The Role of Management in Facilitating Communication (Cambridge (CIE) A Level Business): Revision Note

The role of informal communications

• Informal communication is the casual, unofficial way that people in a business share information

  • It is not planned or written down in official records

  • The style is friendly and conversational, often using everyday language

  • Messages travel outside the formal chain of command, so they can move quickly across levels and departments

• Informal communication can occur in a range of situations, including

  • Water-cooler chats

    • Quick conversations in the corridor, kitchen or staff room

  • Instant-messaging or group apps

    • Short texts or emoji exchanges on WhatsApp, WeChat, Slack, etc

  • Social gatherings

    • Talking during lunch breaks, team socials or company sports events

Benefits and risks of informal communication

Communication and business efficiency

• Clear, timely and two-way communication is vital for an efficient business

  • It can can save time, cut costs or raise output when managed well

How communication affects business efficiency

Ways of improving communication

• As communication is crucial to improving efficiency, managers should take steps to improve the way information moves around and outside of a business

Steps managers can take to improve communication

• Sending a clear message through the most suitable channel, whether email, chat, video or face-to-face, reduces errors and speeds up decisions

  • This saves a business time and money

• Encouraging two-way, inclusive dialogue by using plain language and inviting feedback brings problems to light early

  • It can also encourage new ideas and keep employees motivated.

• Equipping teams with modern digital tools for chat, video calls and shared files keeps everyone coordinated, wherever they work

  • This improves customer service and helps achieve faster growth