Vertical Communication Definition by Various Author

When an organization maintains communication inside, it communicates through a chain of command but when communication is needed it doesn’t follow the chain of commandant that is commonly known as vertical communication. Detail vertical communication definition is given below:

Vertical communication definition

According to Stoner and his associates, “Vertical communication consists of communication up and down the organization’s chain of command.”

According to Bovee and his associates, “Vertical communication is a flow of information up and down the organization’s hierarchy.”

According to Ricky W. Griffin, “Vertical communication is the communication that flows both up and down the organization, along formal reporting lines.”

A communication that exists between superior and subordinate can be termed vertical communication.

When the communication process flows from upward to downward in other words from superior to subordinate it is called downward communication.

And when it is reversed i.e. from subordinate to superior, these types of communication are called upward communication.

Therefore both upward and downward together make vertical communication. This type’s communication can be shown below:

When vertical communication follows to downward trend then it involves directions, instructions, order, or advice, whereas vertical communication following an upward trend involves problem defining, giving an opinion, and reporting.

Vertical communication uses both oral and written methods to fulfill the objective of communication. It can use oral communication like face-to-face or telephonic conversation; meetings, seminars, etc.

On the other side, letters, memos, notices, reports, and other written documents are used for written communication.

Vertical Communication Definition
Vertical Communication Definition

A flow chart is given above about vertical communication. This flowchart will give a glance idea about vertical communication.

Therefore, communication happening between two or more persons having a different level, rank, or designation can be defined as vertical communication.

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