Different types of flow of communication
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Communication Flow in Organisations
In an organisation where I work, there are major communication systems. Communication flow downward, upward or horizontally. As these terms are used frequently in organisations, they deserve some clarification which are:
Downward Communication
Downward communication is that from superior to subordinate - from boss to employees and from managers to operating staff. In my work place managers communicate with their employees for job instruction which includes teaching new or current employees how to do a particular task. They pass upon a organisational goals and train employee to achieve those goals. Managers also do communicate with their employees to give them a feedback upon their performance. They also take a role in having appraisal or superior's evaluation of employee performance. Downward communication flow is, of course, related to the hierarchical structure of the organisation. Messages seem to get larger as they travel downward through successive levels of the organisation. A simple instruction given at the top of the hierarchy, for example, may become formal plan for operation at lower level.
Upward Communication
Upward communication is equally important for effective communication. Upward communication travels from lower to higher ranks in the hierarchy. Various mechanisms are used by organisations to facilitate upward communication. Suggestion boxes, group meetings, grievance procedures, participate decision-making are some examples. This is maintained to get feedback to managers from employees.
In my organisation Employees talk to superiors about themselves, their fellow employees, their job satisfaction, their perceptions of their work, their feelings and opinions about organisational goals and policies. The feedback that the management receives from lower level is, thus, extremely important and it should be encouraged. It should, however, be remembered that if the right climate is not created, employees may not provided their feedback freely and accurately.
Horizontal or Lateral Communication
Much information needs to be shared among people on the same hierarchical level. Such horizontal or lateral communication takes place among people in the same work team. Hence, this form of communication is extremely useful for achieving coordination. In my organisation, Different units coordinate activities by such communication to accomplish task goals. Interdepartmental uniformity to be achieved through lateral communication. Such communication takes place by means of telephone calls, short memos and notes, face-to-face interactions, etc.
In an organisation where I work, there are major communication systems. Communication flow downward, upward or horizontally. As these terms are used frequently in organisations, they deserve some clarification which are:
Downward Communication
Downward communication is that from superior to subordinate - from boss to employees and from managers to operating staff. In my work place managers communicate with their employees for job instruction which includes teaching new or current employees how to do a particular task. They pass upon a organisational goals and train employee to achieve those goals. Managers also do communicate with their employees to give them a feedback upon their performance. They also take a role in having appraisal or superior's evaluation of employee performance. Downward communication flow is, of course, related to the hierarchical structure of the organisation. Messages seem to get larger as they travel downward through successive levels of the organisation. A simple instruction given at the top of the hierarchy, for example, may become formal plan for operation at lower level.
Upward Communication
Upward communication is equally important for effective communication. Upward communication travels from lower to higher ranks in the hierarchy. Various mechanisms are used by organisations to facilitate upward communication. Suggestion boxes, group meetings, grievance procedures, participate decision-making are some examples. This is maintained to get feedback to managers from employees.
In my organisation Employees talk to superiors about themselves, their fellow employees, their job satisfaction, their perceptions of their work, their feelings and opinions about organisational goals and policies. The feedback that the management receives from lower level is, thus, extremely important and it should be encouraged. It should, however, be remembered that if the right climate is not created, employees may not provided their feedback freely and accurately.
Horizontal or Lateral Communication
Much information needs to be shared among people on the same hierarchical level. Such horizontal or lateral communication takes place among people in the same work team. Hence, this form of communication is extremely useful for achieving coordination. In my organisation, Different units coordinate activities by such communication to accomplish task goals. Interdepartmental uniformity to be achieved through lateral communication. Such communication takes place by means of telephone calls, short memos and notes, face-to-face interactions, etc.
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