What term describes communication directed from upper management to lower level managers and staff?

The term that best describes communication directed from upper management to lower-level managers and staff is downward communication. This type of communication involves the flow of information and directives from higher levels of an organization to lower levels. It typically includes important announcements, policies, procedures, and other information meant to guide the operations of the organization and inform staff of expectations and changes.

Downward communication is crucial for ensuring that all employees are aligned with the organization’s goals and objectives. It helps to establish what is needed from teams and individuals to achieve those goals, as well as providing clarity around roles and responsibilities.

In contrast, lateral, upward, and horizontal communication refer to different directions of communication within an organization. Lateral communication occurs between peers or teams at the same level, upward communication involves messages sent from lower-level employees to upper management, and horizontal communication typically refers to interactions across different departments or units at the same level of hierarchy.