Which of the following statements about formal communication networks…

Which of the following statements about formal communication networks is incorrect?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 3

The correct answer is Option (3) → In the single chain network, each person can communicate with his adjoining two persons.

Option (1) In the wheel network, the superior acts as a hub of the wheel. — True. In the wheel, all subordinates talk only through their one superior, who acts as the hub.

Option (2) In the free flow network, the flow of communication is fast. — True. In free flow, each person can talk to the others freely, so communication is fast.

Option (3) In the single chain network, each person can communicate with his adjoining two persons. — False. Talking with the adjoining two persons happens in the circular network, where the message moves in a circle. A single chain runs from each superior to his subordinate down the levels.

Option (4) In the inverted V network, a subordinate can communicate with his superior’s superior. — True. In the inverted V, a subordinate may talk to his immediate superior and also his superior’s superior. At the higher level only prescribed communication takes place.

NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Formal Communication … Different types of communication networks may operate in formal organisation. Some of the popular communication networks are presented and discussed in given figure.
(i) Single chain: This network exists between a supervisor and his subordinates. Since many levels exist in an organisation structure, communication flows from every superior to his subordinate through single chain.
(ii) Wheel: In wheel network, all subordinates under one superior communicate through him only as he acts as a hub of the wheel. The subordinates are not allowed to talk among themselves.
(iii) Circular: In circular network, the communication moves in a circle. Each person can communicate with his adjoining two persons. In this network, communication flow is slow. …”

“(iv) Free flow: In this network, each person can communicate with others freely. The flow of communication is fast in this network.
(v) Inverted V: In this network, a subordinate is allowed to communicate with his immediate superior as well as his superiors superior. However, in later case, only prescribed communication takes place.”