________ communication flows from the subordinate to the supervisor and may include suggestion boxes or grievance procedures.

________ communication flows from the subordinate to the supervisor and may include suggestion boxes or grievance procedures.

• A. Upward
• B. Lateral
• C. Downward
• D. Diagonal

Answer: (A)

Upward communication flows from the subordinate to the supervisor, and suggestion boxes or grievance procedures are classic examples. These channels are designed to capture feedback, concerns, and ideas from those lower in the hierarchy and deliver them to someone with decision-making authority. By providing a way for employees to voice issues or suggestions without requiring direct interaction with a supervisor, upward communication helps management understand on-the-ground realities, identify problems, and consider improvements. This contrasts with downward communication, which travels from the supervisor to subordinates, and with lateral communication, which occurs between peers at the same level. Diagonal communication crosses levels and units, but it isn’t the typical route described by suggestion boxes or grievance procedures, which are explicitly directed from staff up toward leadership.

Upward communication flows from the subordinate to the supervisor, and suggestion boxes or grievance procedures are classic examples. These channels are designed to capture feedback, concerns, and ideas from those lower in the hierarchy and deliver them to someone with decision-making authority. By providing a way for employees to voice issues or suggestions without requiring direct interaction with a supervisor, upward communication helps management understand on-the-ground realities, identify problems, and consider improvements.

This contrasts with downward communication, which travels from the supervisor to subordinates, and with lateral communication, which occurs between peers at the same level. Diagonal communication crosses levels and units, but it isn’t the typical route described by suggestion boxes or grievance procedures, which are explicitly directed from staff up toward leadership.