Chapter 1 / Lesson 13 Transcript

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Lesson Transcript
Instructor: Shawn Grimsley
Shawn has a masters of public administration, JD, and a BA in political science.

Cite this lesson

Horizontal communication is an important means of organizational communication. In this lesson,
you'll learn about its advantages and disadvantages. You'll also have a chance to take a short
quiz after the lesson.

Horizontal Communication: Definition

Horizontal communication is the transmission of information between people, divisions,
departments or units within the same level of organizational hierarchy. You can distinguish it from
vertical communication, which is the transmission of information between different levels of the
organizational hierarchy. Horizontal communication is often referred to as 'lateral
communication.'

Advantages
Horizontal communication presents some distinct advantages. It decreases misunderstanding
between departments working on the same project, thereby increasing efficiency and
productivity. It may result in better implementation of top-level decisions because employees on
lower levels are permitted to coordinate directly with each other in the implementation of the
decision made at the top. Horizontal communication facilitates teamwork if a project requires
tasks from different people or departments. It may also increase job satisfaction and motivation
by creating more employee empowerment in communication.

Disadvantages
Horizontal communication does come with some disadvantages. Management may have a
greater problem maintaining control as horizontal communication increases. This is, in part,
because management can derive much control and power if it controls the flow of information.
Horizontal communication can also create conflict between employees exposed to each other
through the communication process. It is also more time-consuming if vertical communication is
required to ratify decisions made during horizontal communication or to confirm information
received through horizontal communication. Finally, it may create a lack of discipline if strict
procedural rules of communications are not imposed and followed.
Examples
Let's say that you are a vice president of the research division of a pharmaceutical company.
Your division has just been given final FDA approval for a new anti-depressant drug. The
president of the company wants the product on the market yesterday since the fiscal quarter
ends in a few weeks and the annual shareholders' meeting is in six weeks. Fortunately for you,
the company permits horizontal communication. You are able to communicate and coordinate
directly with your counterparts in production and marketing.
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