Difference Between Formal Communication And Informal Communication

Difference Between Formal And Informal Communication

The main dissimilarities or difference between formal communication and informal communication can be pointed out as follows:

1. Meaning

Formal Communication: An authentic verbal communication which passes through established channels with documentary evidence.

Informal Communication: A form of communication which passes without following established channels with no documentary evidence.

2. Reliability

Formal Communication: It is more reliable form of communication

Informal Communication: It lacks reliability

3. Present Of Evidence

Formal Communication: Yes, there exists a documentary evidence

Informal Communication: Documentary evidence does not exist

4. Authentic

Formal Communication: Yes

Informal Communication: No

5. Speed

Formal Communication: It is slower than informal communication because of systematic format and predetermined channel.

Informal Communication: It is more faster because it does not follow systematic format and channel

6. Scalar Chain

Formal Communication: It follows

Informal Communication: It does not follow

7. Secrecy

Formal Communication: High level of privacy or secrecy can be maintained

Informal Communication: No privacy can be maintained

8. Official Recognition

Formal Communication: Requires

Informal Communication: Does not require

9. Errors

Formal Communication: Very less chance of errors and mistakes

Informal Communication: Very high chance of errors and mistakes

10. Suitability

Formal Communication: Suitable for every situation except emergency

Informal Communication: Suitable for emergency situation

  Also Read: 

Difference Between Oral And Written Communication

11. Control

Formal Communication: It can be controlled by the management

Informal Communication: In is uncontrollable

12. Importance

Formal Communication: It is important to facilitate smooth functioning of organizational activities in order to achieve the goals and objectives.

Informal Communication: It is important to maintain coordination and personal relation in the organization.

Formal Vs Informal Communication (Comparison Chart)

Basis For Difference	Formal Communication	Informal Communication
Introduction	Verbal communication that uses established channels with documentary evidence	Communication that does not follow established channels and lacks documentary evidence
Reliability	More	Less
Presence Of Evidence	Yes	No
Authentic	Yes	No
Transmission Speed	Slow	Fast
Level Of Secrecy	High	Less
Scalar Chain	Follows	Does not follow
Official Recognition	Requires	Not required
Chance Of Error	Less	High
Controllable	Yes	No
Suitable For	All situations	Emergency situation

I hope this post is helpful to understand the difference between formal and informal communication and to make comparison between them.