Central Philippines State University

SUBJECT: ED 212 COMMUNICATION IN EDUCATION

PROFESSOR: GALFE P. TINGSON, Ph.D
TOPIC: MODELS OF COMMUNICATION
SUBMITTED BY: RACELLE D. LAMIS

 LINEAR

This model describes how a sender, or speaker, transmits a message to a receiver, or listener. More specifically,
the sender is the source of the message. A message may consist of the sounds, words, or behaviour in a
communication interaction. The message itself is transmitted through a channel, the pathway or route for
communication, to a receiver, who is the target or recipient of the message. There may be obstacles in the
communication process, or noise. Noise refers to any interference in the channel or distortion of the message. This
is a fairly simple model in which a message is simply passed from sender to receiver.

 INTERACTIVE

In the move to a more dynamic view of communication, interactional models follow two channels in which
communication and feedback flow between sender and receiver. Feedback is simply a response that a receiver
gives to a sender. Feedback can be verbal (i.e. “yes”) or nonverbal (i.e. a nod or smile). Most importantly, feedback
indicates comprehension. It can help senders know if their message was received and understood. By focusing on
flow and feedback, interactional models view communication as an ongoing process.

 TRANSACTRIONAL

The transactional is the most dynamic of communication models. One notable feature of this model is the move
from referring to people as senders and receivers to referring to people as communicators. This implies that
communication is achieved as people both send and receive messages. Fundamentally, this model views
communication as a transaction. In other words, communication is a cooperative action in which communicators
co-create the process, outcome and effectiveness of the interaction. Unlike the linear model in which meaning is
sent from one person to another, also unlike the interactional model in which understanding is achieved through
feedback, people create shared meaning in a more dynamic process in the transactional model.
Central Philippines State University
SUBJECT: ED 212 COMMUNICATION IN EDUCATION
PROFESSOR: GALFE P. TINGSON, Ph.D.
TOPIC: COMMUNICATION DIRECTIONS
SUBMITTED BY: RACELLE D. LAMIS

 I. Downward Communication:

Communication in the first place, flows downwards. That is why, traditionally this direction has been
highlighted or emphasised. It is based on the assumption that the people working at higher levels have
the authority to communicate to the people working at lower levels. This direction of communication
strengthens the authoritarian structure of the organisation. This is also called Down Stream
Communication. Quite often the communication originating at the highest level gets distorted or diluted
on the way to the lower levels. Sometimes the messages may get lost. It has to be ensured that the
receiver fully understands the purport/ instructions/directions coming from above. This requires an
efficient feedback system. Another drawback of downward communication is that often it becomes time-
consuming. The more the levels the greater the chances of delay. That is why sometimes managers
choose to send their massages directly to the person concerned. Sometimes managers may withhold
some valuable information from the employees. In such a situation the employees become frustrated,
confused and powerless. This may spoil the employer-employee relationship.
 II. Upward Communication:

The function of upward communication is to send information, suggestions, complaints and grievances of
the lower level workers to the managers above. It is, therefore, more participative in nature. It was not
encouraged in the past, but modern managers encourage upward communication. This is a direct result of
increasing democratisation. This is also called Up Stream Communication. Certain problems, primarily of
psychological nature, may come up in upward communication. Many managers do not like to be ‘told’ by
their juniors. They may not be patient enough to listen to them or may even suppress the message sent to
them from below. In such a situation the employees may feel let down.In order to tide over such
problems an Ombudsperson plays an important role. The concept of Ombudsman or Ombudsperson was
first used in Sweden to go into the complaints of lower level employees against government officials or
agencies. Now a number of companies in many countries have established positions for persons to
investigate employees, complaints and grievances. An Ombudsperson, therefore, effectively mediates
between the employers and the employees and smoothens upward communication.

 III. Lateral or Horizontal Communication:

This type of communication can be seen taking place between persons operating at the same level or
working under the same executive. Functional managers operating at the same level, in different
departments, through their communication, present a good example of lateral communication. The main
use of this dimension of communication is to maintain coordination and review activities assigned to
various subordinates. Occasions for lateral communication arise during committee meetings or
conferences in which all members of the group, mostly peers or equals, interact. The best example of
lateral communication can be seen in the interaction between production and marketing departments.
 IV. Diagonal or Crosswise Communication:
Diagonal or crosswise communication takes place when people working at the same level interact with
those working at a higher or lower-level of organisational hierarchy and across the boundaries of their
reporting relationships.