Managerial communication

Managerial communication is communication that occurs as part of the formal organizational hierarchy. Vertical communication occurs between superiors and subordinates and flows either downwards or upwards through the chain of command. Horizontal communication takes place between two or more colleagues or peers at the same level in the organization. Horizontal communication is critical when there is a high need for integration and coordination between departments in the organization.

The person who is in charge of information technology in organizations is known as the Chief Information Officer. This information officer performs the functions related to gathering, processing and storing information e.g. overseeing all aspects of information technology.

Managing communication involves understanding the communication process and the barriers that affect communication and how they can be overcome. There are numerous barriers to effective communication. The sender may be inconsistent, lack of credibility or be reluctant to send the message. There may be noise e.g. lost mail, sounds, interruptions and distractions in the channel or even an overburden of messages. The receiver may not be listening or may have predispositions that interfere with the accurate reception of the message. There may be problems between the receiver and the sender. These could be semantics, perception, status or power differences or even poor habits.

Overcoming the barriers involve recognition of the fact that they exist and recognising the responsibilities of both the senders and receivers of the communication. For example it is the responsibility of the sender to send a clearly written or spoken message, to know the receiver including his circumstances and to word his message in such a way that it recognises the position and situation of the receiver. The receiver has the responsibility to listen clearly to the message and to provide feedback to the sender. Both sender and receiver have the responsibility to follow up the process of communication to see that it is working.