Kinds Of Communication In An Organization

There are two kinds of communication in an organization: Internal Communication and External Communication.

Internal Communication:

This is the exchange of information within an organization. Internal Communication is a very important part of an organization because there has to be an important channel of passing information to branches, departments, employees and staff. Internal communication is normally maintained by the huma resource department of an organization. Internal communication is a very important feature of any organization. Any organization needs a good channel of internal communication in order to attain the highest level of productivity, safety and job satisfaction. Internal communication is divided into three kinds of communication in an organization.

a) Upward Communication:

This happens when information passes from employees to managers or superiors. Upward communication is very helpful in knowing that the employers are good with the information they receive from the management and also to receive information from the subordinate staff in case any problem exists in an organization. For communication to happen, those sending the information must receive feedback, for upward communication, this has to start from the bottom then upwards. Subordinate staff can use this channel for many reasons including; exchange of ideas and information, achieve job satisfaction and receive feedback.

b) Downward Communication:

This is a kind of communication in an organization that is used by the management of an organization to communicate with the staff. For this channel to be called downward communication, it has to start from the top of the management downwards to the employees. Example of where this channel of communication is effective is when giving the employees about their work. Many times, downward communication happens when the upward communication has been established. Downward communication is very important to any organization in many ways:

a) It is used to tell the employees important information.

b) Used to give instruction to the subordinates.

c) Used to let the employees know about the changes that happen in an organization.

d) Helps to increase efficiency in an organization.

c) Horizontal or Literal Communication:

This is a kind of communication in an organization that allows employees with similar rank in an organization to exchange information. This communication has good reasons for its existence:

1. Allows the employees to collaborate when solving problems.

2. Helps the employees complete more tasks.

3. Encourages teamwork when working.

4. Helps build goodwill.

5. Improves productivity.

External Communication:

This is a kind of communication in an organization that allows the it to communicate with the outside world for example, customers and retailers. This way of communication helps in:

1. Examining improving the sale volume of an organization.

2. Increasing the credibility of the business in public.

3. Improving the efficiency of an organization.

4. Improving the overall performance of a business.

5. Gives an organization a corporate image.

6. The organization in attaining its goals.

7. Increases Customer satisfaction.

All these kinds of communication in an organization have there shortcomings and managers should be careful when designing and using these channels because the needs of different organization differ. Some prefer those channels that help in passing information securely.