Assurance vs Audit

You may be wondering why the flow of communication is important. Well, the flow of communication has an impact on how we communicate the way we do. It can also be seen as a type of flowchart that outlines all the steps involved in communicating with someone else. The flow of Communication is about understanding what happens when you communicate and how to improve it by changing your approach or style for different situations.

Also Check: Element of Communication

Types of Communication Flow

Downward Communication

 When a message travels from a higher level to a lower level; e.g. directors communicating with the managers;  managers communicating with the employees, it is called Downward Communication The main objectives of downward communication are to issue orders, instructions, policy statements, notices, circulars, job sheets, etc.

 Upward Communication

When a message travels from a lower level to a higher level; e.g. employees communicating with managers; managers communicating with directors, it is called upward communication .

The following points show the importance of upward communication:

·         Upward communication provides valuable feedback to the managers.

·         It releases the tension of employees by providing them an outlet to their pent up emotions,

·         Managers or directors can get constructive suggestions and innovative ideas through upward    communication,

·         It helps to create greater harmony and mutual cooperation between management and employees.

Horizontal or Lateral Communication

When a message travels among equals or peers; e.g. directors communicating with directors; managers communicating with managers, it is called horizontal or lateral communication.

Horizontal communication keeps every department informed of the needs and activities of other departments. For example, the sales department cannot sell goods unless the goods are produced at the right time. Production department cannot do so until the purchasing department procures the required material and machinery. This is only possible when the finance department provides adequate funds at the required time.

In horizontal communication, the exchange of information across departments at a lower level in an organization. The purpose is to request support or coordinate activities with people who work on problems and issues as needed for solutions - this means not having meetings every day about how things are going but rather when there's something specific that needs addressing. 

For instance, managers from different areas within production could meet up one day because someone has been complaining they're not getting enough materials sooner than expected which would then allow them to discuss what steps can be taken before future shipments arrive late again; other times these casual interactions may occur only via email after everyone initially communicated through their individual channels.

Diagonal Communication

Diagonal or multi-directional communication is the use of various methods to reach different audiences. It's healthy for an organization to utilize a variety of approaches when communicating with employees, customers, and other groups in order not only to provide but also receive accurate information from all perspectives involved in any given situation - whether that be upwards (to higher-ups), downwards (towards lower ranks) horizontal across teams etcetera.

 While it might seem like this style would make things more chaotic than one directional talks at first glance; however, using multiple pathways eliminates bias because no single person has complete knowledge about everything going on within your company.