Diagonal communication

Diagonal communication is a way of communication between employees from different organizational units and from different hierarchical levels . Diagonal communication occurs then, when communication within the company exceeds the formal hierarchy and is often determined by informal, free cooperation employees at different levels of the organisation, in any vertical position. Its main criteria are goals, needs or also the effectiveness of cooperation in the enterprise .

The role of diagonal communication in the organisation

Communication is a process that consists in the following processes people seek to share meanings through symbolic messages. The communication process has an impact on the attitudes of employees the organisation, its activities, involvement (or lack thereof) spend most of their time with the organisation in which they work the timing and condition of which depends on their behaviour . Communication intentions there is a coordination of behaviours of people who take up communistic activity. The agreement of opinions, beliefs or attitudes, in particular in the face of reality. An important objective of communication is to improve cooperation between two people (groups of people), leading to the implementation of joint undertaking .

It is internal communication enables the acceptance of the actions taken by the management and a process of information transfer, which aims at arousing among the following employees understand all decisions taken in the area of organisation and management of the company and building attitudes of loyalty and identification with the company. Internal communication is an important motivation factor and the basis for their involvement . Good communication between members of the organisation can be improved the effectiveness of each of them and of the organisation as a whole. Activities in the field of internal communication were not so long ago considered and treated by managers as secondary, less relevant to external communication activities. Research showed, however, that the productivity of an employee who is well notified shall be increased by approximately thirty per cent in relation to average worker .

Effects of diagonal communication

Effects of diagonal communication :

• Stimulating the creativity of employees by providing them with a platform to share their ideas and experiences with others.
• Increasing the efficiency of employees by providing them with a more direct line of communication with their superiors.
• Developing a strong organisational culture, based on accepted values, by allowing employees to express themselves openly and giving them a sense of belonging to the company.
• Allowing managers to focus on the needs of employees by allowing them to communicate directly with them and understand their individual concerns.
• Improving relations between managers and subordinates by creating a more open dialogue and allowing for better two-way communication.
• Improving relations between colleagues by creating a more collaborative environment and encouraging them to work together.
• Increasing employee motivation by providing them with a greater sense of purpose and appreciation.
• Preparing employees for shifts by allowing them to communicate with their superiors on a more direct basis and providing them with more detailed instructions.
• Reducing workers' resistance to change by providing them with a platform to voice their concerns and allowing them to be part of the decision-making process.

Elements of the diagonal communication process

Elements of the diagonal communication process :

• Definition of objectives by clearly outlining the purpose and desired outcome of the communication process.
• Segmentation of information recipients by identifying which groups of people need to receive the communication and how best to reach them.
• Budget planning by allocating resources to ensure the effective delivery of the message.
• Selection of communication methods and tools by determining the best platform to communicate the message and ensure it is received by the intended audience.
• Clarification of the timetable for action by setting clear deadlines and expectations for the communication process.
• Assigning specific actions and responsibilities to employees by ensuring that everyone involved in the process is held accountable.
• Assessment of the feasibility and relevance of the objectives defined by regularly evaluating the progress of the communication process and ensuring it is meeting the desired goals.

Principles of effective diagonal communication

Principles of effective diagonal communication :

• Adapting the information message to the recipient - its value, perception, level of understanding, information needs - by ensuring that the message is tailored to the specific needs of each recipient.
• Ensuring the quality of the communication process by ensuring that the message is clear, concise, and accurate.
• Involving all managers in the communication process levels by ensuring that everyone is aware of the information being communicated and is able to contribute to the process.
• Internal communication is effective when the organisation's culture is based on trust and when the values proclaimed, accepted behaviour is reflected in the way of communication by creating an environment of openness and transparency.

The perception of information in diagonal communication is affected

The perception of information in diagonal communication is affected :

• Personality and intellectual development: The way a person perceives information in diagonal communication is largely determined by their level of intellectual and emotional maturity.
• Emotions and psychological attitude: The emotions and psychological attitude that a recipient has towards the sender of the message can significantly affect the perception of the information conveyed.
• Motivation: The level of motivation of the recipient can also have a significant effect on the way they perceive the information in diagonal communication.
• Environmental conditions: The surrounding environment in which the information is received can also influence the way it is perceived.
• Perception: The individual's own perception of the world can also shape their interpretation of the information received in diagonal communication.

Barriers to diagonal communication

• Distortion of the motif: The viewer's own internal biases can lead to them selectively interpreting the information provided, and ignoring any that conflicts with their existing beliefs.
• Excessive self-absorption: When a recipient is overly self-focused, they can struggle to fully take in the information being conveyed in diagonal communication.
• Demonstration of defensive behaviour: Defensive behaviour, such as hostility or defensiveness, can make it difficult to accurately receive and interpret information in diagonal communication.
• Lack of trust: When the sender is viewed as untrustworthy, it can be challenging to accept the information they are conveying, leading to misunderstandings and misperceptions. (a significant obstacle when the sender is perceived as being as an unbelievable person who does not have the knowledge in a given field, transmitting conflicting and inconsistent information or retaining it for the benefit of:
  • the name and address of the person concerned,
  • the identity of the person concerned),
• Attitude towards the sender: If the recipient has a particularly negative attitude towards the sender, it can colour their perception of the information being transmitted.
• Emotions: Emotions can play a large role in how information is perceived in diagonal communication, with positive emotions such as joy leading to more positive interpretations, and negative emotions such as anger or jealousy leading to more negative ones.
• Linguistic differences: If the sender and recipient are from different backgrounds, language barriers can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunication.
• Incompatibility of verbal and non-verbal transmissions: Inconsistencies between verbal and non-verbal communication can make it difficult to accurately interpret the message being conveyed.

Diagonal communication — recommended articles

Management styles — Organizational culture and project management — Culture and QMS implementation — Managing diversity — Organizational culture — Downward communication — Unity of direction — Atmosphere at work — Effects of culture

References

• Comfort L. K., (2007). Management in Hindsight: Cognition, Communication, Coordination, and Control. Public Administration Review. Special issue, University of Pittsburgh, pp 189-197.
• Ferguson S. D., Lennox-Terrion J., Ahmed R., Jaya P.(2014). Communication in Everyday Life. Personal and Professional Contexts, Canada: Oxford University Press, pp 464.
• Newman A. and Scott O.(2013).Business Communication: In Person, In Print, Online. 8th ed. Mason: South-Western.
• Lindell M. and Perry R. (2004). Communicating environmental risk in multiethnic communities. Thousand Oaks, CA; Sage Publications.
• Trenholm S., Jensen A. (2013). Interpersonal Communication Seventh Edition. New York: Oxford University Press, pp 360-361

Footnotes

Author: Justyna Wąsiołek