What Is Upward Communication ?
It is a type of communication in which information or message flows vertically from lower level subordinates to upper level management. Upward communication encourages lower level employees to provide suggestions and ideas so the top management can make proper plan and sound decisions. It is most commonly used in modern organizations because it overcomes the limitations of traditional communication system.
Benefits Or Advantages Of Upward Communication
The main advantages of upward communication process can be described as follows:
1. Better Relations Between Superiors And Subordinates
In upward communication, subordinates are allowed to share their feeling, problems and opinions with superiors. It helps to build trust and sense of harmony between management and employees . So, this communication process helps to make good superior subordinate relations in the organization.
2. High Employee Morale
Another advantages of upward communication is that it helps to increase motivation and morale of subordinates because it encourages the subordinates to give suggestions and views to the management. It promotes employee participation which makes them feel valued. Therefore, it improves motivation , morale and job satisfaction.
3. Better Decision Making
Top level management get important data and information from lower level management and subordinates through this communication process. So, it helps the management to make sound and perfect decisions.
4. Formulation Of Plans And Policies
As we know that top management collects useful data, information, suggestions and ideas from lower level management and subordinates through upward communication. These information are very helpful to develop future plans and policies of the company.
5. Better Working Environment
Because of two way communication and employee participation and better superior subordinate relation, it creates better working environment in the organization. Good working environment increases efficiency and performance of the employees which helps to increase productivity as well as profitability of the organization.
Drawbacks Or Disadvantages Of Upward Communication
Some of the notable disadvantages of upward communication process can be described as follows:
1. Possibility Of Manipulation Of Data
Subordinates may manipulate data and provide edited information to hide their mistakes. In this situation top management get wrong information which may lead to wrong decisions.
2. Discouragement
Sometimes subordinates may not get positive response from their superiors. It may discourage them and they may loss confidence.
Some autocratic or traditional types of leaders do not want to take suggestions and ideas from their subordinates. In this situation, employees may not want to communicate with their managers because of the fear of negative reaction.
Also Read:
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Downward Communication
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Horizontal Communication
4. Difficult To Maintain Discipline
Another disadvantage of upward communication is that it is very difficult to maintain better supervision and discipline. Because of the open communication, more freedom to subordinates and friendly behavior of managers, it may be difficult to maintain proper chain of command and discipline in the organization.
5. Slow Movement
In this communication system, information flows slowly from lower level to upper level of management. Therefore, it may not be suitable for the top management to make quick decisions at the time of emergency.
Pros And Cons Of Upward Communication In Short
Pros:
- It provides valuable information and suggestions to the management.
- It helps to make good management-subordinate relationship
- It is useful for the development of plans and policies
- It increases employees' motivation and morale
- It helps to create good working environment
- It facilitates sound decision making
- It promotes sense of cooperation and harmony in the workstation
Cons:
- There is very slow movement of information
- Subordinates may manipulate the actual data and provide false information to the management
- There may be a lack of proper discipline in the organization
- Managers may neglect subordinates' suggestions and opinions
- Employees may hesitate to communicate with their bosses because of the fear of negative response
- Subordinates may by-pass their immediate superiors