Introduction
Effective communication is essential in the success of any organization. It can come in various forms, including downward and upward communication. In this article, we will discuss the concepts of downward and upward communication, their importance in the business world, and their limitations.
Downward communication refers to the flow of information from managers or supervisors to subordinates. This type of communication includes directives, orders, policies, and other forms of instructions that come from the higher-ups to lower-level employees. On the other hand, upward communication refers to the flow of information from subordinates to managers or supervisors. This type of communication includes feedback, reports, suggestions, and other forms of information that employees communicate to their superiors.
Both types of communication are important in organizations. Downward communication ensures that employees receive information about their roles, responsibilities, and company policies. It also helps to establish clear guidelines and expectations, leading to a more productive workforce. Upward communication, on the other hand, ensures that managers receive feedback from employees regarding the effectiveness of their policies, procedures, and leadership style. This information can help managers to make better decisions and improve employee satisfaction and motivation.
However, both downward and upward communication have their limitations. Downward communication can lead to miscommunication or misunderstanding if the message is not clear or concise. Employees may also feel that their input is not valued or that they are being micromanaged. On the other hand, upward communication can be limited by fear of retaliation or retribution from superiors, leading to a lack of honest feedback. Employees may also be hesitant to share their opinions if they perceive their ideas as not being valued or taken seriously.
Furthermore, the use of email and other digital communication methods can also hinder effective communication in the workplace. In a study by Raina and Roebuck (2016), they found that email was often used in place of face-to-face communication, leading to a lack of context and understanding of the message being conveyed.
Criticism
One of the limitations of downward and upward communication is that they assume a clear hierarchy within the organization. In many modern workplaces, there is a move towards flatter hierarchies and more collaborative decision-making processes. In these situations, the rigid structure of downward and upward communication may not be as effective. Additionally, both types of communication assume that the message is being received and understood by the intended recipient. However, this is not always the case, and there may be cultural or language barriers that hinder effective communication.
Another criticism of downward and upward communication is that they do not take into account the importance of horizontal communication, which is communication that occurs between employees at the same level in the organizational hierarchy. Stuart and Lucio (2002) argue that social partnership and mutual gains organizations require horizontal communication to succeed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, downward and upward communication are essential components of effective communication within organizations. Downward communication ensures that employees are aware of their responsibilities and the company’s policies and procedures, while upward communication provides managers with valuable feedback that can help them make better decisions. However, both types of communication have their limitations, and the use of email and other digital communication methods can also hinder effective communication. To overcome these limitations, organizations should strive for clear and concise communication, encourage open and honest feedback, and promote a culture of collaboration and mutual respect.
References
Lunenburg, F. C. (2010). Formal communication channels: Upward, downward, horizontal, and external. Focus on Colleges, Universities, and Schools, 4(1), 1-7. http://scholar.googleusercontent.com/scholar?q=cache:4UfnPphhVsUJ:scholar.google.com/+downward+and+upward+communication&hl=nl&as_sdt=0,5
Chand, S. (2014, February 21). Business Communication: 4 Directions of Business Communication – Explained! Your Article Library. https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/business-communication/business-communication-4-directions-of-business-communication-explained/27652
Lumen Learning. (n.d.). Typical Communication Flows | Principles of Management. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-principlesofmanagement/chapter/reading-barriers-to-effective-communication/
Raina, R., & Roebuck, D. B. (2016). Exploring Cultural Influence on Managerial Communication in Relationship to Job Satisfaction, Organizational Commitment, and the Employees’ Propensity to Leave in the Insurance Sector of India. International Journal of Business Communication, 53(1), 97–130. https://doi.org/10.1177/2329488414525453
Stuart, M., & Lucio, M. M. (2002). Social Partnership and the Mutual Gains Organization: Remaking Involvement and Trust at the British Workplace. Economic & Industrial Democracy, 23(2), 177–200. https://doi.org/10.1177/0143831×02232003