Define and give examples of downwards, upwards and horizontal organizational communication. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different forms of communication.

Types of Communications 1

Upward Downward and Horizontal Communications and their

Advantages and Disadvantages

Types of Communications 2

Communication

Modern organizations are complex social systems , which can not function effectively without meaningful interaction between its employees Communication is the process by which all the employees in an organization are linked together . Bellows defines communication as a communion by words , letters , symbols , or messages and as a way that one organization member shares meaning with another . In a well-managed business organization , communication flows mainly in three different directions - downward

, upward and horizontal . While the traditional organizations emphasize primarily on downward communication , modern managers , however , stress upon upward communication because , in their belief , effective communication is possible only when the subordinates are involved in it . Communication also flows horizontally between people of the same rank

Figure 1 : Information flow in an organization

Upward Communication

Upward communication originates from subordinate level and continues to flow up to the organizational hierarchy to the superiors . Thus , it is an upward flow of information from employees at the operational level to the top executive along the chain of command . This flow of communication is sometimes impeded by managers in the communication chain , who distort messages while communicating them to their bosses . Upward communication can also take place through suggestion systems , appeal and grievance procedures

Types of Communications 3

complaint systems , counseling sessions , joint setting of objectives , the grapevine , group meetings , the practice of an open-door policy , morale questionnaires and exit interviews

In any organization , the nature of the flow of upward communication is largely dependent on the top level management . In to facilitate effective upward communication , the upper level of management must create an environment in which subordinates feel free to communicate

Advantages of Upward Communication

Managers can get precise knowledge about every situation in the organization . They have one-on-one interactions with employees which , in turn , motivate the latter to behave in the desired manner instead of being forced psychologically to do something . This type of communication helps the management to understand the performance of employees , the problems of employees , the results of their decision taken etc

The morale and enthusiasm of the employees remain high because they feel that they are always honored , irrespective of their positions in the organizational hierarchy . It makes them feel to be a an essential part of the organization

Often the most innovative ideas come from the low level employees who are directly related to the actual job . Thus , the free flow of upward communication helps the organization to introduce innovative techniques in their day-to-day operations which would have , otherwise , not possible

It also facilitates the process of downward communication as good listening becomes a two-way path . It helps to control the activities of the employees effectively and take corrective actions in case of any deviations , if any

Types of Communications 4

Disadvantages of Upward Communication

Often it happens that employees share only the good news with their respective bosses . They are always found to be hesitant to share...