Communication Model

Shannon Weaver Model

Sender (Information source) – Sender is the
person who makes the message, chooses the
channel and sends the message.
Encoder (Transmitter) –Encoder is the sender
who uses machine, which converts message
into signals or binary data. It might also directly
refer to the machine.
Channel –Channel is the medium used to send
message.
Decoder (Receiver) – Decoder is the machine
used to convert signals or binary data into
message or the receiver who translates the message from signals.
Receiver (Destination) –Receiver is the person who gets the message or the place where the
message must reach. The receiver provides feedback according to the message.
Noise –Noise is the physical disturbances like environment, people, etc. which does not let the
message get to the receiver as what is sent.
The sender encodes the message and sends it to the receiver through a technological channel
like telephone and telegraph. The sender converts the message into codes understandable to the
machine. The message is sent in codes through a medium. The receiver has to decode the
message before understanding it and interpreting it. The receptor machine can also act as a
decoder in some cases. The channel can have noise and the receiver might not have the capacity
to decode which might cause problems in communication process.Here, for instance, brain might
be the sender, mouth might be the encoder which encodes to a particular language, air might be
the channel, another person’s ear might be the receptor and his brain might be the decoder and
receiver.Similarly, air is the channel here, the noise present in his environment that disturbs them
is the noise whereas his response is the feedback. There were only 5 components when the
model was made. Noise was added later.
Sender: Businessman
Encoder: Telephone network company
Channel: Mobile network
Noise: Missing text due to disruption
Decoder: Mobile phone
Receiver: Worker
https://www.businesstopia.net/communication/shannon-and-weaver-model-communication
Communication Pattern
Communication patterns are structures in
which communication flows in an
organization. They are the communication
links in work teams according to the
organizational structures.
The patterns are related to work efficiency
and who is responsible towards whom or who
talks to whom. It also relates to satisfaction of
group members and decision-making
process.
Circle
In circle communication pattern, there is a leader and hierarchies in the group members. Here,
the leader can only communicate to the members who are next to him/her like their direct
subordinates. He/she cannot talk with any other members too, like the lowest level of workers.
Chain (line)
Chain pattern of communication has similar problems as circle pattern as it also follows a certain
chain of command. In the circle, a person can send a message that reaches all members of the
group whereas, in the chain, it is either top to bottom level staffs or bottom to top level staffs. It
is a one-way flow of communication. In chain communication pattern, all members cannot
communicate with the leader of the group like in a circle.
Wheel (star)
In wheel pattern, there is a leader at the center of all communication. All others are members
that stand at the same level in the structure.
Here, all members can communicate with the leader and vice versa. But, members cannot
interact with each other. Sometimes, members do not even know of the existence of other
members of the same group.
This pattern is taken as the best pattern of communication for any organization as a leader can
have direct contact with all.
Y
Y pattern of communication is more complicated as there are different sub-groups within a
group. In the center is a leader who manages these sub-groups. According to this pattern given
by Leavitt, there are 3 subgroups being controlled by a single leader. There are 3 members in
each sub-group.
Here, like mentioned in circle and chain communication patterns, there is a chain of command
within the sub-group. The lowest level of each sub-group communicates with the members
senior to them. They communicate it with their seniors. Then, that member communicates it with
the leader.
The message sent by the leader also communicates from top-to-bottom approach.
Network
Bureaucratic organization communications structures are taken as network pattern of
communication as it is a non-symmetric network of people with social relations. Their job roles
are interlinked.
Communication in networks can be prescriptive, like rules given from leader to other members
or descriptive like case reports given by members to leaders.
The network is a communication pattern in which anyone can communicate with anyone else as
per their needs and requirements. In a network, communication differs due to physical proximity
and organizational structures too.
https://www.businesstopia.net/communication/communication-patterns

Communication Flow
When leaders and managers share information with lower-level employees, it’s called
downward, or top-down communication. In other words, communication from superiors to
subordinates in a chain of command is a downward communication. This communication flow is
used by the managers to transmit work-related information to the employees at lower levels.
Ensuring effective downward communication isn’t always easy. Differences in experience,
knowledge, levels of authority, and status make it possible that the sender and recipient do not
share the same assumptions or understanding of context, which can result in messages being
misunderstood or misinterpreted. Creating clearly worded, unambiguous communications and
maintaining a respectful tone can facilitate effective downward communication.
Upward communication is the transmission of information from lower levels of an organization
to higher ones; the most common situation is employees communicating with managers.
Managers who encourage upward communication foster cooperation, gain support, and reduce
frustration among their employees. The content of such communication can include requests,
estimations, proposals, complaints, appeals, reports, and any other information directed from
subordinates to superiors. Upward communication is often made in response to downward
communication; for instance, when employees answer a question from their manager. In this
respect, upward communication is a good measure of whether a company’s downward
communication is effective.
Horizontal communication, also called lateral communication, involves the flow of messages
between individuals and groups on the same level of an organization, as opposed to up or down.
Sharing information, solving problems, and collaborating horizontally is often more timely, direct,
and efficient than up or down communication, since it occurs directly between people working
in the same environment. Communication within a team is an example of horizontal
communication; members coordinate tasks, work together, and resolve conflicts. Horizontal
communication occurs formally in meetings, presentations, and formal electronic
communication, and informally in other, more casual exchanges within the office.
Diagonal communication is the sharing of information among different structural levels within a
business. This kind of communication flow is increasingly the norm in organizations (in the same
way that cross-functional teams are becoming more common), since it can maximize the
efficiency of information exchange. The shortest distance between two points is a straight line.
Diagonal communication routes are the straight lines that speed communications directly to their
recipients, at the moment communication is necessary. Communications that zigzag along
horizontal and vertical routes, on the other hand, are vulnerable to the schedules and availability
of the individuals who reside at each level.
Another type of communication flow is external, when an organization communicates with
people or organizations outside the business. Recipients of external communication include
customers, lawmakers, suppliers, and other community stakeholders. External communication is
often handled by marketing and sales. Annual reports, press releases, product promotions,
financial reports are all examples of external communication.
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wmopen-introbusiness/chapter/communication-channels-
flows-networks/