Vertical Communication
Vertical communication refers to the flow of information or communications between or among an organization’s subordinates and superiors. The following are some key definitions of downward communications:
“Vertical communication” is defined by Stoner and his colleagues as “communication up and down the organization’s line of command.”
“Vertical communication is a flow of information up and down the organization’s structure,” according to Bovee and his colleagues.
“Vertical communication” is defined as “communication that travels both up and down the company, following official reporting lines,” according to Ricky W. Griffin.
Vertical communication is defined as the flow of information or messages between the top and lowest levels of an organisational structure.
Vertical communication benefits
No organisation can function for a single day without communication between superiors and subordinates. Communication between upper-level and lower-level employees is critical for organisational success. The following are some of the benefits of a vertical communication system:
(i) Disseminating subordinate messages
Upper-level management communicates its opinions, complaints, and recommendations to subordinates via the vertical communication system’s upward orientation.
(ii) Promotes positive labor-management relations.
His communication approach allows for a structured flow of information, allowing for the development of positive relationships between superiors and subordinates.
(iii) Keeps the workplace in order.
In a vertical communication system, there is a chain of command. As a result, the workers may acquire a feeling of discipline.
(iv) Outlining policies and a strategy
Upper management may convey rules and procedures to subordinates through a vertical communication system.
(v) Making good decisions
Superiors need a variety of data in order to make decisions in the company. Superiors acquire information from subordinates through vertical communications.
(vi) Assist with decentralisation
Vertical communication may be used to assign duties and responsibilities across departments.
(vii) Keep by-passing to a minimum.
Superiors and subordinates communicate directly using this communication mechanism. As a result, there is no way to get around it.
(viii) Maintains command chain
The vertical communication system makes it simple to maintain a valid chain of orders.
ix) Job assignment and performance evaluation
Employee task assignment and appraisal are made easier with vertical communication.
(x) Boost efficiency
Subordinates get necessary instructions, and they carry out their tasks and obligations properly, resulting in increased efficiency for both superiors and subordinates.
Vertical communication drawbacks
Vertical communication has a number of benefits, but it also has some drawbacks, which are listed below:-
(i) Process of Delay
Vertical communication is a time-consuming procedure. In big organisations, it maintains a lengthy chain of command to share information.
(ii) Disturbing discipline
The chain of command and discipline may be disrupted in this communication if the boss’s function of guidance is seen with scepticism by the subordinates.
(iii) Efficiency deteriorates
In nature, the downward direction of vertical communication is domineering. As a result, the employees have little chance of becoming efficient.
Information loss or distortion: Employees may fake information in order to maintain a long channel. As a result, information may lose its uniqueness as a result of his transmission.
Relationships between superior and subordinate may be harmed as a result of this communication system’s incapacity and inefficiency.
Vertical communication is the slowest mode of communication since it involves travelling through many layers of an organisation. It may become ineffective as a result of this.
Supervisors’ negligence: In this communication, superiors may fail to communicate with their subordinates.