Summary of Concept
Communication is an important part of the business environment. For a working environment to succeed, a companies ideas, knowledge, or opinions are useless unless there is effective workplace communication. Upward communication is the flow of information from frontline employees to managers, supervisors, and directors. The communication process requires individuals to exchange information with one another with the mindset to influence one’s thoughts, behaviors, or increase understanding. There are certain skills that allow people to retain and relay information by listening and providing feedback to the other individual they are communicating with. There are different variables that play a part in …show more content…
In some instances, employees face significant disadvantages while communicating with a manager by using upward communication. A disadvantage of using upward communication in an organization is the use of filtering. Filtering is when an employee passes a message intended for upper-level management through an immediate supervisor. The supervisor may alter the intended message to reflect the supervisor opinion or understanding of the situation. This is known as the MUM effect, the negative information is not communicated therefore important information, though negative, is disregarded. Messages can lose the initial meaning and tone as different people relay the information through using serial communication. The change in the message could be intentional or misunderstood when given. Regardless, management may not receive the intended message given by the employee. There are also issues how an employee may hesitate to let managers know of a problem. This causes a delay in communication of complaints and other issues are to be given to managers or executives. Companies attempt to combat these issues by issuing out attitude surveys, focus groups, and suggestion boxes, and third parties (Aamodt, …show more content…
When people truly pay attention to another person the missing information will less likely be overlooked. In downward communication through text messages and emails, the amount of listening is limited due to interruption and distraction. Communication is about listening and there are two important reasons to listen, first, it helps us understand the other side and it is an exercise of influence. Furthermore, it helps us connect with the other individual. Listening helps build trust and rapport with the other person, it shows that there is care about what they have to