Demerits of Vertical Communication
Though organizations enjoy many advantages from vertical pattern of communication, it is not free from limitations. Its major drawbacks or limitations are listed below:
Ineffective communication: In many cases, vertical communication becomes ineffective as the sender and the receiver differ in their respective positions or designations. Due to difference in the status or position of the communicators, smooth flow of information is blocked and communication becomes ineffective.
Delayed process: Vertical communication occurs through a series of steps from one level to the next. This cause delay in communication processes.
Reluctance of subordinates: Sometimes subordinates show reluctance to communicate with their respective superiors due to fear, distrust, or threat. This creates communication gap between subordinates and superiors.
Negligence of superior: In some cases, the superiors become negligent to send messages to their subordinates thinking that closeness with subordinates will hamper their states, dignity, and importance. This attitude of the superiors creates barriers to effective vertical communication.
Possibility of breaking the chain of command: Possibility of breaking the established chain of command is another burning drawback of vertical communication. In vertical communication someone may communicate by ignoring the immediate subordinate or superior. This kind of communication will hamper the entire communication process in the organization.
Authoritarian attitude superior: In many cases, downward pattern of vertical communication expresses the authoritarian tone of superiors that leads the communication in vein.
Distortion of information: When vertical communication takes place through a long organizational hierarchy, information losses its original shape and becomes distorted.
Finally we can conclude that in spite of having the above mentioned drawbacks, organizations extensively rely on vertical communication. Therefore, the concerned parties of vertical communication should be sincere, efficient and careful enough in exchanging information among them.
