Advantages And Disadvantages Of Horizontal Communication

What Is Horizontal Communication ?

Lateral or horizontal communication is a type of communication which is established between different departments, units or people in the organization with the same rank or hierarchical level. Messages and information are exchanged or transmitted among the people at the same level or position in the organization.


Benefits Or Advantages Of Horizontal Communication


The main advantages if horizontal communication can be expressed as follows:


1. Direct Interaction


Horizontal communication facilitates direct interaction between different departments and people which increases coordination and sense of cooperation in the organization.


2. Decrease Misunderstanding


As we know that horizontal communication facilitates free flow of information and messages between people and departments in the organization. So, it helps to clear doubts and decrease misunderstandings and conflict in the workstation.


3. Better Environment


This communication allows direct interaction and promotes the sense of cooperation and harmony in the organization. Therefore, it helps to make better working environment in the firm


4. Increased Efficiency


Horizontal communication helps to maintain harmonious relation between people, departments and units in the organization. Good relationship between departments and employees helps to improve work efficiency and productivity of the firm.


5. High Morale


Employees can share their feelings and ideas with other members in the workplace. It may helps to increase morale, motivation and job satisfaction.


advantage disadvantage horizontal communication


Drawbacks Or Disadvantages Of Horizontal Communication


The main disadvantages of horizontal communication can be expressed as follows:


1. Possibility Of Conflict


This communication may create conflict and distrust between employees and departments which negatively affects the operational activities in the organization.


2. Less Control


Another disadvantages of horizontal communication is that it will be difficult for the top management to control subordinates because of too much intercommunication. Therefore, it becomes difficult to maintain proper discipline in the organization.

      

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Advantages And Disadvantages Of Downward Communication


3. Waste Of Time


Because of the lack of control, employees may waste their time in gossiping which may hamper their efficiency and performance in the work. It may reduce productivity and profitability of the firm.


Pros And Cons Of Horizontal Communication In short


Pros:

-  It helps to reduce misunderstanding and facilitates coordination

- It increases employees' morale and motivation

- It helps to increase efficiency and performance

- It creates favorable working environment

- It promotes team spirit and group effort


Cons:

- It is difficult to control and maintain discipline in the organization

- There is a possibility of interdepartmental conflict 

- Managers may discourage this type of communication

- It ignores vertical communication