Lateral communication is often created to short-circuit the vertical hierarchy within an organization.

Question

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When communication takes place among members of the same work group, members of work groups at the same level, managers at the same level, or any other horizontally equivalent workers, we describe it as lateral communication. Lateral communication is informally created to short-circuit the vertical hierarchy and expedite action. Horizontal communication saves time and facilitates coordination.

Lateral Communication Is Often Created to Short-Circuit the Vertical Hierarchy