COMMUNICATION IN THE ORGANIZATION

COMMUNICATION IN THE ORGANIZATION

Communication is used extensively in the managerial functions of planning, organizing, staffing,
directing and controlling. Virtually every task that a manager performs requires the use of communication
in one form or another.The nature of communication in the modern organization can be studied by examining the direction of
communication flow and the destination of the communication. While communication in the modern
organization flows downward, upward, and the horizontal, its destination can be either internal or
external.

Downward Communication

Downward communication flows from people at higher levels to those at lower levels in the
organizational hierarchy. The primary function of downward communication is to inform employees
about things important to them such as:
 Information about their jobs
 Organizational policies and procedures
 Feedback about their performance
 Organizational goals and objectives
The types of downwards communication may include instructions, speeches, meetings, announcements,
memos, notifications, letters, hand-books, pamphlets, company newsletters and periodicals, bulletin
boards (notice boards) policy statements, and procedures

The nature of communication in the modern organization can be studied by examining the direction of
communication flow and the destination of the communication. While communication in the modern
organization flows downward, upward, and the horizontal, its destination can be either internal or
external.

Downward Communication

Downward communication flows from people at higher levels to those at lower levels in the
organizational hierarchy. The primary function of downward communication is to inform employees
about things important to them such as:
 Information about their jobs
 Organizational policies and procedures
 Feedback about their performance
 Organizational goals and objectives
The types of downwards communication may include instructions, speeches, meetings, announcements,
memos, notifications, letters, hand-books, pamphlets, company newsletters and periodicals, bulletin
boards (notice boards) policy statements, and procedures

Upward Communication

Upward communication travels from subordinates to superiors and continues up the organizational ladder.
Upward communication is extremely important, as upper management needs to know specifically about:
Production performance, marketing information, financial data, what lower-level employees are thinking,
and so on.
The better the quality of information they receive, the more useful and effective it will be in their
decision-making efforts.
Unfortunately, this flow is often hindered by people in the communication link who filter the messages
and do not transmit all the information, especially unfavorable news to their bosses.
Types of media used to direct information upward are reports, interoffice memos, supervisor subordinate
conferences, suggestion systems, and grievance procedures.
Upward internal communication is becoming increasingly important day by day. Today many executivesclearly and effectively stated. As a response to increasing global competition, some companies are
developing new management styles, which make input form employees an integral part of important
decisions affecting the company.

Lateral Communication

It includes horizontal flow of information, with people on the same or similar organizational levels, and
diagonal flow, with people at different levels who have no direct reporting relationships. The lateral
communication is used to speed up information flow, to improve understanding, and to coordinate efforts
for the achievement of organizational objectives.
Effective lateral communication between peers is essential in organizations to solve problems, perform
job duties, prepare for meetings, listening to and making requests, writing notes and memos, and
discussing and writing about projects.
Most lateral communication is of an oral nature, involving a conference between the participants. In some
instances the conference is conducted by telephone.
sincerely seek frank comments from employees, in addition to the usual periodic reports. Successful
managers listen closely to opinions, complaints, problems, and suggestions especially when they are