What is downward communication in an organization?

Downward communication refers to the flow of information from higher levels of an organization, such as management or executives, to lower levels, which include supervisors and employees. This type of communication typically involves directives, policies, and decisions made by upper management that need to be relayed to staff for implementation.

It is essential for ensuring that all team members are aligned with the organization’s goals, strategies, and expectations. Downward communication can take various forms, including memos, meetings, emails, and official announcements, making it a crucial aspect of effective organizational management. By disseminating information from the top down, organizations can maintain clear lines of communication that help to guide employees and foster a shared understanding of objectives, thereby increasing operational efficiency and engagement within the workforce.

The other options describe different forms of communication. For instance, communication from employees to management represents upward communication, while information shared among peers denotes horizontal communication. Feedback from customers is also a distinct category, often considered external communication, which while important, does not reflect the hierarchical flow of information characteristic of downward communication.