Flow of Communication

Special nature of Organizational Communication

• In an organization, information flows through different hierarchies.
• It is also bound by protocol.
• When we try to trace the direction of that flow, we call it flow of organizational communication.

Three types of Flows:

Vertical Communication

It is communication between immediate hierarchies.

Eg: Teacher and students. HOD and teachers.

It is strictest in terms of protocol.

It forms a major part of the official communication in any organization.

Vertical Communication type 1: Downward communication

When the higher management issues orders, sends feedback, gives appointment letters, notices, or job-
descriptions to the employees, we have downward communication.

Formats used: Letters, Memos, Notice, Online portal; bulletin boards, instruction manual, telephone calls and
face-to-face interaction.
Upward communication

When a subordinate communicates with the higher authorities above him/her.

Eg.:

Submission of a report;

Placing request for leaves

Placing requisition for departmental necessities

Registering grievance with the higher management

Formats used: Letters, emails, and reports.

Telephone calls are not preferred unless urgent.

Horizontal Communication/ peer communication

This type of communication happens between professional equals.

Eg.: 2 students discussing a project; or two faculties discussing the routine.

 Compared to vertical communication, this is relaxed in protocol.

Formats used: memos, telephone calls, and emails.

Diagonal communication

It is the communication taking place between non-immediate hierarchies.

Eg.: Student and Director; Faculty and Chairman.

Used in times of urgency.

Formats used: Face-to-face interaction, telephone.

 1. Situation A:

A faculty of the Chemistry department directly approaches the HOD of the CS department regarding the records of a
student, bypassing the HOD of Chemistry department.

2. Situation B

A faculty contacting the Director directly, bypassing the HOD for an urgent leave.