Essentials of Effective Upward Communication
Effective functioning of an organization significantly depends on proper and effective use of upward communication. To make upward communication effective, due attention must be given on the following aspects:
Participative approach of management: If participative management approach is practiced in the organization, it encourages subordinates to communicate their requests, attitudes, feelings etc. to their superiors. As a result upward flow of communication occurs frequently.
Confidence on subordinates: In order to make upward communication frequent and effective, manager should have confidence on the capability of their subordinates. This will encourage the subordinates to communicate more is with their superiors.
Shortening the communication line: Long line of communication causes distortion and loss of information in the organization. It also hampers free and fair flow of information and delays the decision making process. To avoid such problems and to encourage upward communication the lines of communication must be shortened to a little desired numbers.
Reward for good suggestion: The subordinates should be rewarded for conveying potential and valuable suggestions. This rewarding system can inspire them to communicate with their superiors.
Arranging proper grievance handling procedures: The superiors should be attentive towards the messages of their subordinates. If they find any genuine grievance, it should be resolved promptly.
Changing autocratic attitudes: Autocratic behaviors of the superiors compel their subordinates to be only listener, which makes the upward communication impossible. Therefore, to make upward communication successful, the managers should give up their autocratic attitudes.
