Difference Between Formal And Informal Communication

Introduction

Formal communication is a process of interchanging information and ideas by following specific rules, structure through proper channel. On the contrary, informal communication is casual, unplanned and does not follow any rules and protocols to exchange information and messages. Generally, formal communication is used for professional or official purposes and informal communication is suitable for social interactions.

Difference Between Formal Communication And Informal Communication

Major differences between formal communication and informal communication are as follows:

1. Meaning

Formal Communication: It is a type of communication that follows specific rules, protocols and established channel to exchange information, thoughts, messages and ideas.

Informal Communication: It is casual type of communication that does not follow proper channel and rules to exchange information.

2. Type

Formal Communication: It is written type of communication.

Informal Communication: Informal communication is verbal or oral type of communication.

3. Chain Of Command

Formal Communication: It follows a chain of command.

Informal Communication: It does not follow chain of command and move in any direction.

4. Proof

Formal Communication: Proof or supporting documents are kept safely in formal communication.

Informal Communication: There is no proof or supporting document in informal communication.

5. Security

Formal Communication: High level of security is maintained in formal communication.

Informal Communication: There is a lack of security in informal communication.

6. Authenticity

Formal Communication: Messages and information are authentic in formal communication.

Informal Communication: Messages, information and opinions may not be authentic in informal communication.

7. Time

Formal Communication: Formal communication takes more time than informal communication.

Informal Communication: It is faster than formal communication.

8. Clarity /Transparency

Formal Communication : Because of proper structure, format, rules and protocols formal communication ensures clarity and transparency.

Informal Communication: It lacks clarity and transparency because of lack of proper rules, structure and format.

9. Flexibility

Formal Communication: It is less flexible than informal communication because of specific rules, channels and protocols.

Informal Communication: It is more flexible than formal communication because it does not need to follow specific rules and channel

10. Controllable Or Not

Formal Communication: It can be controlled by the management

Informal Communication: It is not guided by organizational rules and policies so it cannot be controlled

11. Immediate Feedback

Formal Communication: Immediate feedback is not possible because of slow transmission of message

Informal Communication: Immediate feedback is possible because of rapid exchange of message..

Also Read

Difference between oral and written communication

12. Examples

Formal Communication: Orders, reports, requests etc.

Informal Communication: Discussion, gossips etc.

Formal Vs Informal Communication (Comparison Table)

Basis	Formal Communication	Informal Communication
Meaning	Process of exchanging information by using formal channel and specific protocols	Process of exchanging message without following specific rules and channel
Flexibility	More	Less
Controllable	Yes	No
Reliability	More	Less
Tone Used	Formal	Casual
Speed	Slow	Fast
Immediate Feedback	Not possible	Possible
Secrecy	Can be maintained	Difficult to maintain
Supporting Document	Can be kept	Cannot be kept