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ACCA Applied Knowledge · Business and Technology · Communicating in business

Which of the following best describes informal communication in an organisation?

Informal communication is communication that arises from social relationships between people and flows outside the official organisational structure. It is not dictated by the chain of command, unlike formal communication, which follows established reporting lines and is typically documented and authorised.

  1. ACommunication that follows the official chain of command and is usually documented
  2. BCommunication that arises from social relationships and flows outside the official structureCorrect
  3. CCommunication that is limited to written reports sent to senior management
  4. DCommunication that is only used between the organisation and external regulators

Explanation

Informal communication arises from personal and social relationships and does not follow the official reporting lines. Option A describes formal communication. Written reports to management (C) and regulator contact (D) are not what defines informal communication.

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