What is Upward Communication?

Upward Communication refers to the flow of information within an organization from lower levels of the hierarchy to higher levels of authority or management. In simpler terms, it’s when employees or subordinates communicate with their supervisors, managers, or executives.

Features of Upward Communication:

• Feedback Oriented: Upward Communication primarily serves as a feedback mechanism within the organization. It allows employees to provide feedback, suggestions, opinions, and insights to their superiors regarding various aspects of organizational functioning.
• Initiated by Subordinates: Unlike downward communication, which is typically initiated by managers or higher-level authorities, upward communication is initiated by subordinates or employees who wish to convey information, express concerns, or provide feedback to their superiors.
• Informal Nature: Upward Communication channels often foster informal exchanges between subordinates and superiors. Employees may feel more comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas in a less formal setting, such as during one-on-one discussions or informal meetings.
• Performance Improvement: By soliciting feedback and suggestions from employees, upward communication enables the organization to identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to enhance performance and productivity.

Upward and Downward Communication are both very crucial for organizational success. Downward Communication ensures that employees understand their roles, goals, and expectations, while Upward Communication allows employees to contribute their ideas, voice concerns, and provide valuable feedback for organisational improvement.