Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

Which communication channel is usually the least used in an organization?

1. Diagonal

2. Downward

3. Lateral

4. Upward

The correct answer is: Lateral

The least used communication channel in an organization is typically lateral communication. Lateral communication occurs between peers or colleagues at the same level within the organizational hierarchy, which can be less frequent compared to other types of communication. In many organizations, the flow of information tends to follow established hierarchies; thus, downward communication, where information flows from higher to lower levels, is very common as management communicates directives and information to subordinates. Conversely, upward communication, where employees communicate information or feedback to their superiors, is also crucial as it allows leadership to gain insights from their teams. Diagonal communication, while less conventional, happens between individuals at different levels and different departments, often bridging gaps and fostering collaboration on projects that require input from various functions. Lateral communication might not happen as frequently due to potential barriers such as departmental silos, competition among peers, or a lack of formal mechanisms to facilitate this exchange. Thus, despite its importance for collaboration and teamwork, it tends to be the least utilized channel in organizations.