Final answer:
The message passed through layers of a company hierarchy is likely to be altered or misunderstood. Clear and direct communication channels are critical to mitigate the risks of miscommunication. Flatter organizational structures can help by establishing more direct lines of communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a message travels through various levels of a company hierarchy, such as from a president to a vice-president, then to a director, manager, and supervisor before finally reaching an employee, there is a high likelihood of the message being altered or diluted. This phenomenon is commonly known as the 'telephone game', where the original message changes as it is passed along through the layers of management. Each level of management might have their own perceptions and biases that can unintentionally influence the information relayed, potentially leading to misunderstandings or errors by the time it reaches the intended employee.
Moreover, each manager's power and their ability to impact one's job satisfaction and career growth highlight the importance of maintaining clear and open communication channels. Miscommunication can adversely affect one's opportunities for skill development, promotions, and overall work environment. To mitigate the risk of message distortion, direct communication or well-established protocols for transferring information should be valued within an organization.
Traditionally, hierarchy in an organization ensures that everyone follows the established chain of command. However, with the shift towards flatter organizational structures, direct feedback and teamwork have become more prominent, and the lines of communication can be more direct, reducing the chances of message distortion.