They understood that positive upward communication was more likely to be used by those above them than negative communication. They further understood that upward communication should be timely and was more likely to be accepted if supportive or current policy. They understood that upward communication was more likely to be effective if it went directly to a receiver who could act on it. On the other hand, downward communication usually dealt with job instructions, rationale, information and feedback. Although traditional government administrators often understood the importance of horizontal communication it is often ineffective in traditional government organizations.
Horizontal communication allows coordination between departments to maximize productivity.
It allows problem solving at the level of origin and thus increases morale and confidence of the individuals involved in the problem solving process. It allows sharing of information and is useful in solving interdepartmental and interdepartmental conflict. Finally, it serves as a substitute for upward and downward communications in some situations. Traditional administrators tend to focus only on the development of interpersonal skills since most of their communication occurs in interpersonal settings, whether they are communicating upward, downward or horizontally in the organization. From time to time, they may have to manage a meeting that includes only their subordinates to make a presentation to upper management.