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faced while doing the work, reports, suggestions, grievances, feedbacks,
etc. are communicated by the subordinates to their superiors. Suggestion
boxes, participatory decision making, grievance procedure are examples
of upward communication.
b. Downward communication: It is the flow of information through the
organization structure level by level, i.e. from higher level to lower
level. Downward communication is important to maintain the regular
operation of business. This communication is used to pass various types
of information within the organization like plans, policies, instructions
and suggestions to their subordinates.
c. Horizontal communication: It is the exchange of information horizontally
between personnel in one division and personnel of equal, lower or
superior status in another division. The horizontal communication
may be both formal as well as informal. It is very useful for achieving
coordination and solving problems.
Means of communication
For the effective transfer of information organization must choose the appropriate
means of communication depending on the information i.e. going to be transferred
and the audience receiving it. The effective communication takes place if the receiver
understands the message in the same meaning that is sent by the sender. For accurate
and effective communication organizations use different means of communication.
Some of the common and popular means of communication are discussed below:
1. Telephone: Telephone is commonly available means of communication in
office in these modern days. It is the device used to communicate messages
or information verbally through the wire or wireless connection. It is easy and
effective means of communication and popular in every office.
2. Teleprinter or teletypewriter: Under this system the teleprinters are placed
at two ends. A tele printer consists of two parts or machines. One machine is
the electronic typewriter with the standard keyboard which is used to print
message, and the other part automatically prints the incoming messages.
A message typed on the transmitting end gets printed automatically on the
receiving end. Various branches of an organization can be linked with the help
of teleprinters for inter-communication.
3. Telex: Under the telex services, the teleprinters are hired to the subscribers
who are allotted with a code number (like a telephone number) and linked to
the nearest exchange. When a message is to be transmitted a signaling button
is pressed to call the exchange. The operator then types out the desired telex
code number. On receiving confirmation on the exchange that the teleprinter at
the receiving end is free, the message is typed. The receiver then types out the
acknowledgment which is received on the same machine at the transmitting
end. However, there can be automatic telex services in which the clearance
from the exchange is not needed. On the automatic transmitter, the message
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