Pick a direction of communication flow in organizations, define it, and explain the benefits and disadvantages of that communication flow.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Downward communication--sends messages from the upper levels of the
organizational hierarchy to the lower levels. When downward communication is
successful, lower level employees consistently receive clear messages and feedback
from their superiors regarding organizational performance, strategies, developments,
and goals. Sharing information down the levels provides employees with a sense of
involvement and minimizes doubt and insecurity about how the company is performing.
However, when downward communication goes wrong and messages fail to be
transmitted effectively down the chain of command, it can cause confusion, distrust, and
anxiety among the rest of the workforce. Upward communication--sends messages from
the lower levels of the organizational hierarchy to the higher levels. Some organizations
value feedback, suggestions, and advice from lower level employees who are “on the
ground” and may be closer to knowing the needs of the customer. However, if lower
level employees do not effectively communicate with their superiors and instead
withhold or filter information, this can leave those at the higher levels ignorant of what is really going on in the organization. Lateral communication--sends messages between
and among similar hierarchical levels across organizations. Lateral communication can
be an effective way for people from different departments to communicate the
information they need quickly and accurately. Organizations that foster a collaborative
environment encourage lateral communication between their employees. Although
lateral communication supports teamwork and helps build morale, it requires managerial
control to minimize potential interpersonal conflict that may arise as a result of many
participants collaborating at once.