Before announcing a change in shift timings, a factory manager lets the news pass among the workers through casual talk, without any notice or meeting. He then listens to what the workers say about it in the canteen before he fixes the new timings.
Which use of communication does the manager make here?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Informal channels used by the manager to know the reactions of subordinates
Option (1) Informal channels used by the manager to know the reactions of subordinates — Correct. Managers sometimes pass information through informal channels to learn how their subordinates react. The manager lets the news spread by casual talk and listens to the workers’ views before fixing the timings.
Option (2) Upward communication used by subordinates to send their views to the superior — Incorrect. Upward communication flows from subordinate to superior through formal channels, such as a leave application or a progress report. Here the talk is casual, and the manager started the news.
Option (3) Downward communication used by the manager to pass on guidelines to subordinates — Incorrect. Downward communication is formal, such as a notice, an order or guidelines sent from a superior to subordinates. No notice or meeting is used here.
Option (4) Informal channels used by employees to exchange views they cannot share formally — Incorrect. Workers use the grapevine to exchange views they cannot share formally. The canteen talk is of this kind, but here it is the manager who starts the news and uses the talk.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Formal Communication … Vertical communication flows vertically, i.e., upwards or downwards through formal channels. Upward communications refer to flow of communication from subordinate to superior whereas downward communication indicates communication from a superior to subordinate. The examples of upward communication are – application for grant of leave, submission of progress report, request for grants, etc. Similarly, the examples of downward communication include – sending notice to employees to attend a meeting, ordering subordinates to complete an assigned work, passing on guidelines framed by top management to the subordinates, etc. …” “Informal Communication … The informal communication arises out of needs of employees to exchange their views, which cannot be done through formal channels. Workers chit chating in a canteen about the behaviour of the superior, discussing about rumours that some employees are likely to be transferred are some examples of informal communications. The grapevine/ informal communication spreads rapidly and sometimes gets distorted. It is very difficult to detect the source of such communication. It also leads to generate rumours which are not authentic. People’s behaviour is affected by rumours and informal discussions and sometimes may hamper work environment. Sometimes, grapevine channels may be helpful as they carry information rapidly and, therefore, may be useful to the manager at times. Informal channels are used by the managers to transmit information so as to know the reactions of his/her subordinates. An intelligent manager should make use of positive aspects of informal channels and minimise negative aspects of this channel of communication.” |