Communication Patterns

Dr. Suzy Raouf

 Communication Patterns
• The Barbell: Depends on the other’s confidence.

• The Triangle: 3 people or units communicating without

anyone feeling being left out. Depends on trust.

• The Broken Triangle: One trusted associate of two

enemies.

• The Pyramid: One party assumes the top leadership

role. Receives much info from the group.

• The Series: Gossip, rumors,…. By the time the message

gets back, the message has changed (Telephone Casse).
Dr. Suzy Raouf
 • The Circle: Message sent around the circle, to avoid
distortions from the communication chains.

• Hub & Spokes: A combination between the Pyramid

and the Circle. Individuals can respond directly to the
leader or to one another.

• Legs: Messages are communicated through levels of

responsibility to more & more employees.

• The Crossfire: Freedom. Works well for a

brainstorming session.

Dr. Suzy Raouf

3 Common Small–Group Networks

All-
Channel
Chain Wheel

Dr. Suzy Raouf

Small–Group Networks & Effectiveness
Criteria
All-
Chain Wheel
Channel

Speed Moderate High High

Accuracy High High Moderate

Emergence Moderate High None

of a Leader

Member Moderate Low High

Satisfaction

Dr. Suzy Raouf

 Communication Networks
Definition: Channels by which information flows.

 Formal Networks
(Task-related, that follow the
authority chain).
 Informal Networks
(The company communication
grapevine). Not so accurate (about
75%) RUMORS
Dr. Suzy Raouf
Reducing Consequences of Rumors

 Announce timetables for making

important decisions.
 Explain decisions and behaviors that may
appear inconsistent or secretive.
 Emphasize the downside, as well as the
upside, risks of current decisions and
future plans.
 Openly discuss worst case possibilities.
Dr. Suzy Raouf
Choice of Communication Channel

 Face-to-face (Meetings)
 Video-Conferencing
 Telephone
 Electronic mail
 Memos, letters, special reports
 Flyers, bulletins, general reports
Dr. Suzy Raouf
Hierarchy of Channel Richness
Channel Information
Richness Medium

Richest

Face-to-Face
Video Conference

Telephone

E-Mail
Memos, Letters
Reports
Flyers, Bulletins,
Leanest
Dr. Suzy Raouf
 Applying Communication

 Words = 7%
 Tone = 38%
 Body Language = 55%
___________
TOTAL 100%

Dr. Suzy Raouf

Direction of Communication
 Downward: Communication that flows from
one level of a group or organization to a lower
level.

 Upward: Communication that flows to a higher

level in the group or organization.

 Lateral: Communication that takes place

among members of the same work groups at
the same level, among managers at the same
level, or among any horizontally equivalent
personnel.
Dr. Suzy Raouf
Factors for Effective Communication
 Perceived trust
 Perceived accuracy
 Desire for interaction
 Top-management receptiveness
 Upward information requirements
 Choosing the correct channel
 Being an effective/ACTIVE listener
Utilizing
Dr. Suzy Raouf
feedback
The 6 C’s of Communication

 Clear
 Concise
 Courteous
 Constructive
 Complete
 Correct

Dr. Suzy Raouf

 Effective Approach to
Communication- 6 W’s
Answer the following BEFORE communicating
– Why?
– Who?
– Where?
– When?
– What?
– How?
Dr. Suzy Raouf
 WHY Am I Communicating?

 Why is the communication necessary and

what is the real reason for writing or
speaking?
 What needs to be achieved or changed?
 Am I trying to inform, persuade, educate,
influence, sympathize or entertain?

Dr. Suzy Raouf

 WHO is the Receiver?

 What type of person is he / she?

Personality, education etc.
 How will he / she react to the
communication?
 How much knowledge does he / she have
about the topic?
 How much time will he / she have?

Dr. Suzy Raouf

WHERE Will Communication Take
Place?

 Will the recipient be close enough to any

relevant information or in an isolated
situation?
 Will you be able to deal with any queries
easily?

Dr. Suzy Raouf

WHEN Must Communication Be
Completed?

 Will the recipient be too busy?

 Is the deadline realistic?

Dr. Suzy Raouf

WHAT is Subject & Purpose of
Communication?

 What exactly needs to be said?

 What does the recipient need to know?
 What can be omitted?
 What information must be included to
reach my objective?

Dr. Suzy Raouf

 HOW Should the Communication
be Effected?

 What method of communication should be used?

 How should the points be organized to ensure
that a logical structure is maintained?
 How can the recipient's interest be maintained?
 How can the objectives be achieved?
 How can it be ascertained that the communication
has been understood? Is the method of feedback
suitable?
Dr. Suzy Raouf