In a circle network, a person can communicate with two other persons one to his/her right and the other to his/her left. Here each member communicates with the people on both sides. This network is observed e.g. when managers are therein a meeting. The manager, in question, can converse with two sit to his right and left. It is generally found in the case of a committee or task force. Here each person gives and receives information from two or more persons in the network.
Circle communication is a form of group exchange that builds a network of relationships, a sense of community. It is one of the decentralized forms of a communication network wherein the information is shared equally among all the members.
In a circle network, employees communicate only with adjoining members of the organization. This circle network is similar to a chain network except that information flows in a circular form or direction rather than vertical form or direction. It is analogous to a group working in a physical arrangement such that workers can communicate with their immediate neighbors but not with others in the group. A can communicate simultaneously with two different persons, B, and C but to communicate with D, he has to pass the information through B or C, and E. All group members can only communicate to the people who are above them or below them in the chain of command. The message flows in one direction or way.
All five individuals cannot directly communicate with each other. Here, the leader can only communicate with the members who are next to him/her like their direct subordinates. He/she cannot talk with any other members too, like the lowest level of workers. In this network, the lowest level of worker can communicate with the top level of manager. (A could be the top level of manager and C could be the lowest level of worker). Through practices of active listening, intentional speaking, and conscious self-monitoring, circle communication emphasizes individual contribution while building consensus to fulfill the purpose of the group.
Characteristics –
- Equal to the chain network.
- In this channel, a person can talk to two people at the same time.
In this communication pattern, lower level staffs do not get a chance to criticize anything to the upper level. By nurturing the human side, regardless of role and function, circle communication intersects with diversity or the uniqueness of each individual, storytelling, coaching, guiding, and mentoring, as well as discovering and responding to conflict. Under this pattern, each member has an equal chance to participate.
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