Four channels of communication are relevant to the supervisor: formal, information, the Web, and body language.

Formal channels of communication operate downward, upward, and horizontally. These communication channels primarily serve to link people and departments to accomplish organizational objectives. Supervisors communicate downward to their employees, but equally important is the supervisor’s ability to communicate upward to management and horizontally with supervisors in other departments.

Every organization company has an informal channel called the grapevine. The grapevine can carry rumors as well as facts. MBWA is one technique for getting information and staying in touch with the employees. Supervisors should stay in touch with the grapevine and counteract rumors with facts, when necessary.

Employees and employers alike use the Web and various social networks to connect with each other and those outside the organization.

Body language—one’s actions, gestures, or posture—is a powerful means of communication.

Often, body language conveys more than written or spoken words. P-6587