ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION FLOW

ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION FLOW

Is an information theoretical context is the transfer of information from one place to another in a given process, and this information flow can be divided into two major categories which are as follow,

Vertically, this is when information flow up and down among managers, e.g. production supervisor constantly communicates with productive line workers and their own managers.

Horizontally, this is when information flow sideways among departments, e.g. regional sales managers from marketing department set their sales goals by coordinating with production managers in the production department. So under this two broad category we can see the direction in which communication flow within an organization. Through these main two categories we can see five direction in which communication flow in any organization, and this is shown below as follow,

1. Downward
2. Upward
3. Lateral
4. Diagonal
5. External

Downward Flow of Communication, this fall under vertical information flow where by communication that flows from a higher level in an organization to a lower level is a downward communication. In other words, communication from superiors to subordinates in a chain of command is a downward communication. This communication flow is used by the managers to transmit work-related information to the employees at lower levels. Employees require this information for performing their jobs and for meeting the expectations of their managers.

Upward Flow of Communication: this also fall under vertical information flow where by communication that flows to a higher level in an organization is called upward communication. It provides feedback on how well the organization is functioning. The subordinates use upward communication to convey their problems and performances to their superiors.

by 

peter felister