Page 21 - SREENARAYANAGURU OPEN UNIVERSITY

nication, also known as crosswise communi- munication usually results from the social ties
cation, can take place between a management that people make with others based on shared
and a certain team. interests, preferences, likes or dislikes.

1�2�2�4 Upward Communication 1�2�3 Communication Etiquette

It refers to the transmission of information Etiquette is defined by the Oxford Dictio-
from a lower to a higher level, or from subor- nary as the conventional guidelines for conduct
dinates to superiors. The morale of the employ- in polite society. It is treating one another with
ees is raised by this type of communication. respect, being polite, and having good man-
This mode of communication is not authori- ners. Effective communication etiquette calls
tative and directive in nature as its purpose is for actions and approaches that will enable you
to provide feedback. It includes complaints, to convey information accurately while keep-
requests, comments, reports, reactions, ideas, ing good ties with your superiors, co-workers,
and other forms of upward communication that and clients.
are valuable to those in management positions
as they make crucial decisions for the business. An essential component of efficient busi-
ness operations is the effective communication
1�2�2�5 Downward Communication inside the workplace. Effective communication

Downward communication is when infor- can guarantee that your message is understood
mation is passed from top management levels by your audience as you meant. A stronger
to various subordinate levels in a downward workplace and more effective interactions can
arise from the absence of misunderstandings.
direction. Such a type of communication chan-
nel is most prevalent in organisations that fol- Also, it may indicate that you are a skilled
communicator, imply that you are a leader,
lows the organisational hierarchy and moves
in a standard line of command. It consists of and open up more career prospects for you in
instructions, orders, policies and information. the future.
Since the dawn of human civilization, man-
1�2�2�6 Informal Communication ners and etiquette have existed. Even the most

In the informal, non-official style of com- savage tribes and populations can be found
munication, ideas are freely conveyed between throughout the globe bearing witness to this.
two or more people without adhering to estab- The social norms we follow in order to treat
lished procedures, formalities, systems, or others and ourselves with respect are known
organizational structures. The informal com- as etiquette or manners expected in any group.
munications are devoid of conventional rules Leadership, quality, business, and professions
and other formalities of organisations because are all enhanced by good manners. The con-
they are built on personal or informal relation- cept of trust should be carried out during the
ships with people like friends, peers, family, communication. Instead of destroying the
club members, etc. confidence, communication should be used to
foster it.
As there is no apparent hierarchy through
which the information flows, the informal Good etiquettes are not determined by just
communication is characterised by an indefi- one set of guidelines. Communication is per-
nite route of communication. Information can sonal and heavily dependent on circumstance.
therefore originate from anywhere. Such com- You may be capable of communicating with

SGOU - FYUGP - SLM - English for Communication 15