Methods or Media of Horizontal Communication
Horizontal communication occurs between people holding the same hierarchical position. This communication is the transmission of information between people, divisions, departments or units within a similar level of the organizational hierarchy. Both written and oral methods are used to make horizontal communication effective. It occurs between people holding the same hierarchical position. Horizontal communication is often referred to as ‘lateral communication.’
The methods or media of horizontal communication are discussed below:
Oral Method: Horizontal communication is most effective when it is done through oral means. Telephonic conversation, face-to-face discussion, meetings, interviews, seminars, conferences, etc. are the widely used oral means of horizontal communication.
Written Method: Horizontal communication also takes place through written media. The written means of horizontal communication include letters, memos, reports, etc. At last, it can be concluded that the efficacy, of horizontal communication, primarily depends on verbal means, yet written methods can be used to transmit important messages. Letters, memos, notice reports are used to perform horizontal communication.
Both the mentioned methods are popular to make horizontal communication in an organization. Their presences are similarly important. You can distinguish it from vertical communication, which is the transmission of information between different levels of the organizational hierarchy. At last, it can be accomplished that the effectiveness of horizontal communication mainly depends on verbal means, yet written methods can be used to transmit significant messages.
