Understanding Horizontal Communication in the Workplace

Horizontal communication, a crucial aspect of organizational dynamics, refers to the exchange of information between individuals or groups at the same organizational level. This form of communication is vital in fostering teamwork, collaboration, and ensuring that all team members are aligned on goals and objectives. Let's explore various examples of horizontal communication within the workplace.

Examples of Horizontal Communication

Horizontal communication in the workplace can take many forms:

Team Meetings: Colleagues from the same department discuss project updates, share ideas, and collaborate on solutions. Emails Between Peers: Employees within the same team or department send emails to share information, ask questions, or provide feedback. Group Chats or Messaging Apps: Teams use platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams to communicate informally and share quick updates or resources. Collaborative Projects: Team members working together on a project share responsibilities and communicate regularly to coordinate their efforts. Workshops and Training Sessions: Employees at the same level participate in training where they can share experiences and learn from each other. Informal Conversations: Casual discussions during breaks or social events where colleagues share insights or opinions on work-related topics. Peer Reviews: Team members provide feedback on each other's work, fostering collaboration and improvement.

These forms of communication enhance teamwork and foster a collaborative environment. They ensure that everyone is aligned on goals and objectives, which is essential for the success of any project or initiative.

The Concept of Persona in Jungian Psychology

While horizontal communication focuses on the real and immediate exchange of information within an organization, the concept of persona in Jungian psychology delves into the psychological aspect of self-presentation. Carl Jung, a prominent figure in psychology, introduced the concept of the persona, which can be seen as the mask or appearance that one presents to the world. According to Jung, a persona can appear in dreams and is a way in which individuals modify their true selves to present a more socially desirable image.

Presentation of the Persona

A persona is often used to impress potential partners or make new friends. People can have multiple personas depending on the situation, such as work or social settings. Depending on the circumstances and the individual's emphasis on social interactions, they can cultivate a persona that feels stronger and more suitable for their specific social context. However, Jung warned against overusing personas, as this could lead to a loss of one's true individuality.

Impact of Overusing Personas

A study by Danielle Jackson showed that when individuals take private self-assessments, there is a high correlation between how they rate themselves and how they present themselves in public. This raises questions about the authenticity of self-assessments and how individuals portray themselves in different situations. Jackson argues that a person's personality can vary in health. The healthier a person is, the more socially acceptable and consistent they remain. However, once a person begins to identify with their persona, it can have adverse effects on their true personality.

James Hillman, another influential figure in psychology, believed that once a person identifies too much with a character or persona, they can become an archetypal figure. This can lead to a loss of identity and a disconnection from one's true self.

Conclusion

Horizontal communication and the concept of persona are two distinct yet interconnected aspects of human interaction. While horizontal communication focuses on efficient and effective information exchange within an organization, the concept of persona explores the psychological aspect of how individuals present themselves to others. Both are important in understanding the dynamics of workplace communication and the complexities of human behavior in social contexts.