Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Certification Practice Test

In which direction can communication NOT typically occur?

1. Vertical

2. Horizontal

3. Diagonal

4. Circular

The correct answer is: Circular

Communication typically occurs in various structures within organizations, and each direction serves different purposes. Vertical communication is the flow of information up and down the hierarchy within an organization. It can be from managers to employees or vice versa. Horizontal communication refers to the exchange of information between individuals at the same level in the organizational hierarchy, fostering cooperation and coordination across departments. Diagonal communication occurs between different levels and specializations within the organization, allowing for collaboration across departments and hierarchies. Circular communication, however, is not a commonly recognized formal direction of communication within organizational structures. It implies a roundabout or indirect method of communication that does not align with the conventional hierarchical or lateral pathways of communication. Hence, while concepts similar to circular communication exist informally, they do not represent a standard or effective formal direction of communication within organizations. This makes circular communication the least typical among the options provided.