Business – 7.2 Business communication – Channels of communication | e-Consult

Two‑way vertical communication allows staff at all levels to provide feedback upward (e.g., market insights from regional managers) and receive clarification downward (e.g., updated corporate policies). This reduces misinterpretation and ensures that strategic decisions reflect ground‑level realities.

Two‑way horizontal communication creates channels for peers in different countries or departments to exchange ideas, coordinate schedules, and resolve conflicts directly. It speeds up project timelines and builds shared understanding across cultural boundaries.

In contrast, one‑way communication (such as broadcast memos or top‑down directives only) does not capture feedback, so errors or ambiguities remain uncorrected. It also limits employee engagement, leading to lower motivation and higher chances of information being ignored or misunderstood.