UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Downward communication consists of directions, policies and information sent by higher authorities to subordinates. In a college or university, this includes circulars, memos and instructions from the principal or head to teachers and non teaching staff. The content often relates to expectations, schedules, rules and feedback about performance. Such communication helps in implementing decisions and maintaining organizational coordination.

Option A:
Option A correctly describes downward communication, where messages originate at higher levels of the hierarchy and move towards lower levels responsible for implementing decisions.

Option B:
Option B describes horizontal communication, which occurs between colleagues at similar levels in the organization. While important for coordination, it is not a downward flow.

Option C:
Option C illustrates upward communication, in which messages such as reports, complaints or suggestions travel from students or lower staff to higher management. This is conceptually distinct from downward communication.

Option D:
Option D focuses on a particular medium (informal social media groups) rather than on direction in the hierarchy. Such groups can carry upward, downward or horizontal messages and therefore do not define downward communication by themselves.