There is one is not likely to have excessive power

there is one, is not likely to have excessive power; most social media networking
sites (i.e. Facebook and LinkedIn) allow individual users to form groups that
communicate like All Channel groups
2. Research suggests that there are some connections between the type of network and
group performance
a. i.e. When the group’s task is relatively simple and routine, centralized networks
tend to perform with greatest efficiency and accuracy
b. i.e. When task is complex and non-routine, such as making a major decision
about organization strategy, decentralized networks tend to be most efficient
because open channels of communication permit more interaction and a more
efficient sharing of relevant information
c. Organizational Communication
i. Vertical Communication : Communication that flows up and down the organization, usually along
formal reporting lines; takes place between managers and their supervisors and subordinates
and may involve several different levels of organization
1. Upward Communication – Consists of messages from subordinates to superiors
a. Usually from subordinates to their direct superior, then to that person’s direct
superior, up through the hierarchy
b. The greater the degree of difference in status between superior and subordinate
and the greater the degree of distrust, the more likely the subordinate is to
suppress or distort information
3

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2. Downward Communication – Occurs when information flows down the hierarchy from
superiors to subordinates
a. Typical content – how something is to be done, assignment of new
responsibilities, performance feedback, general information that higher-level
manager thinks will be of value
3. Research has shown that upward communication is more subject to distortion that
downward communication
4. Figure 17.3 – Formal Communication in Organizations
a.
5. Horizontal Communication : Communication that flows laterally within the organization;
involves colleagues and peers at the same level of the organization and may involve
individuals from several different organizational units
a. i.e. An operations manager might communicate to a marketing manager that
inventory levels are running low and that projected delivery dates should be
extended by two weeks
b. Occurs more among managers than non-managers
c. Serves a number of purposes:
i. Facilitates coordination among interdependent units
1. i.e. A manager at Motorola was once researching the strategies
of Japanese semiconductor firms in Europe and found a great
deal of information that was relevant to his assignment as well