles of Directing
● Elements of Direction
● Incentives
● Leadership

3. Encoding

The message generated by the sender is encoded symbolically such as

in the form of words, pictures, gestures, etc. before it is being
conveyed.

4. Media

It is the manner in which the encoded message is transmitted. The

message may be transmitted orally or in writing. The medium of
communication includes telephone, internet, post, fax, e-mail, etc. The
choice of medium is decided by the sender.

​ ypes of Communication here in detail​.

Learn more about T

5. Decoding
It is the process of converting the symbols encoded by the sender.
After decoding the message is received by the receiver.

6. Receiver

He is the person who is last in the chain and for whom the message
was sent by the sender. Once the receiver receives the message and
understands it in proper perspective and acts according to the message,
only then the purpose of communication is successful.

7. Feedback

Once the receiver confirms to the sender that he has received the
message and understood it, the process of communication is complete.

8. Noise

It refers to any obstruction that is caused by the sender, message or

receiver during the ​process of communication​. For example, bad
telephone connection, faulty encoding, faulty decoding, inattentive
receiver, poor understanding of message due to prejudice or
inappropriate gestures, etc.
 (Source: businessjargons)

Importance of Communication
1. The Basis of Co-ordination

The manager explains to the employees the organizational goals,

modes of their achievement and also the interpersonal relationships
amongst them. This provides coordination between various employees
and also departments. Thus, communications act as a basis for
coordination in the ​organization​.

2. Fluent Working
A manager coordinates the human and physical elements of an
organization to run it smoothly and efficiently. This ​coordination is
not possible without proper communication.

3. The Basis of Decision Making

Proper communication provides information to the manager that is

useful for ​decision making​. No decisions could be taken in the
absence of information. Thus, communication is the basis for taking
the right decisions.

​ arriers of Communication here in detail.​

Learn more about B

4. Increases Managerial Efficiency

The manager conveys the targets and issues instructions and allocates
jobs to the ​subordinates​. All of these aspects involve communication.
Thus, communication is essential for the quick and effective
performance of the managers and the entire organization.

5. Increases Cooperation and Organizational Peace

The two-way communication process promotes co-operation and

mutual understanding amongst the workers and also between them and
the ​management​. This leads to less friction and thus leads to industrial
peace in the factory and efficient operations.

6. Boosts Morale of the Employees

Good communication helps the workers to adjust to the physical and

social aspect of work. It also improves good human relations in the
industry. An efficient system of communication enables the
management to motivate, influence and satisfy the subordinates which
in turn boosts their morale and keeps them motivated.

Types of Communication
1. Formal Communication

Formal communications are the one which flows through the official
channels designed in the organizational chart. It may take place
between a superior and a subordinate, a subordinate and a superior or
among the same cadre employees or managers. These communications
can be oral or in writing and are generally recorded and filed in the
office.

Formal communication may be further classified as Vertical

communication and Horizontal communication.
Vertical Communication

Vertical Communications as the name suggests flows vertically

upwards or downwards through formal channels. Upward
communication refers to the flow of communication from a
subordinate to a superior whereas downward communication flows
from a superior to a subordinate.

Application for grant of leave, submission of a progress report, request

for loans etc. are some of the examples of upward communication.
Sending notice to employees to attend a meeting, delegating work to
the subordinates, informing them about the company policies, etc. are
some examples of downward communication.

Horizontal Communication

Horizontal or lateral communication takes place between one division

and another. For example, a production manager may contact the
finance manager to discuss the delivery of raw material or its
purchase.

Types of communication networks in formal communication:

● Single chain: In this type of network communications flows

from every superior to his subordinate through a single chain.
 ● Wheel: In this network, all subordinates under one superior
communicate through him only. They are not allowed to talk
among themselves.
● Circular: In this type of network, the communication moves in
a circle. Each person is able to communicate with his adjoining
two persons only.
● Free flow: In this network, each person can communicate with
any other person freely. There is no restriction.
● Inverted V: In this type of network, a subordinate is allowed to
communicate with his immediate superior as well as his
superior’s superior also. However, in the latter case, only
ordained communication takes place.

2. Informal Communication

Any communication that takes place without following the formal

channels of communication is said to be ​informal communication. The
Informal communication is often referred to as the ‘grapevine’ as it
spreads throughout the organization and in all directions without any
regard to the levels of authority.
The informal communication spreads rapidly, often gets distorted and
it is very difficult to detect the source of such communication. It also
leads to rumors which are not true. People’s behavior is often affected
by the rumors and informal discussions which sometimes may hamper
the work environment.

However, sometimes these channels may be helpful as they carry

information rapidly and, therefore, may be useful to the manager at
times. Informal channels are also used by the managers to transmit
information in order to know the reactions of his/her subordinates.

Learn more about ​7 C’s of Communication here in detail.​

Types of Grapevine network:

● Single strand: In this network, each person communicates with

the other in a sequence.
● Gossip network: In this type of network, each person
communicates with all other persons on a non-selective basis.
● Probability network: In this network, the individual
communicates randomly with other individuals.
● Cluster Network: In this network, the individual communicates
with only those people whom he trusts. Out of these four types
 of networks, the Cluster network is the most popular in
organizations.

Barriers to Communication

The ​communication barriers may prevent communication or carry

incorrect meaning due to which misunderstandings may be created.
Therefore, it is essential for a manager to identify such barriers and
take appropriate measures to overcome them. The barriers to
communication in organizations can be broadly grouped as follows:

1. Semantic Barriers

These are concerned with the problems and obstructions in the process
of encoding and decoding of a message into words or impressions.
Normally, such barriers result due to use of wrong words, faulty
translations, different interpretations, etc.

For example, a manager has to communicate with workers who have

no knowledge of the English language and on the other side, he is not
well conversant with the Hindi language. Here, language is a barrier to
communication as the manager may not be able to communicate
properly with the workers.

2. Psychological Barriers

Emotional or psychological factors also act as barriers to

communication. The state of mind of both sender and receiver of
communication reflects in effective communication. A worried person
cannot communicate properly and an angry recipient cannot
understand the message properly.

Thus, at the time of communication, both the sender and the receiver
need to be psychologically sound. Also, they should trust each other.
If they do not believe each other, they cannot understand each other’s
message in its original sense.

3. Organizational Barriers

The factors related to organizational structure, rules and regulations

authority relationships, etc. may sometimes act as barriers to effective
communication. In an organization with a highly centralized pattern,
people may not be encouraged to have free communication. Also,
rigid rules and regulations and cumbersome procedures may also
become a hurdle to communication.

4. Personal Barriers

The personal factors of both sender and receiver may act as a barrier
to effective communication​. If a superior thinks that a particular
communication may adversely affect his authority, he may suppress
such communication.

Also, if the superiors do not have confidence in the competency of

their subordinates, they may not ask for their advice. The subordinates
may not be willing to offer useful suggestions in the absence of any
reward or appreciation for a good suggestion.

Solved Question for You

Q: List the measures to improve communication effectiveness?

Answer: Measures to improve communication effectiveness are as

follows

1. Communication of Clarification of the idea.

2. Communication should be according to the needs of the
receiver.
3. Consulting others before communication.
4. Awareness about the language, tone and body postures and
gestures.
5. Convey information useful to the receiver.
6. Ensure proper feedback.
7. Follow up communications.
8. Be a good listener.