Direction of Communication in an Organisation
In a business, communication flows in different directions depending on who is sending and receiving the message. The arrows in an organisation chart show these directions.
⬇️ 1. Downward Communication (Arrow A)
Meaning:Messages sent from managers to subordinates.
Purpose:
Giving instructions
Announcing important decisions
Setting goals and policies
Key Points:
Usually one-way communication
Feedback is limited
Messages can become distorted if they pass through many levels of hierarchy
Example:A manager tells employees about a new company rule.
⬆️ 2. Upward Communication (Arrow B)
Meaning:Messages sent from subordinates to managers.
Purpose:
Providing feedback
Sharing ideas and suggestions
Reporting problems
Key Points:
Encourages employee involvement
Helps managers make better decisions
Requires managers to listen and act
Example:Workers inform managers about production issues or suggest improvements.
↔️ 3. Horizontal (Lateral) Communication (Arrow C)
Meaning:Communication between people at the same level in the organisation.
Purpose:
Sharing information
Coordinating tasks
Solving problems together
Key Points:
Can be formal (meetings) or informal
Helps departments work smoothly
May sometimes lead to conflict between departments
Example:The Marketing department tells the Operations department that customers are returning faulty products.