What does lateral communication refer to in an organization?

Lateral communication refers to the exchange of information that occurs between individuals at the same hierarchical level within an organization. This type of communication is crucial for fostering collaboration and coordination among colleagues, as it allows employees to share insights, solve problems, and work on joint projects effectively. By communicating laterally, team members can leverage their equal standing to facilitate better decision-making, align efforts towards shared goals, and enhance overall productivity.

In contrast to lateral communication, the other options depict different forms of communication within an organization. Information flow from top management to subordinates is representative of downward communication, which serves to relay directives or information from higher to lower levels. Vertical communication direction encompasses both downward and upward flows, indicating communication that moves between different levels of the organizational hierarchy. Lastly, communication limited to a single department emphasizes a more siloed approach, which can inhibit the free exchange of ideas and reduce overall organizational coherence.