Define and Describe the diagonal Path Of communication with Adequate Examples

What is Communication ? Communication is the art of sharing or interchanging thoughts, emotions and ideas to bring people together. The basis of communication is the interaction between people by speech, writing or signs. Communication takes place through various paths. Apart from the vertical up, down and horizontal directions, communication also flows in a circular or diagonal direction. [1.] What is Diagonal Communication ? Diagonal Communication provides a line or route for conveying information in the organization among various levels. The communication route under this takes the line from one department individuals to different levels. It goes across the organization. Diagonal communication travels from superior to subordinate and between persons at different levels. It takes place among departments or employees or different levels of hierarchy. The functional authority usually use diagonal communication. It occurs not only among individuals but it also, travels, among, departments.[2.] Diagonal communication flows in all directions and cuts across functions and levels in an organization. Though, diagonal communication deviates from the normal chain of command, there is no doubt that it is quick and efficient. In some situations, ignoring vertical and horizontal channels, expedites action and prevents other employees from being used merely as conduits between sender and receivers.[3.]

FOOTNOTES : 1.] Raman Meenakshi, Prakash Singh, Business Communication, 2006, Oxford, 3rd Impression, Page No 16 2.] http://www.rocw.raifoundation.org/mass communication/BAMC/ organisationbehaviour/lecture-notes/lecture-14.pdf 3.]Raman Meenakshi, Sharma Sangeeta, Technical Communication (Principles and Practices), 2004, Oxford University Press, 3rd Impression, Page No - 15

2.upward

PRESIDENT
3.horiontal

1. downward

VICE PRESIDENT (PRODUCTION)

VICE PRESIDENT (MARKETING) 4.diagonal

VICE PRESIDENT (ACCOUNTS)

DEPARTMENT A

DEPARTMENT B

DEPARTMENT C

The above diagram shows the flow of communication in four directions : 1.Downwards 2.upward 3.horizontal 4. diagonal. [4.] In the above diagram, the department B of accounts Department communicates directly with the vice President of the Marketing department ensuring free flow of communication and increase in speed and efficiency of work. The increase use of e-mail also encourages cross-wise communication. Any employee can communicate via e-mail with another employee, regardless of the receivers function and status. Since, there is no specific line of command, diagonal communication is also referred to as cross-wise, radial or circular communication depending upon the structure of the organization. For example A managing director calling up a supervisor to give instructions. [5.] The word cross wise communication includes both horizontal and diagonal flow among persons at different levels who have no direct reporting relationships. It exists between personnel in one department and individuals of equal, lower or superior status in other departments. It does not follow the officially designated organization structure but it cuts across the chain of command. [6.] FOOTNOTES : 4.] http://marcbowles.com/courses/adv_dip/module2/module 10/m10two.htm 5.] Raman Meenakshi, Sharma Sangeeta, Technical Communication (Principles and Practices), 2004, Oxford University Press, 3rd Impression, Page No 15

6.] http://www.rocw.raifoundation.org/mass communication/BAMC/ organisationbehaviour/lecture-notes/lecture-14.pdf Diagonal Communication may be oral and written. The enterprise environment provides many occasions for oral communication. They range from informal meetings of the company bowling teams and lunch hours employees spend together to more formal conferences and committee and board meetings. This kind of communication also occurs when individuals members of different departments cuts across organizational boundaries when, for example, staff with functional or advisory authority interacts with line managers in different departments. In addition, written forms of communication keep people informed about the enterprise. These written forms include the company newspaper or magazine and bulletin boards. Modern enterprises may use many kinds of oral and written cross-wise communication patterns to supplement the vertical flow of information. [7.] Advantages of Diagonal Communication. makes an organization more flexible by allowing faster communication of information in both directions, from the lower levels of the company to the top and vice-versa. It takes away the rigid command structure that can bog down companies in Red tape and can aid in efficiency by employees getting quick answers to questions that might otherwise take a week or two. It allows cross-wise communication between departments which in theory, helps disseminate information faster and helps people do their jobs quicker and more efficiently. The idea that it empowers people more and allows them to have better control over their jobs and break down barriers between upper management and lower echelons leading to decentralization. It is necessary when environmental turbulence make work related problems difficult to solve and the organizational climate is supportive of innovation. [8.]

FOOTNOTES : 7.] Koontz Harold, Weihrich Heinz, essentials of Management, 5th Edition, 2002, Tata Mc-Graw Hill, Page No 373. 8..] http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid = 20080505104719AAItqjQ

There are certain drawbacks of diagonal communication: Diagonal channel may potentially cause conflicts as they involve communication between lower level of one department to a higher level in another department. [9.] Because information may not follow the chain of command, proper safeguards need to be taken to prevent potential problems. Specifically, cross wise communication should rest on the understanding that cross wise relationships will be encouraged wherever they are appropriate. Subordinates refrain from making commitments beyond their authority and important interdepartmental activities. In short, cross wise communication may create difficulties, but it is a necessity in many enterprises in order to respond to the needs of the complex and dynamic organizational environment. [10.] Certain examples of diagonal communication: When a sales manager communicates directly with the vice president(production), who is not only in a different division, but also at a higher level in the organization, they are engaged in diagonal communication. [11.] If the management circulates the copy of a new bonus incentive scheme among all the employees it is diagonal communication. [12.] Diagonal communication spans levels and specialists department and requires cooperation from both sides if it is to function well. Because it crosses hierarchal chains of command it relies heavily on the sort of cooperation and goodwill which an effective communicator will have been careful to foster informally, by friendly conversations with colleagues, on journeys through departments or at social functions. Geographically separate locations can inhibit diagonal communication. [13.] FOOTNOTES: 9.]http://marcbowles.com/courses/adv_dip/module2/module 10/m10two.htm 10.] Koontz Harold, Weihrich Heinz, essentials of Management, 5th Edition, 2002, Tata Mc-Graw Hill, Page No 373. 11.] Raman Meenakshi, Sharma Sangeeta, Technical Communication (Principles and Practices), 2004, Oxford University Press, 3rd Impression, Page No 15 12.] Raman Meenakshi, Prakash Singh, Business Communication, 2006, Oxford, 3rd Impression, Page No 16 13.]Cantley Kathryn, Basic Concepts and Principles of Communication Theory, Page No 96 and 97.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

The books I have referred to : 1. Raman Meenakshi, Prakash Singh, Business Communication, Oxford University press. 2. Raman Meenakshi, Sangeeta Sharma, Technical Communication (Principles and Practices ), Oxford University Press. 3. koontz Harold, Weihrich Heinz, essentials of Mnagement, Tata Mc-Graw Hill 4. Cantley Kathryn, Basic Concepts and Principles of Communication Theory.

The Sites I have referred to : 1. www.rocw.raifoundation.org 2. www.marcbowles.com 3. http://answers.yahoo.com