Upward Communication Case Study

Question One Part A – Define communication and explain with the use of examples how mangers use communication to persuade and influence others.

Whether big or small without communication an organisation is likely to fall. Who would have ever thought that a word so small and simple could have so much power within organisations today? In an organisation there are many ways in which a manager can communicate with his or her employees. Communication can be done by having face to face talks, by telephone, by emails or intranet, by memos or letters and by formal reports or bulletins. However just like everything else, these communication channels has its advantages and disadvantages. Before I go into details about how these communication channels can influence the quality of communication amongst managers and subordinates along with the advantages and disadvantages, I will start by defining the word of the day “Communication”.

Communication can be defined as the process by which information is exchanged and understood between two or more people, usually with the intent to motivate or influence behaviour. A simpler way to define communication is the

In this web known as communication, a manager becomes a link to the web. Instructions or decisions must flow upwards, downwards or even sideways/ horizontal depending on the position the manger is placed on the communication web. Upward communication deals with the messages that flow from the lower to the higher levels in the organisation. Downward communications are messages that are sent from top management down to subordinates. Downward communication is the perfect example of a formal communication flow within an organisation. Finally, sideways/ horizontal communication is a lateral or diagonal exchange of messages amongst peers or co-workers. Exhibit 1.2 below shows us upward, downward and horizontal / sideways of