HIERARCHICAL COMMUNICATION
Definition:
A communication structure in which members communicate with their immediate
superior and their immediate subordinates
EXAMPLES OF HIERARCHICAL COMMUNICATION IN THE FOLLOWING TOPICS:
1. Types of Organizations
Some businesses with shareholders and layers of directors and managers may choose a more formal,
hierarchical approach to communicate internally.
Members of hierarchical organizational structures communicate with their immediate superior and their
immediate subordinates.
This structure works in contrast to traditional top-down, bottom-up, or hierarchical communication and
involves the spreading of messages from individuals across the base of a pyramid.
Regarding internal communications, smaller non-profits might lean toward using a combination of both
formal and informal methods coupled with horizontal communication strategies.
However, the hierarchical mode of communicating tends to be the dominant choice in many corporations.
2. Reducing Barriers and Promoting Healthy Conversations
Ineffective Communication Processes: the maintenance of the hierarchy in the organization is essential,
but its very presence can reduce the flow of communication.
It is therefore essential to reduce hierarchical levels and increase departmental interaction and
communication.
It is therefore essential to reduce hierarchical levels and increase departmental interaction and
communication.
It is therefore essential to reduce hierarchical levels and increase departmental interaction and
communication.
Healthy communications are possible once barriers are reduced .
3. The Importance of Clarity in Professional Settings
Communication is essential for effective business operation, and clarity leads to effective communication.
Business communication may also refer to internal communication: a communications director will
typically manage internal communication and craft messages sent to employees.
Failures of human communication can become amplified in professional settings.
It is therefore essential to reduce hierarchical levels and increase departmental interaction and
communication.
2
Define business communications, and the importance of clarity in business communications
4. Fulfilling the Organizing Function
Formal reporting relationships include lines of authority, decision responsibility, number of hierarchical
levels, and span of managers' control.
Staff authority represents a communication relationship with management.
Tall structure: A management structure characterized by an overall narrow span of
management, a relatively large number of hierarchical levels, tight control, and
reduced communication overhead.
Flat structure: A management structure characterized by a wide span of control and
relatively few hierarchical levels, loose control, and ease of delegation.
| João Ferreira
