Question

Explain the three types of formal messages and give an example for each. Explain an informal (grapevine) message.

Answer 1

Three types of formal messages are: upward (message from employee to someone higher in the company, perhaps a boss), downward (message from someone in charge to personnel lower in rank), lateral (message from one employee to another of the same rank). Examples of formal messages might include: an employee requesting time off (upward), a new dress code policy (downward), memo from one employee to another (in same position) discussing project (lateral). An informal grapevine message is the most common type of message in an organization and happens when information is shared word of mouth from employee to employee in an unofficial manner.

Answer 2

The three types of formal messages are: upward, downward and lateral. An informal grapevine message is a common type of message at an organization. This happens when information is shared word of mouth from employee to employee in an unofficial manner.