What best describes horizontal communication?

Horizontal communication refers to the exchange of information among colleagues or peers at the same level within an organization. This type of communication is essential for collaboration, teamwork, and building relationships among employees who share similar responsibilities or functions. It fosters a cooperative work environment, encourages information sharing, and enhances problem-solving and decision-making processes by allowing input and feedback from multiple individuals who are on the same hierarchical level.

While the other descriptions focus on different types of communication flows within an organization, they do not capture the essence of horizontal communication. For instance, communication between management and staff typically involves a hierarchical structure, emphasizing top-down communication, whereas the flow of information from upper management to employees highlights the directional aspect of communication that is not necessarily peer-oriented. Although team meetings may facilitate horizontal communication, not all horizontal communication occurs in such formal settings. Therefore, the focus on the exchange between colleagues or peers is what fundamentally defines horizontal communication, making it the correct choice.