INTRODUCTION

Information, the lifeblood of any organization, needs

to flow freely to be effective. Successful management
requires downward communication to subordinates, upward
communication to superiors and horizontal communication
to peers in other divisions. Getting a task done, perhaps
through delegation, is just one aspect of the manager’s job.
Obtaining the resources to do that job, letting others know
what is going on and coordinating with others are also
crucial skills. These skills keep the organization working,
and enhance the visibility of the manager and his/her
division, thus ensuring continued support and promotion.
Directional Flow of
Information
DOWNWARD COMMUNICATION

 It can flow from superior to subordinate, from

policy makers to operating personnel, or from
top to bottom on the organizational chart
 Usually involves both written and oral, and
takes the form of directives or instructions such
as, staff meetings, informal memos and face-
to-face contact
 Also involves effectively managing the tone of
message to ensure the job is effectively done
by the right person
UPWARD COMMUNICATION

 Feedback to downward communication

 Travels from lower to higher ranks in the
hierarchy
 The tone is even more crucial, as a timing,
strategy and audience adaptation
HORIZONTAL COMMUNICATION

 Takes place among employees in the same work

group
 Often used to describe exchanges between
organizational units on the same hierarchal
level
 It can take many forms, performing duties,
solving problems and exchanging ideas