How Would You Improve Upward, Downward and Horizontal Communication

Understanding how to improve communication within your business or an organization requires planning and categorizing communication needs. This is an important aspect that helps communication flow throughout an establishment. Types of communication such as upward, downward, and horizontal refer to how different levels within an organization communicate to one another. One you understand types of communication you can review roles they play and how they are connected to each other. You can also review areas that need improvement and develop appropriate course of action to get the results you need.

Improvements should begin with understanding the role of each type of communication. Upward refers to employees communications regarding feelings and ideas they have. Input from this level is important for any business so the needs of employees are met so they can perform their duties the best way possible. Downward refers to communications between managerial positions and supervisors. They express and provide solutions to problems related to their positions including issues with employees. Horizontal refers to communicating with others on the same level. This may be established with different departments within a company that work to share information and problem-solving solutions on issues they can relate to.

Improving each of these levels may require developing a plan to improve each one first. Then, you can review how to improve them as a unit within the organization. For instance, upward communication strategies can be reviewed with employees. Managers and supervisors can develop ideas on how to improve relations between each other and with their employees separately for downward strategies. Horizontal strategies may take some time depending on the issues at hand and what other departments are willing to do during the process. At each level you would need to work on communicating ideas and how they should be executed.

When general insight is achieved on how each level can improve, goals should be set on when to reassess each area of communication. This will provide a better idea of how well plans were organized and how they were carried out. Problem areas should be determined based on where the organization is experiencing difficulties (customer relations, communications among other departments, etc.). Each element may take time to complete and some may require more time than others. The size of an organization can affect communication abilities, but regular assessments give insight on who, what, when, where, and how progress is being made.

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