Flow of Communication-Unit 1

Flow of
Communication
.
Flow of Communication
As we know that communication is a process of
exchange of information, means it is bilateral and
flows in two opposite ways. In an organization, the
direction of flow can be up or down, or even
sideways. In a hierarchal setting, it may flow in the
up, down, horizontally and in diagonal directions.
The management transmits messages to subordinates, and
subordinates, in turn, are expected to reply with their
feedback. For example: when a Director General sends
information to the employees, it passes through different
communication networks like:
General Manage
--Assistant Managers
--Departmental Heads
--Supervisors...........
.........Employees
There are three flows of Organizational
Communication, namely:
• 1. Vertical Communication
• 2. Horizontal or Lateral Communication
• 3. Diagonal Communication
1. Vertical Communication
Vertical Communication has two types of communication flows
that are:
i) Upward Communication: In upward communication, the

information flows form Juniors to seniors. Its’ main purpose is
to provide information to the seniors form juniors. This
communication enables juniors to convey their opinions,
suggestions, complaints etc. to their superiors. The lower-
level employees initiate up-ward communication and the
message ultimately reaches to the upper-level management.
Vertical Communication
Upward communication is helpful in conveying the following
types of information inside the organization:
1. Work Progress report.
2. Employees’ performance reports.
3. Problem or hindrance in performance.
4. suggestions for improving efficiency or productivity.
5. Problem solving.
6. Expression of attitudes, grievances and disputes that influence
performance.
For effective upward communication a good environment is
required in which subordinates are free to communicate.
2. Downward Communication
Through Downward Communication information is sent from seniors
to juniors through different channels. The seniors send information
or message containing orders, instructions, decisions etc. to the
employees, subordinates, workers etc. It may be in written form
such as letter, office order, notice, circulars, reports, manuals, etc. or
in form of oral communication like face to face communication,
meetings, speeches etc. it is important for the organization in many
ways. Except its’ usefulness it has certain limitations too. It is time
consuming, it has no quick feedback and it can distort message.
In communication, there are many modes of upward
communication. The popular written media of upward
communication are discussed below:
1. Suggestion System:
2. Questionnaire
3. Report
4. Memo (memorandum)
5. Direct letters
6. Grievance procedure
7. Meeting
8. Open-door-policy
Like upward communication, there are
some modes of Downward Communication:
1. Handbooks & Pamphlets

2. Posters & Bulletins
3. House Journals
4. SMS/ e-mails
5. Annual Reports
6. Special Meetings
7. Seminars/ Conferences
2. Horizontal or Lateral Communication:
It is a communication among people at the parallel or same designation, level
and position in the organization. Horizontal communication is the
communication that flows laterally within the organization. It involves
persons at the same level of the organization. Horizontal communication
normally involves coordinating information and allows people with the same
or similar rank in an organization to cooperate or collaborate. Some
definitions of horizontal communication are as follows: According to Ricky W.
Fraffin, “Horizontal communication involves colleagues and peers at the
same level of the organization. “
Horizontal / Lateral Communication
3. Diagonal Communication:
It is a Cross-functional communication between employees at
different levels of the organizational hierarchy. Diagonal
communication is much common in larger organizations with matrix or
project based structures. It is helpful in overcoming some of the
barriers to communication within a business. It reduces the chances of
distortion or misinterpretation of message. Diagonal communication
also reduces a manager’s communication workload because he
doesn’t have to act as an intermediary between his direct reports and
other managers.
Diagonal Communication

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Flow of

• 2. Horizontal or Lateral Communication

i) Upward Communication: In upward communication, the

1. Handbooks & Pamphlets

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