Question

Which of the following is an example of organisational silence in upward communication?
1. Distortion
2. Delay
3. Filtering
4. Lack of reponse

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : Filtering

The correct answer is Filtering.

•  Upward Communication
  • It is the process of information flowing from the lower levels of a hierarchy to the upper levels.
  • The function of upward communication is to send information, suggestions, complaints and grievances of the lower-level workers to the managers above.
• Organizational silence is a phenomenon that occurs in organizations when employees purposefully withhold information and opinions about the organization.
• Acquiescent silence can be thought of as silence motived by a lack of interest or a preference for passiveness.
• Defensive silence describes occurrences in which employees deliberately withhold information due to fear of the consequences of speaking up.
• Employees also engage in pro-social silence with the intention of making a larger positive benefit for the lives or situations of others or the organization.
• Employees are more likely to withhold information from managers with “high power status’” because they don’t want to be seen as criticizing them
• For example, several studies have shown that subordinates filter the information that they convey to their superiors, communicating upward in a way that minimizes negative information.