Final answer:
Information flows downward more effectively in traditional hierarchical organizations because such structures were designed for mass production with clear chain of command. However, modern organizations are shifting towards flat structures and teamwork, making the upward flow of information more common.
Step-by-step explanation:
Information flows downward in an organization better than it flows upward in part because of the traditional organizational structures that were established during the Industrial Revolution.
These structures were designed for mass production, assembly line work, and factory jobs, where a clear chain of command was essential to efficiency. In these hierarchical systems, orders and information would be passed down from managers to lower-level workers efficiently, as each level had clear roles and responsibilities.
However, the information age has prompted a shift away from traditional hierarchy towards teamwork and flat organizational structures. It's increasingly common for a director to solicit feedback from an entry-level employee and to form collegial relationships with managers and co-workers.
Even though they can still improve efficiency, ensure equal opportunities, and serve large populations effectively, rigid hierarchies are not always needed in modern organizations.