TWO WAY COMMUNICATION
For the most part, two-way communication in business is good. It
allows higher-ups in a firm to understand what their subordinates think.
It allows the subordinates to ask questions that give them a better
understanding of what they are expected to do. However, there are limited
instances in which two-way communication can be a bad thing.
One disadvantage of such communication is that it might work to confuse the
lines of command. A subordinate who is given the chance to give a lot of
feedback might come to think that they are as high up in the hierarchy as their
bosses. The fact that they are being consulted and allowed to communicate
their opinions may erode their willingness to simply accept being told what to
do by those who are above them in the hierarchy.
The major disadvantage of two-way communication in business is that it can
be a time-consuming process. A boss giving orders to a subordinate is
one-way communication, but it is also fast and efficient. By contrast, a
boss and a subordinate having a discussion is two-way communication, but it is
not necessarily fast. At many times, this is not a problem. But
there are times when action needs to be taken quickly and discussion is not
desirable.
Although two-way communication is generally a good thing, it can waste
valuable time and it can reduce some employees’ understanding and acceptance of
their place in the company hierarchy.
