Horizontal flow of communication. What Is Horizontal Communication? Definition, Advantage 2021 2022-12-17

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Horizontal flow of communication, also known as lateral communication, refers to the exchange of information and ideas between individuals or groups at the same organizational level. It is in contrast to vertical communication, which refers to the flow of information between different levels of an organization, such as between management and employees.

There are several advantages to using horizontal communication in an organization. For one, it allows for the sharing of information and ideas more quickly, as it bypasses the need for information to go up and down the chain of command. This can help to facilitate decision-making and problem-solving, as all relevant parties have access to the same information.

In addition, horizontal communication can help to build a sense of teamwork and collaboration within an organization. When individuals at the same level are able to communicate and work together effectively, it can lead to increased efficiency and productivity. It also promotes a sense of inclusivity and equality within an organization, as all members are able to contribute and have their ideas heard.

There are also some potential drawbacks to horizontal communication. It can sometimes lead to confusion, as there may be multiple channels of communication and conflicting information may be shared. Additionally, it may be difficult to ensure that all relevant parties are included in the communication, leading to the potential for important information to be missed.

Overall, horizontal communication can be an effective tool for organizations to facilitate teamwork, collaboration, and efficient decision-making. However, it is important for organizations to have clear communication guidelines and protocols in place to ensure that information is shared accurately and effectively.

Vertical, Horizontal & Diagonal Communication

horizontal flow of communication

It can be either bottom-up, top-down, diagonal, or horizontal. There are a few things you should consider before implementing horizontal communication in your organization. It allows management to decide what information flows throughout the organization. To avoid these issues and make communication effective, the person receiving the message must be a broad-minded person. An example of this route is a supervisor reporting to a department head. Horizontal communication definition will be described here.

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Types of Communication

horizontal flow of communication

It's designed for engaging your workforce to connect, communicate, and collaborate with your employees. While these two forms of communication are unidirectional, diagonal communication is a multi-directional communication that involves the use of several methods including horizontal, upward and downward. Advantages Horizontal communication presents some distinct advantages. Horizontal communication allows employees from different departments to cooperate in a collaborative work environment for the smooth functioning of the business and quick problem-solving. Horizontal communication facilities coordination of various departmental activities so that organization can reach its ultimate goal. Though oral communication is more prominent in the horizontal system, written communication also plays a vital role.

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What is horizontal communication? Tools to use for improvement

horizontal flow of communication

Also known as lateral communication, this type of communication includes employees who work together in the same area, as well as employees who work in different departments. Horizontal communication can be effective when the communication is understandable by others, employees take the time to understand other workers and process the information, engagement is encouraged throughout the organization, and when employees follow up with issues or matters discussed in meetings. The average employee spends an estimated 30 percent of the workweek managing e-mail and nearly 20 percent looking for internal information across siloed applications. On the one hand, horizontal communication can be applied in many situations within a company. Business is highly dependent on both the internal and external factors of the situation. This is the present way of communication. As a result, some doubts or problems are solved, about any task that needs attention.

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What Is Horizontal Communication? Definition, Advantage 2021

horizontal flow of communication

However, vertical, horizontal and diagonal communication modes are integral to any establishment for smooth operation and productivity of the company as a whole. Lack of awareness can sometimes cause misunderstanding which is why attentive listening is crucial for effective communication. Horizontal communication is one of the most significant means of communication in the organization. Meetings Whether held for strategy planning or status updates, meetings are generally handled by managers to coordinate tasks and monitor performance. What you should know about horizontal communication The horizontal model is the basis for creating a relationship of mutual trust.

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Directions of Communication

horizontal flow of communication

In other words, it the way where a subordinate passes information to its manager and a manager passes it again to the CEO. The aim of horizontal communication is to bring congenial working atmosphere in the organization. Disadvantages Horizontal communication does come with some disadvantages. Horizontal communication is commonly used when employees collaborate on projects. Therefore it can be concluded from the above paragraphs that both are important in an organization to work efficiently.

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What Is Horizontal Communication? A Complete Guide

horizontal flow of communication

Advancements in technology have made it easy to implement a horizontal flow of information among people working across departments in the company. Vertical communication can be used both in a downward and upward direction. Communicate, and Collaborate using AgilityPortal. It is also more time-consuming if vertical communication is required to ratify decisions made during horizontal communication or to confirm information received through horizontal communication. When good suggestions are implemented within the organization, the feeling of belonging created in the Employee who suggested the same and fosters a friendly environment.

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Typical Communication Flows

horizontal flow of communication

It flows from superior to its subordinate and so on. Teams can also hold meetings for informal interaction including team building activities like games and quizzes. It is also used to give help, information, and to unite new colleagues. When the employees down below in the organizational hierarchy are able communicate about their grievances and complaints to the top management, it is termed as Upward Communication. It is essential to establish horizontal communication in the organization to better performing the organizational activities.

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What is Horizontal Communication in Business? Importance

horizontal flow of communication

You can distinguish it from vertical communication, which is the transmission of information between different levels of the organizational hierarchy. Downward and upward communication Vertical communication can be broken down into two categories: downward communication and upward communication. Automating content import from trustworthy sources will make sure there is less room for rumors in the workplace. Under this communication, information flows between persons of equal status in the organization. The chances of misunderstanding reduce to a great extent when interacting orally. Enables good communication and organization between sections. Let us talk about some of the tools used in the organization to implement and encourage horizontal communication.

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Differences between horizontal and vertical communication

horizontal flow of communication

Vertical Communication Horizontal communication is often compared to vertical communication. There are many forms of communication in a company. Informal communication does not follow any specific channel for information transmission. You are able to communicate and coordinate directly with your counterparts in production and marketing. To understand this form of organizational communication, consider a company where the sales department head always ensures there is enough stock available for the team to accept orders. It is possible that the information gets intentionally hidden by some managers that think they should not share it with others. Horizontal communication can also create conflict between employees exposed to each other through the communication process.

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