The main differences between Formal and Informal communication are:

• Reliability: Formal communication is the more reliable form, as there is a paper trail. Compared to informal communication which has comparatively less reliability, and is very unlikely to have a paper trail.
• Speed: Formal communication is slower, sometimes feeling unbearably slow due to bureaucracy. On the other hand, informal communication is very quick, often being instantaneous.
• Time-Consuming: Formal communication requires a number of different processes before the whole communication flow is complete, whereas informal communication requires very little process time.
• Information Flow: Information through formal communication is only through predefined channels, whereas information through informal communication moves freely.
• Secrecy: Secrecy is maintained with formal communication, whereas informal communication makes it hard to maintain full secrecy due to its reliance on individuals.

What does Formal communication look like?

Formal communication can sound rather complex and convoluted, but generally formal communication is governed by a chain of command and follows organizational convention. Within the organizational set-up, formal communication can make up any of these forms:

1. Horizontal Communication:

Horizontal communication refers to communication between individuals who are at the same or similar levels within an organization but have different areas of responsibility. Horizontal communication is slightly more fluid and dependent on cross-individual communication. Typical examples exist as communication between managers of different departments (HR, Marketing, Sales, etc.).

2. Vertical Communication:

Vertical communication is the communication where information or messages flows between or among the subordinates and superiors of the organizational.

3. Downward Communication:

Downward communication represents the most stereotypical form of formal communication. Information flows from management level down to lower levels. It is the most common form of formal communication. Downward communication includes orders and instructions represented in oral or written format. Reports, emails, letters and manual communication are commonly used downward communication tools.

4. Upward Communication:

Upward communication contains information which passes from subordinate levels up to management and senior levels. Common forms of upward communication include (from employees to managers and above) reports, suggestions, requests, instructions and complaints).