Direction or Flow of Communication in Organizations
The
direction of communication flow largely depends on the organizational structure
of a company. In organizations which traditional structures, communication mostly flows vertically with an upward
or downward movement. But most modern organizations
tend to have multi-directional communication. The directions of communication
flow are discussed below:
1) Downward flow of communication
When
information flows from top level managers to lower levels, it is considered
downward flow. In downward flow system, information is communicated downwards
through a hierarchy where messages generally become diluted (less effective) as
they pass through layers (CEO, manager, supervisor, department head etc) . Due
to these factors such an organizational structure is not conducive for quick
decision making, especially when changes are required urgently.
2) Upward flow of communication
In the
workplace, upward flow of communication refers to the movement of information,
such as suggestions and complaints, from an employee in the bottom ranks of an
organization up to those with more power or authority. This communication takes
place upward flow is when an employee communicates a problem to their
supervisor or manager.
3) Lateral or horizontal flow of communication
Lateral communication
refers to employee-to-employee (i.e., within a department) or
manager-to-manager (i.e., across a department) communication as part of an
organization’s formal and informal structure. In this type of flow
communication takes place between and among employees of similar rank/status
within the organization.
4) Diagonal flow of communication
It is a
cross-functional approach. In this communication information from subordinates
can be directly passed to their manager and on up to top management. An example
could be an office assistant telling his boss about a problem with customer
complaints and asking for guidance. The diagonal flow of communication is multi-directional.