Question

Which one of the following is related with organisational ecology?
1. Centralized Communication
2. Upward Communication
3. Lateral Communication
4. Downward Communication

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : Lateral Communication

The correct answer is Lateral Communication.

• Organizational ecology refers to a sociologically oriented research program on organizations. It involves the empirical study of populations of organizations and a theoretical emphasis on processes of selective replacement of relatively inert organizations. 
• Organizational ecology theory examines how organizational populations change and develop over time through stages of founding, growth, transformation, decline, and death
• It also looks at the dynamics within organizational populations.
• Centralized communication
  • It involves all stakeholders being connected to a central hub, which stores all the communications in one place, including all the necessary documentation and information.
  • One group member has access to more communication channels than any other.
• Downward Communication
  • It occurs when information and messages flow down through an organization's formal chain of command or hierarchical structure.
  • It flows from a top-level to a low level in an organisation.
• 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.
• Horizontal or Lateral Communication
  • It involves the flow of messages between individuals and groups on the same level of an organization.
  • Functional managers operating at the same level, in different departments, through their communication, present a good example of lateral communication.
  • The main use of this dimension of communication is to maintain coordination and review activities assigned to various subordinates.
  • Hence, it is related to organisational ecology.
• Diagonal or Cross-wise Communication
  • It takes place when people working at the same level interact with those working at a higher or lower level of organisational hierarchy and across the boundaries of their reporting relationships.