Downward communication is a term that refers to the direction of the information flow. As is expected by the term itself, in downward communication, the information flows from higher levels of an organization to lower levels.
For example, from a manager to an employee(s) or from a leader to subordinates.
Downward communication usually contains instructions, policies, decisions, goals, feedback, or performance expectations.
There are multiple common channels through which such communication could occur. They could be formal or informal.
Formal channels:
- Emails
- Memos
- Newsletters
- Employee handbooks
- Team meetings
Informal channels:
- Conversations
- Phone calls
- Casual chats
- Social gatherings
- Manager drop-ins