5 August 2021

Bottom-up communication as a great business communication technique

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La bottom-up communication occurs when a company information flows upwards through the hierarchy, i.e, from subordinates to superiors as managers, supervisors and directors.

That there is a proper communication within the company is an essential factor in the success and vice versa. Managers must be able to communicate with employees and vice versa. in a smooth, constant and cordial manner.

La bottom-up communication, from the employees to the management, is a useful internal communication system which invites subordinate employees of a company to pass on information to their superiors. In this way, and in contrast to the horizontal communication, the company can take advantage of a different perspective and point of view that these employees provide and that can be of great value.

Upward communication provides the organisation with important information such as employee needs, perceptions and opinions. By knowing this information, the company will be able to act accordingly and adapt its internal policies to meet the specific needs of its employees.

The following are the most important characteristics of bottom-up communication and the advantages and disadvantages of using it.

Table of contents

Características de la comunicación ascendente

As we have previously discussed, upward communication is a process whereby members of a work team are encouraged to participate in the management process, making them feel involved in the development of the project. most relevant features the following are of this type of communication:

  • Inclusive task planning. All team members will be involved from the outset in the planning and development of tasks for a given project. This way, they are engaged at all times, which leads to increased productivity.
  • Clearer and more fluid communication. It is very important that all team members can express their thoughts in confidence and thus contribute to the project plan.
  • Ability to maximise the potential of the team. Any employee can help their superior by giving them their own opinion on their capabilities. This way, the manager can make optimal use of resources they didn't know they had on their team, maximising their productivity.
  • The Employees will be able to have a say in decisions affecting their working life as follows:
    • Establishing feedback systems that channel communication so that everyone can be heard.
    • Creating communication channels such as employee surveys, suggestion boxes, staff assemblies, meetings with managers, etc.
    • Making all team members aware that it is very positive to make suggestions and comments to line managers.
    • Fostering a culture of open communication by management.
    • Developing systems to measure how information is received, interpreted and acted upon by employees and how this communication system helps the organisation achieve its objectives.
    • Identifying new ways to improve communication as a result of feedback.

Benefits of upward communication

The benefits that upward communication brings to the daily management of a company and the achievement of its objectives are multiple. Let's look at them below some of the most important ones:

  • The information received from employees is of great importance in helping the development of the organisational plan.
  • All employees can provide constructive suggestions which help achieve company objectives, allowing all their talents to be utilised. A lower-level employee can offer a unique perspective on how to solve a common problem.
  • Improve the relationship between staff and management.
  • Provides feedback which allows for high-level management and the decision of what steps to take accordingly.
  • Creation of a favourable working environment by establishing a good relationship between all employees. It promotes harmony and a good atmosphere in the organisation in all spheres and at all levels.
  • Decision-making support from the management, as they require maximum information at all times. By involving each member of the team in the project, they will contribute their own knowledge and experience.
  • Facilitates the flow of constructive suggestions and feedback, helping to develop creative and innovative ideas.
  • Facilitates collective decision-making as upward communication is participative by nature. All levels of the organisation thus become part of the process and also feel an important part of the objective.
  • Increase motivation and improve productivity since subordinates, when they feel heard and that their opinion counts, will strive harder to achieve the goals and objectives.

Disadvantages of upward communication

Although upward communication offers multiple advantages it also offers some limitations. The main disadvantages of upwards communication are as follows:

  • In upward communication Subordinates can change the information making it more difficult for managers to make decisions with precision.
  • Sometimes The subordinates do not send the information to their superior so the communication system may be interrupted.
  • basic problem of upward communication is the fear of superiors as superiors often ask questions about employees and their efficiency.
  • In some cases, employees communicate directly to the superior by bypassing the appropriate command channel. Another thing that sometimes happens is that employees speak directly with senior management, bypassing their immediate supervisor.
  • It can also happen that some subordinates use the flattery to win over the boss, withholding relevant information that they think won't please them.
  • Usually Subordinates are reluctant to take the initiative. for upward communication for different reasons.
  • There is a risk of message distortion as subordinates may be afraid to tell their bosses what has really happened.
  • Slowness in information transfer towards superiors.
  • Some Managers reject upward communication flow and disregard constructive suggestions from their subordinates.
  • Planning a project will take longer, as more stakeholders are involved.

By way of Conclusion, Upward communication is a great business communication technique. which brings many more positive points than negative. Having a flow of communication that starts from the lowest levels on the labour scale encourages all workers to feel listened to and therefore involved with the achievement of objectives, while also improving their performance, which can also be encouraged through other incentives such as Ticket Restaurant.  

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