Difference Between Formal Communication and Informal Communication

Communication is one of the fundamental processes in our lives, through which thoughts, information, feelings and much more can be exchanged. The means of communication change with the advancement of technology, for example in the 90s phones were mainly used for communication, today smartphones are widely used for communication. Basically, communication can be of two types; verbal communication and non-verbal communication. In organizations, the verbal mode of communication is used to share information or transfer the message. Furthermore, verbal communication is divided into two forms of communication; formal communication and informal communication. Communication in the office or organization that takes place through the officially designated channel or the predefined channel is known as formal communication. On the other hand, informal communication also takes place in the workplace between employees, although it is not done through the officially designated channels and the topic of discussion is broader as it can be gossip, casual discussion, be it related to work or anything else.

Comparison chart

What is formal communication?

Formal communication is also known as official communication as it is carried out through previously planned or officially designated means. The context of the conversation is also prepared before the communication and most things go in hierarchical order. The context of the conversation is already chosen in this form of communication and more work-oriented discussions take place. In doing this type of communication, a certain type of rules and regulations, conventions and styles are followed. Jargon is not used in formal communication, and the conversation is mostly done in documented form, as it is kept as evidence for official purposes. Formal communication is a reliable and time-consuming process, which can even be presented as evidence in court. Those who carry out this type of communication ensure privacy and do not leak information. Orders, requests, orders, and reports in organizations or offices are some prominent examples of formal communication. Furthermore, formal communication is of four types; up or bottom up, down or top down, horizontal for side and cross or diagonal communication.

What is informal communication?

Informal communication is also known as grapevine communication; takes place between employees in the workplace through any channel. Unlike formal communication, informal communication does not take place through the officially designated channel. The context of the conversation or information spreads in all directions, since the given point or work-oriented tasks are not done in it. Informal communication is the mode of communication that takes place when colleagues interact with each other, which can be in the dining room during a coffee break or while sitting in the office garden area. No rules or regulations are followed in this type of communication and it can be in any convention or style. The conversation can also have a purpose regarding office work, although it mostly revolves around personal life, office staff gossip, or many more topics. Informal communication is oral and has no official proof. Informal communication is of four types; single strand chain, cluster chain, probability chain and gossip chain.

Formal communication versus informal communication

• Communication in the office or organization that takes place through the officially designated channel or the predefined channel is known as formal communication. On the other hand, informal communication also takes place in the workplace between employees, although it does not take place through the officially designated channels and the topic of discussion is broader as it can be gossip, casual discussion be it work related or anything else.
• Formal communication is also known as official communication while informal communication is also known as grapevine communication.
• Formal communication is of four types; up or bottom up, down or top down, horizontal for side and cross or diagonal communication. On the other hand, informal communication is of four types; single strand chain, cluster chain, probability chain and gossip chain.
• Formal communication is mostly done in written form while informal communication is mostly done in oral form.
• Privacy is well maintained while doing formal communication, while no privacy is done while doing informal communication, it can be done anytime and anywhere.