Advantages and Disadvantages of Horizontal Communication

Advantages of Horizontal Communication

Advantages of horizontal communication in an organization are given in the diagram below.

Image credits © Manoj Patil.

Advantages of horizontal communication channel are followed:

1. Saves time
2. Co-ordination and co-operation
3. Efficiency
4. Increases productivity
5. Immediate feedback
6. Removes jealousy
7. Checks grapevine

Benefits of horizontal communication are.

1. Saves time

Horizontal channel of communication saves time. Many urgent decisions in the organization may be taken on the spot.

2. Co-ordination and co-operation

Horizontal channel of communication is of great help to bring better co-ordination and greater co-operation between the staff.

3. Efficiency

Horizontal communication ensures the greater efficiency and better results.

4. Increases productivity

Horizontal channel of communication succeeds in increasing productivity and efficiency of the staff.

5. Immediate feedback

Horizontal communication is generally oral and personally, the chances of misunderstanding are much less as the feedback is immediate.

6. Removes jealousy

Horizontal channel removes jealousy, misunderstanding, etc. among the persons of equal status in the organization.

7. Checks grapevine

Horizontal channel brings employees closer. It enables them to discuss matters directly and personally. This checks the growth of informal communication / grapevine (rumors).

Disadvantages of Horizontal Communication

Disadvantages of horizontal communication in an organization are given in the diagram below.

Image credits © Manoj Patil.

Drawbacks of horizontal communication channel are followed:

1. Jealousy among superior rank
2. Disruption if used in excess
3. Feeling of frustration
4. Waste of time in gossiping
5. Interdepartmental Rivalry

Demerits of horizontal communication channel are.

1. Jealousy among superior rank

In horizontal communication, if there is jealousy or misunderstanding exists between any two persons of equal status; it will not allow the smooth functioning of organization.

2. Disruption if used in excess

If there is too much horizontal communication, both the employees at the junior level and seniors at the higher level are never consulted or even informed. Thus, it is likely to disrupt the organizational hierarchy.

3. Feeling of frustration

Horizontal communication is the feeling of frustration and inadequacy that the department heads get when they meet.

4. Waste of time in gossiping

Horizontal communication may make employees too friendly with each other and there is possibility that they will waste their time in gossiping.

5. Interdepartmental Rivalry

In horizontal communication there may be unhealthy competition among various departments in an organization. Conflicts or rivalries may disrupt the work of the organization. Therefore, an organization prefers vertical communication so that there is an effective line of authority.
In spite of this, there is always a tendency towards more of horizontal communication.