Question

    Read the following passage and answer the next 4 question (Q12-Q15) As human beings we are always communicating something—just not always what we intend, not always what we think we are. Good communication isn’t a foregone conclusion. For example, during a new employee’s first few days at work, we communicate our expectations and their portfolio of responsibilities. We outline appropriate metrics for the evaluation of success and a timeline for those evaluations to take place. We introduce the new hire to other team members and affiliated teams with whom they will need to have a good working rapport. They are given ample opportunity to express their hopes and aspirations—their expectations—associated with the role as well. We make the time to help them at the start so they are poised to be successful early and become ongoing strong performers thereafter. Or at least, we think we communicate these things. Or we intend to. Or we have an initial conversation and don’t follow up to make sure our expectations were received and understood. Our failure to communicate sends a message as well, just not a helpful  one.

    In an corporate organization, an employee communicates

    horizontally between different functional areas with his _______
    A Superiors Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B Subordinates Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C Colleagues Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D Assistant Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    E Boss Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    In a corporate organization, an employee communicates horizontally with his colleagues. He communicates vertically with his subordinates and superiors. Horizontal/Lateral communication passes between different departments and functions within the organization. The term lateral communication is also known as horizontal communication. It is defined primarily as the quality of information sharing among peers at similar levels, effective lateral communication involves exchange of information between and among all organizational members, while we may perceive that organizational information flow vertically from top to bottom. For example communication done between different functional areas, such as communication between a manager of marketing department and manager in the finance department, it is known as lateral communication.

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