Forums in Hierarchical Organizations

In most hierarchical organizations, internal communication reflects the organizational structure, primarily flowing downward—from management levels to the lowest-ranking employees. In the current era, where terms like WEB 2 and forums constitute an increasing volume of internal organizational communication, the distinctions between managerial and non-managerial levels sometimes blur. Employees can ask questions and receive answers from employees and managers at various levels who are not necessarily their direct supervisors. Since forums are tools that cross hierarchical boundaries, managers in an organization might view them as a threat to their managerial authority.

Various concerns and questions may preoccupy them before establishing a forum:

• If my employee asks a question in the forum, does it mean I'm not professional enough in their eyes? Does it mean they don't feel comfortable approaching me?

• If another manager answers my employee's question in the forum, does that make them more professional than me?

• Is it possible that my employees act differently from my instructions because they received a different answer in the forum?

• Might my employees use the forum as a platform for non-professional questions?

These questions are natural and legitimate but should not be barriers to establishing a forum. They should be addressed by emphasizing the forum's advantages and importance while reducing the manager's concerns. First, the forum doesn't "invent" things but reflects the reality on the ground. The accepted and common procedure will likely be the one expressed in the forum. Second, the basic assumption is that an employee who approaches another manager or colleague for professional advice will do so even without the forum. In an era of transparency and sharing, the inquiry should be made openly in the forum—so the manager knows the employee consulted additional sources and doesn't feel they acted behind their back. Third, the manager can view an approach to the forum as a stage in the learning process. Turning to a forum to formulate an opinion or for professional enrichment is equivalent to using articles and professional literature. Employees who arrive with a well-formed opinion for professional consultation with their manager will be more highly appreciated, whether they formed their opinion based on written material or by consulting with colleagues or other managers through the forum.

Additionally, a manager willing to learn from others and hear additional opinions empowers themselves in their employees' eyes. Suppose they manage to make their voice heard in the forum, both by asking questions and providing answers. In that case, they will gain, beyond appreciation, the opportunity to be exposed to and respond promptly to non-professional questions that nevertheless found their way to the forum. Finally, suppose the manager is confident, appreciated by their employees, and serves as an address for professional questions as well as a listening ear. In that case, the forum will not undermine their professional authority.

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