Formal and informal messages – UGC NET Question

Statements B and D are wrong, while A and C are correct, so the correct combination of wrong statements is B and D. A is true because formal communication follows official channels defined in the organisational structure. C is true since informal networks can often circulate information quickly, though not always accurately, thereby supplementing formal messages. B is false because informal communication does not always transmit false information; it may be accurate or inaccurate. D is false because formal communication can be slower than informal communication due to multiple levels and procedures.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it groups B and D, the two statements that misrepresent formal and informal communication. It recognises that informal networks do not inherently deal in falsehoods and that formal channels are not always the fastest. By excluding A and C, which are accurate, this option correctly identifies the wrong statements.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it identifies only B as wrong and ignores D. While B is indeed incorrect, D also makes an absolute claim about speed that does not hold in practice. Thus this option does not capture all the wrong statements.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it marks D only as wrong and omits B. D is certainly false, but B also wrongly portrays the grapevine as always unreliable. Since both B and D are wrong, an option containing only D is incomplete.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it treats A, B and D as wrong, even though A correctly describes formal communication. Including A among wrong statements makes this combination inconsistent with organisational communication principles.