What is the flow of downward communication in an organization?

The flow of downward communication in an organization refers to the process where information is transmitted from upper levels of management to lower levels. This type of communication typically involves directives, policies, objectives, and additional pertinent information that need to be disseminated throughout the organization to ensure that all employees are aligned with the company's goals and expectations.

Downward communication is crucial for enforcing company standards, providing instructions, and delivering feedback. It ensures that employees understand their roles, responsibilities, and how their work contributes to the overall success of the organization. This is why the correct choice highlights this directional flow from upper to lower levels of the organizational hierarchy.

In contrast, the other options represent different types of communication flows that are not described as downward. For instance, communication flowing from lower to upper levels signifies upward communication, where feedback or suggestions are provided by employees to management. Lateral communication refers to the communication that occurs among peers or colleagues at the same hierarchical level, facilitating collaboration and support within teams. Finally, communication from external to internal sources involves information coming in from outside the organization, such as market research or customer feedback, which is a different dynamic than internal downward communication.