Feeling connected and informed through informal communication

A quantitative survey on the perceived functions of informal communication in organizations

Bibliographic Data

ID21696097
AuthorsNora Denner (0000-0002-4033-3833, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz), Thomas Koch (0000-0002-6021-6140, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz), Benno Viererbl (0000-0002-4506-1363, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz), Alicia Ernst (0009-0007-8774-502X, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz)
Year2025
Volume29
Issue1
Pages71-93
Publication date2025-03-11
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Communication Management (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1363-254X • E-ISSN: 1478-0852
PublisherEmerald (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1108/jcom-06-2024-0085
OpenAlexW4402697622
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited53

Purpose This study examines the functions of informal communication in organizations. Informal communication can be characterized as any interaction within an organization in which two or more individuals assume personal roles rather than their professional roles and in which employees do not intend to solve work-related problems. Despite its central role in organizations, a comprehensive understanding of the specific functions of informal communication within workplace dynamics is lacking. Design/methodology/approach We reviewed existing literature to identify the functions of informal communication and then surveyed employees ( N = 1,380). We asked them to indicate their agreement with statements measuring the functions of informal communication that we derived from the literature. Findings Using exploratory factor analysis, we identified four core functions: stress management and recreation, nurturing private relationships, fostering a sense of belonging and connectedness and facilitating information exchange and coordination. We then examined how these core functions related to job-related and sociodemographic characteristics. Our findings underscore the importance of informal communication in organizations, particularly in facilitating the development and maintenance of social relationships as well as information exchange and coordination, both of which play critical roles in organizational success. Originality/value This study is among the first to systematize the functions of informal communication in organizations and to empirically extract core functions that can be used for further research. It is also highly relevant to practitioners of organizational management and organizational communication

Business · Feeling · Organizational communication · Political science · Public relations · Communication in Education and Healthcare · Job Satisfaction and Organizational Behavior · Knowledge Management and Sharing · Psychology · Social Psychology