Downward and upward business communication

DOWNWARD COMMUNICATION
Information flow from top to bottom Enables information-which allows a employee to do something Provide motivation Increase efficiency Transmit vital information Seek information Obtain feedback
07/27/12

Downward communication
G M

DPT.MGR

WORKERS

UPWARD COMMUNICATION
Information flow from the lower levels of the hierarchy towards the upper levels. It involves trasfer of information,request and feedback. Subordinates to superiors. Promote better working relationship. Subordinates can share their views and ideas. Employee involvement in decision making.

Examples:
Business proposals Suggesion box Grievance committees

upward communication
G M

Dpt.MGR

WORKERS

Barrier Explanation Language The communication message might not use vocabulary that is understood by the receiver e.g. too much use of technical or financial jargon Noise Various things stop a message from getting through or being heard e.g. poor connection, background noise, distractions, too many people speaking

Overload
Too much information can cause problems e.g. slow down decision making Emotion The relationship between the sender and receiver of communication might adversely affect the message which could be ignored or misinterpreted Gaps Too many intermediaries (e.g. too many layers in hierarchy through which message has to be passed) might prevent or distort the message Inconsistency If people receive conflicting or inconsistent messages, then they may ignore or block them