Modes of Bureaucratic Communications: Examples from Thai Local Administration.

Expanding upon 'formal-informal' distinctions, four modes of bureaucratic communications are defined. Communications within differing bureaucracies are compared using the four modes. The setting associated with each mode and its effectiveness in accomplishing various tasks are explored. Illustrations and descriptions of the four modes are given from cases of Thai local administrative behavior. A cultural explanation is sought for the choice of each mode. In the Thai situation the status of the officials determines the preferred mode of communication whereas the particular task determines the effectiveness of the communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]