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

Communications 1

Upward Downward and Horizontal Communications and their

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Communications 2

Communication

Organizations in the modern era are complex social systems which can not function effectively and efficiently without proper interaction between its employees . Communication is a process through which all the employees in an organization are linked together . Communication is , a communion by words , letters , symbols , or messages and as a way that one organization member shares meaning with

another (Bellows . In a highly organized hierarchical system , communication flows primarily in three directions - downward , upward and horizontal . In the early days traditional organizations emphasize primarily on downward communication But modern managers concentrates on the development of upward communication with a view to involve as many subordinates as possible in the communication process . Beside these , horizontal communication is also an important part of the communication process . Communication serves the following purposes in an organization

Helps establish and disseminate the goals of an organization

Facilitates the development of plans for the achievement of goals

Helps managers utilize manpower and other resources in the most effective way

Helps managers select , develop , and appraise members of the organizations

Helps managers lead , direct , motivate and create a innovative and enthusiastic climate

Facilitates control and evaluation of performance

Communication flow in an organization

Communications 3

Upward Communication

This is a type of communication process where the information originates at the subordinate level and flows up to the top of the hierarchical system . It is the upward flow of information from employees at the operational level to the top executive along the chain of command Upward communication takes place through suggestion systems , appeal and grievance procedures , complaint systems , counseling sessions , joint setting of objectives , the grapevine , group meetings , the practice of an open-door policy , morale questionnaires and exit interviews . The nature of the flow of upward communication in an organization is primarily dependent on the upper level management . To facilitate effective upward communication , an environment must be created by the top level management in which employees , even in grass-root level , feel free to share information with top management

Advantages of Upward Communication

Managers can get through knowledge , even that of the grass-root levels

It helps the management to understand the performance of employees , the problems of employees , the results of their decision taken etc

Morale and enthusiasm of the workers are hugely boosted since they feel that they are always honored by their superiors , irrespective of their status or positions in the organizational hierarchy . It makes them feel to be an essential component of the organization

Free flow of upward communication helps the organization to introduce innovative techniques , knowledge sharing etc . in their day-to-day operations

Facilitates the process of downward communication and grapevine information sharing

Communications 4

Disadvantages of Upward Communication

Sometimes it happens that subordinates reveal only the good news with their bosses and are hesitant to share the bad ones due to fear of being punished by the...