Downward Communication

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 419.

Directions of Communication

TEXT 2

In older days communication was unidirectional. The boss gave the order and the employees executed it. In fact, unidirectional communication has its origin in the feudal system. The lord directed the vassal (a slave or bondman) to carry out a job. Business and industry continued the age old tradition of the feudal system even after the industrial revolution. But soon areas of conflict got promoted by sectarian (narrow) interests (of homogenous groups) within an organization. The barrier between the management and employees became an iron curtain. It has been discovered that a multidirectional communication system demolishes (ruins) the barriers and removes (takes away) friction. Business depends on such anew communication paradigm (pattern or model) to ensure the success of business and the realization of even difficult objectives.

Downward communication means the flow of communication from the top echelon (level or rank) of an organization to the lower levels of employees. It not only recognizes and accepts a hierarchical structure but also is based on the assumption that people at the higher level have the ability and authority to direct the employees on all do's and don'ts.