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In a small design team, every member can pass a message directly to a…

In a small design team, every member can pass a message directly to any other member of the team, and messages travel quickly. Which communication network is this?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 4

The correct answer is Option (4) → Free flow

Option (1) Circular — Incorrect. In a circular network, each person talks only with his two adjoining persons, and the flow is slow.

Option (2) Wheel — Incorrect. In a wheel, the subordinates talk only through the superior at the hub. They cannot talk among themselves.

Option (3) Single chain — Incorrect. In a single chain, communication passes from each superior to his subordinate, level by level.

Option (4) Free flow — Correct. In free flow, each person can communicate with others freely, and the flow is fast. In the design team, any member can reach any other directly, and messages travel quickly.

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. …”

“Formal Communication … (iv) Free flow: In this network, each person can communicate with others freely. The flow of communication is fast in this network.”