Horizontal communication comprises interactions between people or departments at the same organizational level. Lateral communication enables the flow of messages across functional areas and supports problem-solving, information sharing across work groups, and task coordination between departments or project teams. Regular horizontal exchanges shape office atmosphere and strengthen interpersonal workplace relationships. Horizontal communication can occur face-to-face, by phone, or by email, and each channel directly influences productivity and overall business performance. Effective horizontal communication reduces misunderstandings, accelerates decision-making, and aligns peers on shared goals. Consistent practice of clear, direct lateral communication enhances coordination in small and large organizations alike.
Horizontal communication comprises the interactions between people or departments working at the same level in an organization. It is also known as lateral communication and is as significant for the company as external communication. In the book Organizational Communication by Michael J. Papa, horizontal communication is defined as the 'flow of messages across functional areas' in a particular level of an organization.
Whether you are involved in a small or large business, internal communication flows essentially set the tone of an office atmosphere and help build interpersonal relationships in the workplace. This communication can take place in person or via phone and email. But whichever route it takes, it directly affects productivity and business performance. That's why we must understand and practice effective communication at work.
#horizontal-communication #lateral-communication #workplace-communication #interdepartmental-coordination
Collection
[
|
...
]