ACCA Applied Knowledge · Business and Technology · Communicating in business
Which of the following is an advantage of informal communication channels that is NOT normally a feature of formal channels?
Informal channels can transmit information rapidly and help build relationships and morale. Formal channels are better for records, accuracy and authority, while informal ones are quick and social but may distort information, lack documentation and bypass the official chain of command.
- AThey provide a legally reliable record of instructions
- BThey can transmit information rapidly and help build relationships and moraleCorrect
- CThey ensure that information is always complete and accurate
- DThey guarantee that information follows the correct authority path
Explanation
Informal channels are quick and strengthen relationships and morale, and can give managers a feel for staff opinion. Records, accuracy and authority paths are features of formal channels; informal channels typically lack them and may distort information.
Did you get it right without looking?
One question tells you little. A timed set on Communicating in business shows your real accuracy, how long you take and where you lose marks.
More Communicating in business questions
- Which of the following is a common barrier to effective listening?
- A company's directors wish to announce a change in strategy to shareholders, employees and the press at the same time, while ensuring the me…
- A manager must tell an employee that her role is being made redundant. Which method of communication is most appropriate to deliver this mes…
- Hana, a manager, sends a highly sensitive redundancy proposal to the whole department by email by pressing 'reply all' by mistake. Which wea…
- Which of the following is an example of a PHYSICAL barrier to effective communication in an organisation?
- A senior manager tells a subordinate in a meeting, 'Things are fine in the department.' The subordinate knows of a serious control failure b…