Meaning of upward communication

Upward communication occurs when messages flow from subordinates to managers or from supervisors to executives. Employees are expected to report their progress in completing tasks; what, if any, tasks are causing them problems; suggestions for product or procedural improvement; and, most important, how they feel about things are going. Upward communication is important-managers need accurate feedback about whether their messages have been understood, how decisions are being accepted, and what problems are developing.