Evaluate The Effectiveness Of Diagonal Essay Example
Evaluate The Effectiveness Of Diagonal Essay Example

Evaluate The Effectiveness Of Diagonal Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (1070 words)
  • Published: February 1, 2017
  • Type: Research Paper
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Organizational communication involves the sharing of information within a business. It relies on clear and concise messages with well-defined terms. For individuals to use and trust this communication, it must be perceived as understandable and reliable. In an organization, communication typically occurs between individuals in the same department who have the same status or between employees and their direct supervisors or subordinates.

In the contemporary business setting, organizations must establish efficient communication processes to handle greater employee participation, a more decentralized organizational structure, technological advancements in communication, and an emphasis on knowledge-based economy rather than traditional industrial and service skills. Diagonal communication refers to an informal method of transmitting information, as explained by Wilson (1992), where communication occurs between a manager and employees from different workgroups.

Diagonal communication was introduced to address the communication challenges that arise in new organizational form

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s like matrix and project-based organizations. It allows employees to communicate effectively within the hierarchy. However, diagonal communication carries risks, despite its important functions. It involves cross-functional communication between employees at different levels of the hierarchy. Like any other management strategy, diagonal communication has limitations in achieving organizational objectives.

Interpretation: Communication goes beyond words - tone and body language also impact how messages are received. To avoid misunderstandings, it's important to encourage interaction between departments so everyone understands their objectives. Subordinates should be allowed to ask top-level managers directly if they have questions or misunderstandings. This way, managers can guide subordinates towards goals.

Importance of Diagonal Communication in an Organization: Diagonal communication allows diverse groups to share necessary information for project execution. Unlike hierarchical communication, diagonal communication focuses on the project at hand and recognizes the complexity of

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organizations. It promotes interaction and information exchange between different classes. When facing problem-solving challenges in business, diagonal communication ensures all relevant variables are attended to. Additionally, it facilitates quick decision-making during organizational changes.

In an organization, subordinates report directly to the department where they can quickly solve any issues. The top management is always updated on the current situation from all angles within the organization. This efficient flow of information through different levels is known as the hierarchical dissemination of information. Typically, when a subordinate in one department needs to communicate with a higher-up in another department, they would first communicate upwards with their own supervisor. The supervisor then escalates the message until it reaches the intended recipient at a higher level.

The current communication process involves the message being transmitted horizontally to the recipient. However, this process is often inefficient and can lead to miscommunication as the message is passed from person to person, possibly resulting in distortion. Diagonal communication routes solve this problem by directly delivering the message to its intended destination, bypassing communication barriers. Speed is crucial in communication, as it requires delivering the right message to the right person at the right time.

The communication routes that speed messages directly to recipients at the necessary moment are known as diagonal communication routes. In contrast, communication that follows horizontal and vertical routes is more susceptible to the schedules and preferences of those who relay the messages. Additionally, taking a straight line is the shortest distance. Diagonal communication plays a role in reducing communication overload and promoting coordination among colleagues in the organization.

Employees who are bombarded with a significant amount of information in a short time

frame may experience overload and find it difficult to process all the information. Diagonal communication is an effective method for reducing information overload among managers. This communication structure allows subordinates to directly report to the department where the issues can be resolved, while excluding others. Challenges are constantly present in organizations, but their intensity and likely cause or source can vary.

Ultimately, the decision on when to engage in diagonal communications lies with management. Trust should be placed in individuals who can responsibly employ these communications for the betterment of the project, while also maintaining formal exchanges to reduce specific challenges. Establishing social bonds, diagonal communication fosters solidarity among various departments within an organization. It enables unrestricted interaction among members, cultivating a strong sense of teamwork.

Interacting and working together towards a common goal fosters unity and enhances communication. This is particularly important in breaking down barriers between individuals of different positions within an organization. According to Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs, individuals have a need for social connection and belonging. In a banking setting, when a bank manager engages with lower-level subordinates, it can boost motivation among workers. This increased motivation may lead to the disclosure of information that would not have been obtained through formal channels of communication alone.

Diagonal communication fosters a friendly organizational environment by allowing subordinates to contribute their ideas for strategic decision making. While some members may possess decision-making expertise, their level in the hierarchy may prevent them from having decision-making responsibilities. Additionally, subordinates can provide guidance on operational methods learned from competitors in the field, ultimately aiding the organization in gaining a competitive edge. However, diagonal communication does have its

limitations.

Apparent disadvantages of unauthorized disclosure and lack of control within organizations include the potential leakage of private information, disruption to lines of authority, and the difficulty in tracking verbal communication that goes awry. Leakage of vital private information is particularly concerning as it can involve sensitive data that the organization deems inappropriate for public disclosure. In certain industries, privately owned companies may wish to keep proprietary information, such as software and specific strategies, undisclosed to competitors. This becomes especially relevant when organizations employ temporary workers.

When these individuals interact, they transfer organization information to other competing organizations. This can disrupt lines of authority. Diagonal communication does not adhere to the usual chain of command, so there is no control. When top management informs lower level subordinates about organizational changes without involving their immediate supervisors, it undermines the authority of the higher-ups. This can be seen as a violation of the formal chain of command, which can deter supervisors.

The trend of diagonal communication can hinder the achievement of organizational objectives. However, it is also effective in enhancing coordination and fostering a friendly environment. The speed and efficiency of diagonal communication contribute to increased efficiency and the resolution of departmental conflicts. Consequently, production rates increase, allowing organizations to quickly expand and achieve their goals. Nevertheless, diagonal communication also results in a lack of control within the organization as it bypasses the correct formal chain of command.

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