Leavitt’s communication networks — Accounting glossary

Leavitt’s communication networks illustrate how permitted links between group members affect information flow and coordination. Common teaching diagrams are the wheel, chain, Y and circle. A wheel concentrates messages through a central person; a chain passes them along a sequence; a Y adds a branch; a circle connects neighbours without one central hub. Relative speed, errors and satisfaction depend on the task and conditions, so results from simple experiments are not universal design rules.

Worked example

A small service team routes every query through its supervisor, resembling a wheel. This can coordinate routine decisions but makes the supervisor a bottleneck when many complex issues arrive together. Allowing appropriate direct discussion may improve the flow.

Common mistake

Do not claim one network is always fastest or best. Also distinguish this communication model from Leavitt’s separate organisational-change diamond.

Where it appears in your exams

Qualification	Exam	Relationship	Period
ACCA	BT	Supporting	September 2026–June 2027
FIA	FBT	Supporting	September 2026–June 2027