Question

With reference to organisational communication, explain the following: (12MARKS)

i) upward communication

ii) downward communication

iii) horizontal communication

iv) grapevine

Answer 1

Ans:

(i). Upward communication:

In the managerial hierarchy when a sub-ordinate communicates with the superior, it is called as upward communication.

Example: Monthly sales report of the south zone is submitted by Zonal manager to the Sales manager.

(ii). Downward communication:

In the managerial hierarchy when a superior communicates something to his sub-ordinate, it is called as downward communication.

Example: Superior gives instructions or orders to the sub-ordinate to carry out particular task.

(iii). Horizontal communication:

communication takes place between positions at the same level. In the managerial hierarchy, it is called as Horizontal communication.

Example: when the production manager communicates monthly production target to the purchase manager for making availability of required quantity of raw material for the production process.

(iv). Grapevine:

Communication that takes place independently of the official line of communication is known as Grapevine or Informal communication.

In other words, a casual discussion, verbal exchange, note or memorandum that does not strictly adhere to the rules and regulations is called as a informal communication or Grapevine.

It is a secondary source of communication. It does not follow any strict medium or formal channel of communincation because there is no definite rules and regulations to be followed. Informal communication or Grapevine is, the information shared or transferred or passed with or without any reason.