One of the most noticeable changes in the business communication environment in the past few years has been the increased emphasis on upward communication. The most typical forms of upward communication is typically used to accomplish three purposes, one is to report on activities or accomplishments of a person or a division. The second is to offer suggestions and opinions and to increase participation in management functions such as planning, or controlling. Your boss will benefit from your ability to communicate upward and he or she will be able to make better decisions with better information. The biggest problem to overcome in honest upward communication is that of trust. Various studies have shown that employees tend to conceal their opinions, ideas and problems from their supervisors.
One study showed people felt that they would get into a lot of trouble if they were honest with their supervisors. Another showed that employees fear their bosses might perceive them as lacking independence. A third study demonstrated that employees fear being penalized for their honesty. In order to overcome these kinds of problems you must first establish a relationship with your boss. If you have a supervisor who does not want to hear your opinions or your problems then that is one issue.
One study showed people felt that they would get into a lot of trouble if they were honest with their supervisors. Another showed that employees fear their bosses might perceive them as lacking independence. A third study demonstrated that employees fear being penalized for their honesty. In order to overcome these kinds of problems you must first establish a relationship with your boss. If you have a supervisor who does not want to hear your opinions or your problems then that is one issue.