What are the merits and demerits of upward and downward communication?

Answer 1

Advantages/Importance of upward communication:

1. Feedback:

The major advantages of upward communication are, it provides feedback from the employees. As a result the communication loop (cycle) completes and management can realize the reactions of the employees.

2. Constructive idea:

Upward communication allows the employees to inform their views regarding the implementation of company policies.

3. Helps decision making:

Through upward communication top management can know the views of flower level employees which help them to make more realistic decision.

4. Establishment of good relation:

Upward communication brings executives and employees close to each other and accordingly mutual relationship developed.

5. Mutual trust:

For the success of any sort of communication trust is an essential element. As relationship developed through upward communication mutual trust also created.

6. Enhance coordination:

Opportunity to express own views and participation in the decision making enhance the level of coordination.

7. Motivation:

The task of motivation needs two way communicationsbetween the concerned parties. Upward communicationenables the executives to extend appropriate motivational measures.

8. Introduction of new policy:

Upward communication also helps the executives to introduce new policies.

Upward communicationDisadvantages/Limitations of upward communication:

1. Reluctance:

In some cases employees are reluctant to provide information through upward channel.

2. Non-cooperative attitude:

Non-cooperative attitude to the executives damage the willingness of the employees to initiate upward communication.

3. Chance of distortion:

Downward communication can be distorted unconsciously but in case of upward communication information can be distorted deliberately.

4. Trend to by-pass:

Another side effect of upward communication is tendency of by passing the immediate boss, can be created among the employees.

5. Delay:

Sometimes lower level employees hesitate to inform a problem upward because doing so means acceptance of failure. Thus delays may take place to decide whether to inform the top management or try further to solve the problem.